Philippians · Chapter 2
Philippians 2:4 — Bible Verse Meaning & Context
Read this verse slowly. Let it settle before you move on.
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Both translations, side by side
WEB · World English Bible
"each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others."
KJV · King James Version
"Look4648 not3361 every man1538 on his own things1438, but235 every man1538 also2532 on the things3588 of others2087."
How the translations differ: The WEB is a modern public-domain revision of the 1901 ASV; the KJV dates to 1611. The KJV uses look, every, man, while the WEB renders these as each, you, just, looking. Both translate the same underlying Greek or Hebrew text — the differences are stylistic, not theological.
In context
Philippians 2:4 in Philippians 2
A Bible verse rarely stands alone. Here is Philippians 2:4 read with the verses immediately before and after — the surrounding flow of Philippians 2. Read the full chapter →
- v.2 make my joy full, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind;
- v.3 doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself;
- v.4 each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.
- v.5 Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus,
- v.6 who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped,
Book background
About the Book of Philippians
- Testament
- New Testament
- Genre
- Pauline epistle
- Author
- Paul
- Date written
- c. 61–62 AD
- Audience
- The church at Philippi — Paul's most affectionate relationship
- Chapters
- 4
Philippians is Paul's joy-saturated thank-you letter from prison. It contains the great Christ-hymn (2:5-11) describing his self-emptying and exaltation, the call to rejoice always (4:4), the secret of contentment "in any and every situation" (4:11-13), and the assurance that "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion" (1:6).
Setting: Written from Roman imprisonment.
Key themes: joy · humility · partnership · contentment · Christ
Memorisation aid
How to memorise Philippians 2:4
Philippians 2:4 contains 20 words in 2 clauses. Learn one clause at a time, then chain them. The first-letter mnemonic (FLM) under each clause is a memory hook — once you can speak the FLM from memory, the full clause follows.
- 1
each of you not just looking to his own things
EOYNJL
- 2
but each of you also to the things of others.
BEOYAT
Frequently asked
FAQ about Philippians 2:4
What does Philippians 2:4 say?
Philippians 2:4 reads: "each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others." — from the New Testament, Philippians (Pauline epistle). The full verse is shown above with both the World English Bible (WEB) and King James Version (KJV) translations side by side.
What book of the Bible is Philippians 2:4 in?
Philippians 2:4 is in the book of Philippians, traditionally attributed to Paul and written around c. 61–62 AD. Philippians is pauline epistle in the New Testament, originally addressed to The church at Philippi — Paul's most affectionate relationship. Best known for "I can do all things through Christ" and the Christ-hymn (2:5-11).
What is the difference between Philippians 2:4 in WEB and KJV?
Philippians 2:4 in the World English Bible (WEB) reads: "each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.". The King James Version (KJV) reads: "Look4648 not3361 every man1538 on his own things1438, but235 every man1538 also2532 on the things3588 of others2087.". The WEB is a modern public-domain translation that updates the KJV's 1611 English while keeping a similar formal-equivalence style. Both render the same underlying Greek or Hebrew text.
How long is Philippians 2:4?
Philippians 2:4 is 20 words in the WEB translation (93 characters), broken into 2 clauses. It is short and well-suited to memorisation. Estimated reading time is about 6 seconds.
How can I memorise Philippians 2:4?
To memorise Philippians 2:4, split it into its 2 natural clauses and learn one at a time. Repeat the full verse out loud five times, then write it from memory. Saving the verse as a photo wallpaper using our verse image studio helps daily review — the visual association with a memorable background dramatically improves recall.
Why does Philippians 2:4 matter in Philippians?
Philippians is Paul's joy-saturated thank-you letter from prison. It contains the great Christ-hymn (2:5-11) describing his self-emptying and exaltation, the call to rejoice always (4:4), the secret of contentment "in any and every situation" (4:11-13), and the assurance that "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion" (1:6). Philippians 2:4 sits within this larger story — Philippians as a whole emphasises joy, humility, partnership.
How can I apply Philippians 2:4 today?
Many readers use Philippians 2:4 as a daily reminder verse — saving it as a phone wallpaper, sharing it on Pinterest, or memorising it for prayer. The verse studio on this page lets you download Philippians 2:4 on 52 different backgrounds for free. Pair the verse with the surrounding chapter context shown above to understand its full meaning before applying it.
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10 verses to read next
A fresh set of verses every visit — each on its own photo background. Tap any card to open the full study page.
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John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
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-
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
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Psalm 23:1
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
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-
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a latter end.”
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Romans 8:28
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
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1 John 4:8
“He who doesn't love doesn't know God, for God is love.”
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1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not pr…”
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Isaiah 40:31
“But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and no…”
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Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
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Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.”
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More featured verses in Philippians 2
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More featured verses in Philippians
Browse Philippians → Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
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Philippians 4:6-7
“In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which sur…”
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Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”
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Philippians 1:6
“being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
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