Preface: Paul speaks to the believers at Philippi about interactions with one another, that they act from grace orientation rather than from selfish ambition. They are to consider Jesus, Who, although being God, allowed Himself to be reduced to servitude and to come to this earth. Therefore, God has exalted the Lord. Furthermore, we are lights in this world, here acting according to God’s good pleasure. Let us do so without complaining or resentment. Paul then speaks about sending Timothy and Epaphroditus to them.

Bible Summary: Have the mind of Christ, who humbled himself even to a cross. Work out your salvation with trembling. I hope to send Timothy to you.

By the third draft, this should be the most extensive examination of Philippians 2 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Brief Overview:

Outline of Chapter 2:

Preface

Introduction

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Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Preface

         Preface               Brief Overview

         Preface               Quotations

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Philippians 2 (by Various Commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Philippians 2 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Philippians 2

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Prequel to Philippians 2

         Introduction         The Principals of Philippians 2

         Introduction         The Places of Philippians 2

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Philippians 2

         Introduction         Outlines and Summaries of Philippians 2 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Philippians 2 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Big Picture (Philippians –)

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions

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         v.       8              Jesus Is Fully Human

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         v.      26              Rome to Philippi (a map)

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         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Philippians 2 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Philippians 2

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Philippians 2

         Summary            A Brief Review of Philippians 2

         Summary 

         Summary 

         Addendum          Footnote for Philippians 2:1 (Christian Community Bible)

         Addendum          Heritage Bible Footnote for Philippians 2:6 (taken from Genesis 18:1)

         Addendum          The Doctrine of the Hypostatic Union (by R. B. Thieme, Jr.)

         Addendum          The Deity of Jesus Christ (by R. B. Thieme, Jr.)

         Addendum          Footnote for Philippians 2:19 (Christian Community Bible)

         Addendum          The profile of Timothy (by R. B. Thieme, Jr.)

         Addendum          Doctrine of Healing (by R. B. Thieme, Jr.)

         Addendum 

         Addendum 

         Addendum 

         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Philippians 2

         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Philippians 2

         Addendum          Word Cloud from the Kukis Paraphrase of Philippians 2

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Philippians 2

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An Introduction to Philippians 2

I ntroduction: Philippians 2

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What preceded this chapter was:

Philippians 1:27–30 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. (ESV; capitalized)

Paul, as a believer, is enduring suffering, being a prisoner of Rome. He tells the Philippians not to be unnerved by their opponents, as they should be standing up in unity, knowing that a part of your faith involves enduring testing and suffering on His behalf. This should be true, whether Paul is able to come to them in person or whether he knows about this mental attitude from reports brought to him.

Note that Paul is thinking of the congregation as a whole and he is not about to name off individuals that he believes are not making the grade.

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       I will use the Westcott-Hort Greek text as the basis for my English translation. I use that test primarily because e-sword has a nice module by Rob Wolfram which has the interlinear English text, Strong’s #’s, and the Greek morphology. The e-sword tab is IWH+P. I do not use their English text for my translation. Also, throughout, I take in consideration alternate readings.

As a young Christian, I was quite interested in the alternative readings. After many decades of study, I have found that, as with the Hebrew text, disputed readings rarely have any affect on the interpretation of a text (apart from perhaps a half-dozen fairly well-known alternate readings, like the end of the book of Mark).

I will compare the Greek text to English translations of the Latin and Syriac (= Aramaic) texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation and George Lamsa’s translation from the Syriac. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.).

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are irrelevant, as they preceded the writing of the New Testament by over 200 years.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    If any, therefore, comfort in Christ; if any consolation of agapê love; if any fellowship of Spirit; if any bowels and compassions; you (all) fill of me the joy that the same you (all) might keep on understanding, the same agapê love the ones having (and holding), of one mind, the one, those having understanding. None according to selfish ambition nor according to self-conceit but to the humility, to one another leading, having and holding power of selves, not the (things) of selves all those keep on observing but even the (things) of others.

Complete Apostles’ Bible      Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and acts of compassion, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit, intending the same purpose,

doing nothing according to selfish ambition or conceit, but with humility, regarding one another as being better than yourselves.

Let each of you look out not only for his own concerns, but also for the concerns of others.

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of charity, if any society of the spirit, if any bowels of commiseration:

Fulfil ye my joy, that you be of one mind, having the same charity, being of one accord, agreeing in sentiment.

Let nothing be done through contention: neither by vain glory. But in humility, let each esteem others better than themselves:

Each one not considering the things that are his own, but those that are other men's.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        .

