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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/philippians/2-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/50_Php_02_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Philippians 2:3 - One in Christ" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/philippians/2-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/philippians/2-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/philippians/">Philippians</a> > <a href="/philippians/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/philippians/2-2.htm" title="Philippians 2:2">◄</a> Philippians 2:3 <a href="/philippians/2-4.htm" title="Philippians 2:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/philippians/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/philippians/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/philippians/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/philippians/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/philippians/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/philippians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />nothing according to self-interest or according to vain conceit, but in humility be esteeming one another surpassing themselves,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/philippians/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>Let</i> nothing <i>be done</i> through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/philippians/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>Let</i> nothing <i>be done</i> through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/philippians/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/philippians/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/philippians/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/philippians/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />doing nothing from selfish ambition or vain glory, but with humility of mind regarding one another as more important than yourselves,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/philippians/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/philippians/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/philippians/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/philippians/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/philippians/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/philippians/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/philippians/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Don't act out of selfish ambition or be conceited. Instead, humbly think of others as being better than yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/philippians/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Don't do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/philippians/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not act out of selfish ambition or conceit, but with humility think of others as being better than yourselves. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/philippians/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/philippians/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/philippians/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/philippians/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/philippians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Do nothing in a spirit of factiousness or of vainglory, but, with true humility, let every one regard the rest as being of more account than himself;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/philippians/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/philippians/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />nothing in rivalry or vainglory, but in humility of mind counting one another more excellent than yourselves—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/philippians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />nothing according to self-interest or according to vain conceit, but in humility be esteeming one another surpassing themselves,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/philippians/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> nothing in rivalry or vain-glory, but in humility of mind one another counting more excellent than yourselves -- <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/philippians/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Nothing by hired labor, or vainglory; but in lowliness the leaders hold each other above themselves.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/philippians/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Let nothing be done through contention, neither by vain glory: but in humility, let each esteem others better than themselves: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/philippians/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Let nothing be done by contention, nor in vain glory. Instead, in humility, let each of you esteem others to be better than himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/philippians/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/philippians/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/philippians/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Do nothing through strife or vain glory; but in humility let each regard his neighbor better than himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philippians/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And you should not do anything with contention or empty glory, but in humility of mind, let every person esteem his neighbor as better than himself.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/philippians/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />doing nothing in strife and vain glory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/philippians/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />that nothing is to be according to self-seeking nor according to vain glory, but in humility esteeming one another better than yourselves;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/philippians/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Let nothing be done contentiously or vain-gloriously; but in humility reckoning others superior to yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/philippians/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Do nothing out of a spirit of contention, or for vain-glory, but modestly look upon others as if they were better than yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/philippians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Do nothing in a spirit of factiousness or of vainglory, but, with true humility, let every one regard the rest as being of more account than himself;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/philippians/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><i>doing</i> nothing