Bible Strands
Philippians 2:21
For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Philippian church, contrasting Timothy’s genuine care for their needs with the self-focused posture of others in his circle.
The words — ζητοῦσιν (zētousin) means "are seeking," paired with ἑαυτῶν (heautōn) "their own," to describe the active pursuit of personal advantage rather than Christ’s concerns.
The thread — This tension between self-interest and Christ-centered service appears in Paul’s command in Philippians 2:4 and aligns with his instruction in 1 Corinthians 10:24 and 10:33 to prioritize the good of others over personal gain.
Why it lands — The text explicitly states that some pursue only personal interests while neglecting Jesus Christ, requiring the reader to examine whether their own actions align with Christ’s concerns or self-advancement.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 10:24 No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.
- 1 Corinthians 10:33 as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.
- Philippians 2:4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
- Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.
- 1 Corinthians 13:5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs.
- 2 Timothy 3:2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
- Isaiah 56:11 Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain:
- Luke 14:26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple.
- 2 Corinthians 5:14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died.
- 2 Timothy 4:10 because Demas, in his love of this world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.