Original Aramaic NT              If you have, therefore, comfort in The Messiah, or the filling up of hearts with love, or communion of The Spirit, or tender care and mercy,

Fulfill my joy, that you would have one conscience, one love, one soul and one mind;

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.

Neither let a man care for that which is his own unless every person cares also for that which is his neighbor's.

Lamsa Peshitta (Syriac)         .

Significant differences: 

English Translations:          I have included translations which I disagree with and footnotes that I do not necessarily agree with. If I believe that the author is too far from the truth, I may even address that at the footnote. However, nearly all of the correct commentary will be found following the Greek text box and the translation of each phrase.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             If then there is any comfort in Christ, any help given by love, any uniting of hearts in the Spirit, any loving mercies and pity, 

Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in harmony and of one mind; 

Doing nothing through envy or through pride, but with low thoughts of self let everyone take others to be better than himself; 

Not looking everyone to his private good, but keeping in mind the things of others.

Bible in Worldwide English     Does Christ speak to you? Does love call to you? Do you have a part in the Holy Spirit? Do you have any love and care for others?

Then make me very, very happy. Live in happiness with one another. Have the same love for each other. Think the same way. Agree together about things. All have one purpose in mind.

Do not try to prove you are better than others. Do not be proud of yourselves, but be humble. Think of other people as being better than yourselves.

Each one of you should not think only about himself, but about other people also.

Easy English                          .

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  Think about what we have in Christ: the encouragement he has brought us, the comfort of his love, our sharing in his Spirit, and the mercy and kindness he has shown us. If you enjoy these blessings, then do what will make my joy complete: Agree with each other, and show your love for each other. Be united in your goals and in the way you think. In whatever you do, don't let selfishness or pride be your guide. Be humble, and honor others more than yourselves. Don't be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too.

God’s Word™                         So then, as Christians, do you have any encouragement? Do you have any comfort from love? Do you have any spiritual relationships? Do you have any sympathy and compassion? Then fill me with joy by having the same attitude and the same love, living in harmony, and keeping one purpose in mind. Don't act out of selfish ambition or be conceited. Instead, humbly think of others as being better than yourselves. Don't be concerned only about your own interests, but also be concerned about the interests of others.

Good News Bible (TEV)         Your life in Christ makes you strong, and his love comforts you. You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another. I urge you, then, to make me completely happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and being one in soul and mind. 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. And look out for one another's interests, not just for your own.

J. B. Phillips                           .

The Message                         .

NIRV                                      .

New Life Version                    .

Radiant New Testament        .

New Simplified Bible              .

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible              .

Contemporary English V.       Christ encourages you, and his love comforts you. God's Spirit unites you, and you are concerned for others. Now make me completely happy! Live in harmony by showing love for each other. Be united in what you think, as if you were only one person. Don't be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves. V. 4 will be placed with the next passage for context.

Goodspeed New Testament  .

The Living Bible                     .

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           .

The Passion Translation        Look at how much encouragement you’ve found in your relationship with the Anointed One! You are filled to overflowing with his comforting love. You have experienced a deepening friendship with the Holy Spirit and have felt his tender affection and mercy.  So I’m asking you, my friends, that you be joined together in perfect unity—with one heart, one passion, and united in one love. Walk together with one harmonious purpose and you will fill my heart with unbounded joy.  Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity. Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves.  Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests.

Plain English Version             .

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  Since the Messiah encourages us, since he loves us and comforts us, since God's Spirit fellowships with us, and since the Messiah is very merciful to us, make me completely happy by doing the following things: Agree with one another, love one another, act together as one person, and try to accomplish the same things. Never try to make yourselves more important than others nor boast about what you are doing. Instead, be humble, and in particular, honor one another more than you honor yourselves. Each one of you should not only be concerned about your needs. You should also be concerned about other people and help them when they have needs.

Williams’ New Testament      So, if there is any appeal in our union with Christ, if there is any persuasive power in love, if we have any common share in the Spirit, if you have any tenderheartedness and sympathy, fill up my cup of joy by living in harmony, by fostering the same disposition of love, your hearts beating in unison, your minds set on one purpose. Stop acting from motives of selfish strife or petty ambition, but in humility practice treating one another as your superiors. Stop looking after your own interests only but practice looking out for the interests of others too.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          .

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            So if there is any encouragement in the Anointed King, if any comfort of love, if any sharing of the Spirit, if any sympathy and compassion, fill up my happiness that you may focus on the same thing, united souls having the same love, focusing on the one thing, nothing in line with contention, nor in line with a delusion of magnificence, but with the lowly focus as you regard each other as having a higher position than yourselves, each of you not keeping an eye out for the things of your own, but each also for the things of others.

Common English Bible           .