through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind, <i>each</i> esteeming others better than himself;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/philippians/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><i>Do</i> nothing through strife or vain-glory, but in lowliness of mind each esteeming others better than themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/philippians/2-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mXomUhcrPbg?start=289" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/philippians/2.htm">One in Christ</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3367.htm" title="3367: mēden (Adj-ANS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">Do nothing</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kat’ (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">out of</a> <a href="/greek/2052.htm" title="2052: eritheian (N-AFS) -- Perhaps as the same as erethizo; properly, intrigue, i.e. faction.">selfish ambition</a> <a href="/greek/3366.htm" title="3366: mēde (Conj) -- And not, not even, neither?nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.">or</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)."></a> <a href="/greek/2754.htm" title="2754: kenodoxian (N-AFS) -- Vainglory, empty pride. From kenodoxos; empty glorying, i.e. Self-conceit.">empty pride,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5012.htm" title="5012: tapeinophrosynē (N-DFS) -- Humility, lowliness of mind, modesty. From a compound of tapeinos and the base of phren; humiliation of mind, i.e. Modesty.">in humility</a> <a href="/greek/2233.htm" title="2233: hēgoumenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- (a) To lead, (b) To think, be of opinion, suppose, consider. ">consider</a> <a href="/greek/240.htm" title="240: allēlous (RecPro-AMP) -- One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.">others</a> <a href="/greek/5242.htm" title="5242: hyperechontas (V-PPA-AMP) -- To excel, surpass, be superior. From huper and echo; to hold oneself above, i.e. to excel; participle superior, superiority.">more important than</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautōn (RefPro-GM3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">yourselves.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">4</span>Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a></span><br />But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-10.htm">Romans 12:10</a></span><br />Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5</a></span><br />Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-26.htm">Galatians 5:26</a></span><br />Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-2.htm">Ephesians 4:2</a></span><br />with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Colossians 3:12-13</a></span><br />Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12</a></span><br />For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-11.htm">Luke 14:11</a></span><br />For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-4.htm">1 Corinthians 13:4-5</a></span><br />Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-16.htm">Romans 12:16</a></span><br />Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-2.htm">Proverbs 11:2</a></span><br />When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-10.htm">Proverbs 13:10</a></span><br />Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a></span><br />Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-23.htm">Proverbs 29:23</a></span><br />A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a></span><br />He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.</p><p class="hdg">nothing.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philippians/2-14.htm">Philippians 2:14</a></b></br> Do all things without murmurings and disputings:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philippians/1-15.htm">Philippians 1:15,16</a></b></br> Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-10.htm">Proverbs 13:10</a></b></br> Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised <i>is</i> wisdom.</p><p class="hdg">but.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/14-7.htm">Luke 14:7-11</a></b></br> And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/18-14.htm">Luke 18:14</a></b></br> I tell you, this man went down to his house justified <i>rather</i> than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/12-10.htm">Romans 12:10</a></b></br> <i>Be</i> kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/philippians/1-23.htm">Better</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">Conceit</a> <a href="/galatians/3-6.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-19.htm">Counting</a> <a href="/philippians/1-15.htm">Envy</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-23.htm">Esteem</a> <a href="/philippians/1-10.htm">Excellent</a> <a href="/philippians/1-26.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-2.htm">Humility</a> <a href="/philippians/1-24.htm">Important</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-2.htm">Lowliness</a> <a href="/philippians/2-2.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/philippians/1-17.htm">Others</a> <a href="/philippians/1-26.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/philippians/1-13.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/philippians/1-17.htm">Rivalry</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-24.htm">Self</a> <a href="/philippians/1-17.htm">Selfish</a> <a href="/philippians/2-2.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/philippians/1-15.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-28.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-18.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/philippians/1-15.htm">True.</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-6.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-20.htm">Vainglory</a> <a href="/galatians/5-26.htm">Vain-Glory</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-6.htm">Better</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-6.htm">Conceit</a> <a href="/philippians/2-6.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-19.htm">Counting</a> <a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">Envy</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-13.htm">Esteem</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-13.htm">Excellent</a> <a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/colossians/2-18.htm">Humility</a> <a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Important</a> <a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Lowliness</a> <a href="/philippians/2-4.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/philippians/2-4.htm">Others</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/philippians/2-6.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/philippians/3-1.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/james/3-14.htm">Rivalry</a> <a href="/colossians/3-9.htm">Self</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-3.htm">Selfish</a> <a href="/philippians/2-14.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-8.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/colossians/2-2.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/philippians/3-15.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/philippians/2-27.htm">True.</a> <a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-20.htm">Vainglory</a> <a href="/galatians/5-26.htm">Vain-Glory</a><div class="vheading2">Philippians 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/philippians/2-1.htm">Paul exhorts them to unity, and to all humbleness of mind, by the example of Christ's humility;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">to a careful proceeding in the way of salvation, that they be as lights to a wicked world,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">and comforts to him their apostle, who is now ready to be offered up to God.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/philippians/2-19.htm">He hopes to send Timothy to them, and Epaphroditus also.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philippians/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philippians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/philippians/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Do nothing out of selfish ambition</b><br>This phrase warns against actions motivated by self-interest or personal gain. In the Greco-Roman world, ambition was often seen as a virtue, but Paul redefines it in a Christian context. The term "selfish ambition" is also used in <a href="/galatians/5-20.htm">Galatians 5:20</a>, where it is listed among the works of the flesh. The early church faced challenges from individuals seeking personal glory, as seen in the disputes among the disciples (<a href="/mark/9-34.htm">Mark 9:34</a>). Paul emphasizes that true Christian service is not about advancing oneself but serving others, reflecting Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/20-26.htm">Matthew 20:26-28</a>.<p><b>or empty pride</b><br>"Empty pride" refers to vanity or conceit, which was prevalent in the honor-shame culture of the ancient world. This pride is considered "empty" because it lacks substance and eternal value. <a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a> warns that pride precedes destruction, highlighting its destructive nature. In contrast, Jesus exemplified humility, as seen in His incarnation and sacrificial death (<a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-8</a>). The call to avoid pride aligns with the biblical theme of God opposing the proud but giving grace to the humble (<a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a>).<p><b>but in humility</b><br>Humility is a central Christian virtue, often misunderstood in the ancient world as weakness. However, biblical humility involves recognizing one's dependence on God and valuing others. Jesus' life is the ultimate model of humility, as He emptied Himself and took on human form (<a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7</a>). This humility is not self-deprecation but a realistic assessment of oneself in light of God's greatness. The call to humility is echoed in <a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5</a>, where believers are urged to clothe themselves with humility.<p><b>consider others more important than yourselves</b><br>This radical call challenges the self-centeredness inherent in human nature. It reflects the second greatest commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself (<a href="/matthew/22-39.htm">Matthew 22:39</a>). In the early church, this principle fostered unity and mutual care, as seen in <a href="/acts/2-44.htm">Acts 2:44-45</a>. The Greek word for "consider" implies a deliberate and thoughtful decision, suggesting that valuing others requires intentional effort. This mindset mirrors Christ's sacrificial love, as He prioritized humanity's needs over His own comfort and glory.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the letter to the Philippians, writing from prison to encourage and instruct the church in Philippi.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/philippi.htm">Philippi</a></b><br>A city in Macedonia where Paul established a church during his second missionary journey. The Philippian church was known for its generosity and support of Paul's ministry.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_philippian_church.htm">The Philippian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, a community of believers facing external pressures and internal challenges, including issues of unity and humility.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_selfish_ambition_and_empty_pride.htm">Understanding Selfish Ambition and Empty Pride</a></b><br>Recognize that selfish ambition (Greek: "eritheia") and empty pride (Greek: "kenodoxia") are contrary to the character of Christ. These attitudes lead to division and strife within the body of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_humility.htm">The Call to Humility</a></b><br>Embrace humility (Greek: "tapeinophrosyne") as a foundational Christian virtue. Humility involves a proper understanding of oneself in relation to God and others, acknowledging our dependence on God and valuing others above ourselves.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/considering_others_more_important.htm">Considering Others More Important</a></b><br>Practically apply this principle by actively seeking the welfare of others, prioritizing their needs and interests. This mindset fosters unity and reflects the selfless love of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_example_of_christ.htm">The Example of Christ</a></b><br>Look to Jesus as the ultimate example of humility and selflessness. His incarnation and sacrificial death exemplify the attitude we are called to emulate.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultivating_a_humble_heart.htm">Cultivating a Humble Heart</a></b><br>Engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and service to cultivate humility. Regularly examine your motives and attitudes, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance to align them with Christ's example.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_philippians_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Philippians 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_you_prioritize_others_today.htm">How can you put others before yourself today?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_psych._and_ethical_egoism_differ.htm">How do psychological and ethical egoism differ?