Len Gane Paraphrase           Therefore if there is any motivation in Christ, if any comfort from love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affections and mercies, then fulfill my joy that you be like-minded, having the same love, joined together in soul and mind. Let nothing be done through strife or self-seeking praise but in a humble attitude let each consider the other better than themselves. Every one must not be just attentive of his own things but every one also on the things of others.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles Wherefore, if there be any consolation in Christ; if any comfort of love; if any fellowship of the Spirit; if any sympathies and tender mercies, complete this my joy, that you be likeminded; having the very same love, being unanimous, minding the one thing. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but, in humbleness of mind esteem each other better that yourselves: not aiming every one at his own interests, but every one also, at the interests of the others.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       .

NT for Everyone                     .

20^th Century New Testament If, then, any encouragement comes through union with Christ, if there is any persuasive power in love, if there is any communion with the Spirit, if there is any tenderness or pity, I entreat you to make my happiness complete--Live together animated by the same spirit and in mutual love, one in heart, animated by one Spirit. Nothing should be done in a factious spirit or from vanity, but each of you should with all humility regard others as of more account than himself, And one and all should consider, not only their own interests, but also the interests of others.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

An Understandable Version   .

Berean Study Bible                . empty pride

Christian Standard Bible        .

Conservapedia Translation    .

Revised Ferrar-Fenton           .

Free Bible Version                 So then, if you’re encouraged by being in Christ, if you’re comforted by his love, if you share together in the Spirit, if you have compassion and sympathy—then make my joy complete by thinking the same way and loving the same way, spiritually united and having one purpose. Don’t do anything from a spirit of selfishness or pride, but humbly think of others better than you do of yourself. None of you should be preoccupied about your own things—instead concern yourself with the interests of others too.

The Heritage Bible                          If there is therefore any comfort in Christ, if any consolation^1a of love, if any partnership of the Spirit, if any inside tendernesses^1b and pities,

Fulfill my joy, that you exercise same mindedness, having the same love, your souls together, exercising one mind,

Nothing according to self-aggrandizing intrigue or vainglory, but in humility of mind govern holding one another above yourselves.

Each one not attentively scoping⁴ the things of himself, but also each one attentively scoping the things of others;...

^1a 2:1 consolation, paramuthion, to tell a story alongside of someone to console and encourage him or her. This is the only place the noun appears. The verb appears in John 11:19, 31; 1 The 2:11; 5:14.

^1b 2:1 inside tendernesses, splangchna, the word that is normally translated insides in The Heritage Bible, and bowels in KJV. It is the word for spleen referring to the insides of a person. We have added the word tendernesses to give the intended meaning in this passage.

⁴ 2:4 scoping, skopountes, to scope, to take aim at, to attentively watch, as in a telescope, or a micro-scope. In other words, to look out for, or watch out for one another and his things.

International Standard V        Unity through Humility

Therefore, if there is any encouragement in the Messiah, [Or Christ] if there is any comfort of love, if there is any fellowship in the Spirit, if there is any compassion and sympathy, then fill me with joy by having the same attitude, sharing the same love, being united in spirit, and keeping one purpose in mind. Do not act out of selfish ambition or conceit, but with humility think of others as being better than yourselves. Do not be concerned about your own interests, but also be concerned about [The Gk. lacks be concerned about] the interests of others.

Montgomery NT                     If then there is any comfort in Christ, if there is any persuasive power in love, if there is any companionship of the Spirit, if there is any tenderness or pity, I entreat you to make my joy overflow by living in harmony; possessing the same love, and with one soul united in one purpose. Do nothing out of strife, nothing out of vanity, but let each one in true humility consider the others to be of more account than himself. Let each have an eye not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

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NIV, ©2011                             .

Riverside New Testament      IF there is any encouragement in Christ, any persuasive power in love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any sympathies and compassions, fill up my joy by having the same love, being of the same mind, thinking the same thing, doing nothing in a partisan or vainglorious way, but each modestly regarding the others as of more account than himself. Do not be each intent on his own interests, but also on the interests of others.

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      .

The Spoken English NT         Imitating Christ’s Humility
So if you’ve experienced some encouragement in Christ, some comfort from love, some community in the Spirit, some compassion and mercy- Make my joy complete by having the same attitude, holding to the same love, being together in spirit, with one common attitude. Don’t do anything out of competitiveness and petty status-seeking, but humbly value one another more than yourselves. Each person shouldn’t just be looking out for their own interests, but also for each other’s.

UnfoldingWord Literal Text    .

Urim-Thummim Version         .

Weymouth New Testament    If then I can appeal to you as the followers of Christ, if there is any persuasive power in love and any common sharing of the Spirit, or if you have any tender-heartedness and compassion, make my joy complete by being of one mind, united by mutual love, with harmony of feeling giving your minds to one and the same object. 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; each fixing his attention, not simply on his own interests, but on those of others also.

Wikipedia Bible Project          .

Worsley’s New Testament    If therefore there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any participation of the Spirit, if any bowels of compassion, compleat ye my joy, be like-minded, maintaining the same love, with your souls united, in attending to the one thing needful. Do nothing through strife or vain-glory, but in lowliness of mind each esteeming others better than themselves. Look not every one to his own interests only, but every one also to the concerns of others.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)     Imitate the humility of Jesus

• If I may advise you in the name of Christ and if you can hear it as the voice of love; if we share the same spirit and are capable of mercy and compassion, then I beg of you make me very happy: have one love, one spirit, one feeling, do nothing through rivalry or vain conceit. On the contrary let each of you gently con si der the others as more important than your selves. Do not seek your own interest, but rather that of others. 2Cor 13:13; 10:1 1Cor 1:10; Romans 12:3; Jn 13:14

Extensive footnote is placed in the Addendum.

New American Bible (2011)   .

New Catholic Bible                 .

New Jerusalem Bible             .

NRSV (Anglicized Cath. Ed.) .

Revised English Bible–1989   .

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           .

Eth Cipher Translation           IF there be therefore any consolation in Mashiach, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Ruach, if any affection and mercy, Fulfil my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Hebraic Roots Bible               . self-glory

Holy New Covenant Trans.    Are you encouraged in Christ? Are you comforted by his giving to you, for your good, expecting nothing in return? Do you share with the Spirit? Do you have any tender feelings or compassion for others? Make me truly happy; I want you to agree among yourselves and to have the same giving for one another, for their good, expecting nothing in return. Be united in your life and mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceited pride. Instead, humbly treat others better than yourselves. Look for what is important to others, not just what is important to you.

The Scriptures 2009              .

Tree of Life Version                Therefore if there is any encouragement in Messiah, if there is any comfort of love, if there is any fellowship of the Ruach, if there is any mercy and compassion, then make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love, united in spirit, with one purpose. Do nothing out of selfishness or conceit, but with humility consider others as more important than yourselves, looking out not only for your own interests but also for the interests of others.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...if Someone so Comfort {is} in christ if Something Comfort [of] love {is} if Someone Sharing [of] spirit {is} if Someone Parts (Inner) and Cares {is} fill! [of] me the happiness that the it [You*] may think the her love Having Thinking (Alike) the one [thing] Thinking no [thing] {Thinking} in contention neither in recognition (empty) but [in] the lowliness one another {be!} Considering having (superiority) {more} [than] themselves^ not {be! Watching} the [things] [of] themselves^ Each [Man] {be! Watching them be!} Watching but and the [things] [of] other [men] Any [Men]...

Alpha & Omega Bible            .

Awful Scroll Bible                   Consequently, if-someone calls-by from-within the Anointed One, if-someone has a saying-before of dear love, if-someone contributes in the Breath, if-someone has bowels of compassion and pity, be fulfilling my joy, in order that yous shall be of the same sympathy, holding the same dear love, together-in-breath being one in sympathy, not-anything according to provocation or empty-of-splendor, however humble-in-reasoning, esteeming one another as holding-over yourselves. Be not each observing that his, however, each even that of the others.

Concordant Literal Version    If, then, there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any communion of spirit, if any compassion and pity, fill my joy full, that you may be mutually disposed, having mutual love, joined in soul, being disposed to one thing"

nothing according with faction, nor yet according with vainglory - but with humility, deeming one another superior to one's self, not each noting that which is his own, but each that of others also."

exeGeses companion Bible   HUMBLING OF SELF

So if there is any consolation in Messiah,

if any consolation of love,

if any communion of the Spirit,

if any spleens and compassions,

fulfil/shalam my cheer

- of the same thought,

having the same love,

co-souled, of one thought,

naught through rivalry or vainglory;

but in humblemindedness

esteem each other superior to self:

each not scoping for ones own self,

but each also on those of others.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           .

Orthodox Jewish Bible           If, therefore, there is any idud (encouragement) in Moshiach, if any nechamah (comfort) of ahavah (love), if any deveykus (attachment to G-d) in the Messianic chavrusashaft (association) of the Ruach Hakodesh, if any warmth of affection and rachamanut (compassion, mercy),

Then make my simcha (joy) shleimah (complete) by having the same lev, the same ahavah, being an agudah association with one neshamah, thinking the same machshavot (thoughts),

Doing nothing according to anochiyut (selfishness 1:17) nor according to empty ga’avah (conceit, haughtiness, arrogance), but in anavah (humility), fergin (graciously grant) each other esteem above yourselves [Ro 12:10].