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_christian_fascism.htm">What defines Christian Fascism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'esteem_others'_mean.htm">What does "esteem others better than yourself" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/philippians/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) This verse expresses the negative result of this unity of soul--that nothing will be done in "strife," that is, <span class= "ital">factiousness</span> (the word used in <a href="/philippians/1-17.htm" title="But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.">Philippians 1:17</a>), or "vainglory"--nothing, that is, with the desire either of personal influence or of personal glory. "For," he adds, "each will esteem other better than himself," or, rather, will hold that his neighbour is worthy of higher consideration and a higher place of dignity than himself (comp. the use of the word in <a href="/romans/13-1.htm" title="Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.">Romans 13:1</a>; <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm" title="Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;">1Peter 2:13</a>, of temporal dignity); for the idea is of the ascription to others, not of moral superiority, but of higher place and honour. Self-assertion will be entirely overborne. So he teaches us elsewhere that "charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own" (<a href="/context/1_corinthians/13-4.htm" title="Charity suffers long, and is kind; charity envies not; charity braggs not itself, is not puffed up,">1Corinthians 13:4-5</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philippians/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory</span>. Not "strife," but "faction," as R.V. The word is the same as that rendered "contention" in <a href="/philippians/1-10.htm">Philippians 1:10</a>, where see note. Party spirit is one of the greatest dangers in running the Christian race. Love is the characteristic Christian grace; party spirit and vain-glory too often lead professing Christians to break the law of love. <span class="cmt_word">But in lowiness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves</span>. In <span class="accented">your</span> lowliness; the article seems to have a possessive sense, the lowliness characteristic of Christians, which you as Christians possess. <span class="greek">Ταπεινοφροσύνη</span> an exclusively New Testament word: the grace was new, and the word was new. The adjective <span class="greek">ταπεινός</span> in classical Greek is used as a term of reproach - abject, mean. The life of Christ ("I am meek and lowly in heart") and the teaching of Christ ("Blessed are the poor in spirit") have raised lowliness to a new position, as one of the chief features in the true Christian character. Here St. Paul bids us, as a discipline of humility, to look at our own faults and at the good points in the character of others (comp. <a href="/romans/12-10.htm">Romans 12:10</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/philippians/2-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">[Do] nothing</span><br /><span class="grk">μηδὲν</span> <span class="translit">(mēden)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3367.htm">Strong's 3367: </a> </span><span class="str2">No one, none, nothing. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">out of</span><br /><span class="grk">κατ’</span> <span class="translit">(kat’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">selfish ambition</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐριθείαν</span> <span class="translit">(eritheian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2052.htm">Strong's 2052: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perhaps as the same as erethizo; properly, intrigue, i.e. faction.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or</span><br /><span class="grk">μηδὲ</span> <span class="translit">(mēde)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3366.htm">Strong's 3366: </a> </span><span class="str2">And not, not even, neither?nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">empty pride,</span><br /><span class="grk">κενοδοξίαν</span> <span class="translit">(kenodoxian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2754.htm">Strong's 2754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Vainglory, empty pride. From kenodoxos; empty glorying, i.e. Self-conceit.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(alla)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in humility</span><br /><span class="grk">ταπεινοφροσύνῃ</span> <span class="translit">(tapeinophrosynē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5012.htm">Strong's 5012: </a> </span><span class="str2">Humility, lowliness of mind, modesty. From a compound of tapeinos and the base of phren; humiliation of mind, i.e. Modesty.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">consider</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡγούμενοι</span> <span class="translit">(hēgoumenoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2233.htm">Strong's 2233: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) To lead, (b) To think, be of opinion, suppose, consider. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">others</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλήλους</span> <span class="translit">(allēlous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_240.htm">Strong's 240: </a> </span><span class="str2">One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">more important than</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑπερέχοντας</span> <span class="translit">(hyperechontas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5242.htm">Strong's 5242: </a> </span><span class="str2">To excel, surpass, be superior. From huper and echo; to hold oneself above, i.e. to excel; participle superior, superiority.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">yourselves.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἑαυτῶν</span> <span class="translit">(heautōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> </span><span class="str2">Himself, herself, itself. </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">NT Letters: Philippians 2:3 Doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit (Philipp. Phil. Php.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philippians/2-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philippians 2:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philippians 2:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philippians/2-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philippians 2:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philippians 2:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>