Let each of you talmidim look after not only your own interests, but also the best interests of others [2:21; 1C 10:24,33].

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                .

An Understandable Version   Is there anything to be encouraged about by being in [fellowship with] Christ? Is there any comfort from His love? Is there any sharing with the Holy Spirit? [Have you received] any affection and compassion [from Christ]? [Then] make me completely happy by being like-minded, having the same love [for one another], being united in spirit and having the same purpose. Do not do anything from rivalry or from empty conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should not look out for your own interests [only], but also for those of other people.

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       Therefore, if there is any exhortation [encouragement to grow] in the sphere of Christ [and there is: from Bible doctrine], if there is any incentive toward virtue love [and there is: from Bible doctrine], if there is any fellowship with the Spirit [and there is: from Bible doctrine], if there are any emotional responses and [resultant] tender mercies [and there is: from Bible doctrine],

Bring my inner happiness to completion [filled to the point of overflowing], so that you might increasingly think [good decisions from a position of strength] the same category of thing [systematic theology in the soul]: having the same virtue love [occupation with Christ in spiritual childhood], united in soul rapport [in spiritual adolescence], concentrating together on one thing [having the mind of Christ in spiritual maturity],

Doing nothing on the basis of [motivated by] selfish ambition nor on the basis of delusion [false doctrine], but by means of genuine humility [grace orientation] be regarding each other as having surpassed yourselves [absence of spiritual competition],

Not repeatedly concentrating on every one of the interests of yourselves [avoid narcissism and arrogant hypersensitivity], but also [being thoughtful towards] every one of the interests [pressures] of others [concern for others as they advance in the spiritual life].

The Expanded Bible              .

Jonathan Mitchell NT             If, then, [there exists] any calling-alongside to receive relief, aid, encouragement, consolation, comfort or supporting influence (or: any receiving of the work of a paraclete) within Christ or in union with [the] Anointing, if [there is] any spoken comfort and consolation of love (belonging to love; having a source in love; or: which is love), if any common being and existence (common participation; fellowship; partnership; communion; sharing) of Breath-effect (or: belonging to spirit; from the result of [the] Breath), if any tender emotions (literally: upper internal organs) and compassions (or: pities),

fill my joy full, so that you folks may be continually having the same frame of mind (may be mutually disposed; may have the same opinion; may mind the same thing), habitually holding (or: having) the same Love: folks joined together in soul (inner life of feelings, will, heart and mind), continuously minding The One (or: habitually holding one opinion; constantly thinking one thing; regularly disposed to one [purpose]; [other MSS: the same]) –

nothing down from (or: along the line of; corresponding to; or: descending to) party interests (hireling-like contention; faction; self-serving; or: from a motive of financial gain, or to enhance one's career) nor down from (or: along the line of; corresponding to; or: descending to) empty reputation (futile opinion; vainglory; fruitless appearance) – but rather, in humility (or: by an attitude of being in a low station; in humbleness of disposition and way of thinking) constantly considering one another (or: each other) [as] those habitually holding [a position] above yourselves (or: [as] being superior in regard to yourselves),

not each one continuing to attentively view (keep an eye on and look out for) the things or interests pertaining to themselves, but to the contrary, each one also [looking out for] the things and interests pertaining to others (or: of different folks; of people that are different).

P. Kretzmann Commentary    .

Syndein/Thieme                     .

Translation for Translators     .

The Voice                               .

Bible Translations with Many Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         Humility and Unity

Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, complete my joy, so that you are in agreement [Literally “you think the same thing ], having the same love, united in spirit, having one purpose [Literally “thinking the one thing ”]. Do nothing according to selfish ambition or according to empty conceit, but in humility considering one another better than yourselves, each of you [Some manuscripts have “each one of you”] not looking out for your own interests [Literally “the things of yourselves”], but also each of you for the interests [Literally “the things”] of others.

NET Bible®                             .

New American Bible (2011)   .

The Passion Translation        .

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. <If there beˎ thereforeˎ any encouragement in Christ,

    If any comfort of love,

    If any fellowship of spirit,

    If any tender affections and compassions>

Fill ye up myʹ joy—

    That ||the same thing|| ye esteem,

    ||The sameʹ love|| possessing,

    <Joined in soul> ||the one^c thing|| esteeming,—

Nothing by way of factionˎ

Nothing by way of vain-glory,—

But <in lowliness of mind> accounting ||one another|| superior to yourselves,—

Not ||to your own things|| |severally| looking,^d

But ||to the things of others|| |severally|^e:—...

^c Or (WH): “same.”

^d 1 Co. x. 24.

^e Or (WH) remove “severally” to beginning of next clause.

The Spoken English NT         .

Updated ASV                         Christian Humility

If there is therefore any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit,^[11] if any tender mercies and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind,^[12] having the same love, being in full accord^[13] and of one mind. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but in humility^[14] consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests,^[15] but also for the interests of others.

[11] Or any sharing of spirit

[12] That is, thinking the same thing

[13] Lit together in soul

[14] Lit lowly mindedness

[15] Lit not the (things) of themselves each (ones).

WEB — Messianic Edition       .

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     About having the mind of Christ
Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship from the Spirit, if any tenderness and acts of compassion, make my joy full by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard one another as being better than yourselves.¹ Let each of you look out not only for his own concerns, but also for what concerns others.²

(1) Personally I have a hard time with this one.

(2) Agape love is the opposite of selfishness.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

A Faithful Version                  . Inner

Analytical-Literal Translation  Therefore, if [there is] any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of spirit, if any bowels [fig., affections] and mercies, fulfill my joy [or, make my joy complete], that you_p shall be thinking the same thing [fig., you_p are being like-minded], having the same love, united in spirit, thinking the one [thing] [fig., intending the same purpose], [doing] nothing according to selfish ambition or empty [or, groundless] conceit, but with humility be regarding one another [as] being better than yourselves. Stop being concerned each one about the things of themselves, but each one also [about] the things of others.

Berean Literal Bible                Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affections and compassions, fulfill my joy so that you may be of the same mind, having the same love, united in soul, minding the same thing, nothing according to self-interest or according to vain conceit, but in humility be esteeming one another surpassing themselves, each considering not the things of themselves, but each also the things of others.

Bill Puryear translation           Therefore, if [there is] any encouragement in Christ [and there is], if [there is] any comfort from love [and there is], if [there is] any fellowship with the Spirit [and there is], if [there are] any affections and mercies [and there are],

bring to completion my happiness, namely, that you might be thinking the same thing, having that same virtue-love, united in the soul, thinking one and the same thing.

[Do] nothing on the basis of contentiousness from selfish ambition, nor on the basis of excessive ambition from self-delusion, but by means of humility consider each other as better than yourselves.

Every one of you, stop looking out for only your own personal interests, but also every one of you [look out for] the personal interests of others.

C. Thomson updated NT        .

Charles Thomson NT             ...if therefore there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any participation of spirit, if any compassion and tender mercies, complete my joy. In order that you may be like minded, exercising the same love, having your souls knit together, your minds bent on the one thing upon nothing out of a spirit of contention or vain glory, but in lowliness of mind esteeming one another better than yourselves, look not every one to his own interests, but every one of you to the interests also of others.

Context Group Version          If there is therefore any encouragement in the Anointed, if any consolation of allegiance, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender generosity (pl) and compassions, make my joy full, that you (pl) are of the same mind, having the same allegiance, being of one accord, of one mind; [doing] nothing through faction or through self-esteem, but in lowliness of mind each counting one another better than himself; each of you (pl) not looking to his own things, but each of you (pl) also to the things of others.

English Standard Version      . significant

Far Above All Translation       .

Green’s Literal Translation    .

James Allen translation          .

Legacy Standard Bible           .

Literal New Testament           .

Literal Standard Version        If, then, any exhortation [is] in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of [the] Spirit, if any yearnings and mercies, fulfill my joy, that you may mind the same thing—having the same love—of one soul—minding the one thing, nothing in rivalry or vainglory, but in humility of mind counting one another more excellent than yourselves—do not each look to your own, but each also to the things of others.

Modern English Version         .

Modern Literal Version 2020  Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love*, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affections and mercies, fulfill° my joy, in-order-that you° may be mindful of the same thing, having the same love*, fellowship in spirit*, being mindful of the one thing, (nothing according-to selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility): deeming one another superior to yourselves; each one, do° not note the things of yourselves, but each one note also the things of others.

New American Standard B.    .

New European Version          .

New King James Version       .

New Matthew Bible                .

NT (Variant Readings)           .

Niobi Study Bible                   . Title

R. B. Thieme, Jr. translation  Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ [and there is], if there is any comfort from love [occupation with Christ; and there is], if there is any partnership with the Holy Spirit [and there is], if there is any emotional response to doctrine and resultant mercies [grace function in action; and there is],

bring to completion my happiness [+H], that you might be thinking the same things, having the same love [occupation with Christ]^[3], united in soul, concentrating [intent] on the same objective [or, on one objective; that is ultra supergrace].

Do nothing motivated by contentiousness nor ambitious pride; but, by means of grace orientation [logistical or bravo grace], be considering each other [in the royal family] as better than himself.

Every one of you [advancing to ultra-super-grace] should not only be regarding his own personal interests [in the advance] but also every one of you [advancing to ultra supergrace] (should be advancing) should be regarding the personal interests of others [those who are also advancing].

R. B. Thieme, Jr. trans2         IF, therefore (considering moving to Ultra Super-Grace Phil 1:28-30), there is any consolation or type of encouragement from Bravo Logistical Grace for the Super-Grace believer in Christ from Alpha Logistical Grace from Salvation Adjustment to the Justice of God, and there is, IF there is any type of encouragement, consolation, alleviation from Virtue Love of Cat I Love of Occupation with the Person of Jesus of Nazareth, The Christ and a Relaxed Mental Attitude, and there is from Eternity Past in the provision of Bravo Grace, IF there is any partnership with God the Holy Spirit, and there is as our mentor and teacher, from Filling of God the Holy Spirit while advancing in the Spiritual Life, IF there is any emotional response to Bible Doctrine, and resultant compassion and grace in action or mercies, and there is through God the Holy Spirit;

Bring to completion, by your pressing on, advancing, moving through Super-Grace B into Ultra Super-Grace, my Sharing of the Happiness of God, in order that you might have the same thinking, in Super-Grace B, No Man’s Land, from Metabolized Bible Doctrine in the Stream of Consciousness of the Soul, of the same category of things, having and holding, or maintaining from the past into the present, the same Love of Reciprocal Love for God, Occupation with the Person of Jesus of Nazareth, The Christ, united in the Filling of God the Holy Spirit in soul rapport, intent concentrating on the one purpose or objective of advance to the high ground of the Spiritual Life, Ultra Super-Grace.

‘Do’ (ellipsis) nothing, like a day laborer not under authority would, motivated by contentiousness, resulting in quarreling, pettiness, wrangling, getting eyes on people, nor empty conceit, excessive ambition and ambitious pride thus losing Bravo Grace Logistical Grace support, but with humility of thinking and by means of Logistical Grace of Bravo Grace Orientation from Metabolized Bible Doctrine in the Stream of Consciousness of the Soul let each one of you regard or be thinking and considering each other of the Royal Family of God as more important or better than himself in crossing No Man’s Land of Super-Grace B.

Everyone of you advancing to Ultra Super-Grace should not only be regarding or noticing or respecting or looking out for his own personal affairs, interests or circumstances in the advance, but Everyone of you advancing to Ultra Super-Grace should be regarding or noticing or respecting or looking out also for the interests or circumstances of others advancing also to Ultra Super-Grace in the same order with you.

Revised Geneva Translation  .

Ron Snider translation           Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any compassion and mercy, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, thinking the one thing. Regarding nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regarding one another as more important than yourselves; each of you not looking out only for your own personal interests, but also looking out for the interests of each of the others.

Updated ASV                         .

Updated Bible Version 2.17   .

A Voice in the Wilderness      . one accord

Webster’s Translation           .

World English Bible                .

Worrell New Testament         .

The gist of this passage: 

1-4

Translation: If [there is] any comfort in Christ [and there is];...

Paul then gives the Philippians the mental attitude and the understanding that they need to keep on having.

Paul uses the 1^st class conditional, meaning, he is supposing that something is true, and it is. Can you take comfort and solace in Jesus Christ? Absolutely you can.

Despite there being difficult circumstances, Paul tells them first to focus on Jesus Christ. Paul has just warned them about suffering which they might enduring and enemies that they might encounter in life.

Who also encountered enemies in life? Who also endured great suffering and anguish? Jesus endured these things on our behalf, so when we face circumstances which are difficult, we focus on Him. What do you know about Jesus Christ? Think about that, focus on that, when you face difficulties, sufferings, and the attacks of enemies.

Translation: ...if [there is] any encouragement of agapê love [and there is];...

Is there any encouragement from agapê love? Certainly there is. Many times, agapê love is a reference to the filling of the Spirit combined with the application of Bible doctrine. Can we be consoled by that? Can we be comforted by that? Certainly we can.

There will be sufferings which we endure in this life. Paul is helping the Philippians to adjust their focus in life. Be encouraged and comforted from agapê (mental attitude) love.

Translation: ...if [there is] any fellowship of the Spirit [and there is];...

Do you have fellowship or communion with the Holy Spirit? Are you a participant in the power of the Holy Spirit? Certainly you are.

When suffering or dealing with enemies, Paul gives the Philippians a third resource to draw from—the fellowship and empowerment of God the Holy Spirit.

Translation: ...if [there are] affections and compassions [and there are];...

Paul does not often focus on emotions or feelings. Do you have sympathy and compassion for others? Including your enemies? Now, how we feel toward our enemies may not be emotions like these. Therefore, our mental attitude should be such that this describes the mental attitude which we should have. We should have sympathy, mercy and compassion toward those who would persecute us.

Philippians 2:1 If [there is] any comfort in Christ [and there is]; if [there is] any encouragement of agapê love [and there is]; if [there is] any fellowship of the Spirit [and there is]; if [there are] affections and compassions [and there are];... (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Translation: ...complete my joy...

Paul has a wonderful fellowship with the believers in Philippi, but he asks them to full up or to complete his joy (his inner mental happiness).

Paul has given his fellow believers four things to focus on. But there is more that should be a part of the mental attitude of the believers in Philippi.

Translation: ...so that you (all) might keep on thinking the same (thing),...

“You all need to be thinking the same thing, having the same understanding, having the same wisdom.” Where does this come from? It comes from the teaching of the Word of God, which is found in the existing Scriptures and in the words which Paul writes to them.

Translation: ...having (and holding) the same agapê love,...

Paul tells them to keep on having and holding onto the same agapê love which he has already referenced. This is a mental attitude developed by the filling of the Holy Spirit and by the application of Bible doctrine to one’s life and one’s thinking.

Translation: ...[being] of one accord, thinking the same (thing);...

The believers in Philippi are to be of one accord and thinking the same thing. How is that accomplished? Through the teaching of Bible doctrine. The believers in Philippi have all kinds of different backgrounds; they are an assembly of people with many different personalities. Prior to salvation, these believers may not have even wanted to speak to one another or even be in the same room with one another. Yet Paul is encouraging them to be of one accord, to think the same thing. What should they be thinking? Bible doctrine.

Over and over again in Scripture, the key to the Christian life is what you think. It is all about your mental attitude. How is this developed? By the teaching of the Word of God.

Philippians 2:2 ...complete my joy so that you (all) might keep on thinking the same (thing), having (and holding) the same agapê love, [being] of one accord, thinking the same (thing);... (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Translation: ...[doing] nothing according to selfish ambition...

Your life should not be about your own selfish ambition. It should not be all about competition. You should not have the focused pursuit of a politician, which is often first and foremost defined by what you want.

Translation: ...nor according to self-conceit...

You should not be acting according to self-conceit, having a vain opinion about yourself. Do you consider yourself the most important person in the room? Are your wants and desires to be set above those of everyone else? Obviously not.

Translation: ...but [acting] with grace orientation,...

Your life should be filled with grace orientation instead (which is the opposite of self-conceit). We recognize who and what we truly are, which is quite the opposite of being the greatest and most important person in the room.

Translation: ...esteeming one another [as] having their prominence,...

Think of others with whom you associate—particularly with regards to other believers—and assign to them a prominence or rank superior to your own.

Philippians 2:3 ...[doing] nothing according to selfish ambition nor according to self-conceit but [acting] with grace orientation, esteeming one another [as] having their prominence,... (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Translation: ...each one not contemplating the (things) of themselves...

Do not spend all of your time thinking about yourself, the things that you want and need. Let God take care of those things.

Application: Do not misapply this. Don’t go find a park bench and sit down, waiting for God to deliver a meal to you three times a day. We all have lives and work is a part of our lives. Adam and the woman both worked in the garden even under perfect environment. Work is even more a part of life after the fall. So, even though your focus in life is not all on yourself, you still have to go to work and you still have to pay the bills.

Translation: ...but even the (things) of others. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Focus, Paul writes, on the things of others. What is important to them? What are their needs?

Philippians 2:4 ...each one not contemplating the (things) of themselves but even the (things) of others. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Philippians 2:1–4 If [there is] any comfort in Christ [and there is]; if [there is] any encouragement of agapê love [and there is]; if [there is] any fellowship of the Spirit [and there is]; if [there are] affections and compassions [and there are]; complete my joy so that you (all) might keep on thinking the same (thing), having (and holding) the same agapê love, [being] of one accord, thinking the same (thing); [doing] nothing according to selfish ambition nor according to self-conceit but [acting] with grace orientation, esteeming one another [as] having their prominence, each one not contemplating the (things) of themselves but even the (things) of others. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Paul is redirecting the focus of the Philippian believers. In the cosmic system, it is natural for people to see themselves as the most important person in the room, the one whose needs must be met. Paul is giving such a person a completely different focus, a completely different mental attitude.

Philippians 2:1–4 Is there comfort and consolation to be found in Jesus Christ? Yes there is. Is there encouragement and strength to be found in the application of a mental attitude? Yes there is. Is there a fellowship of the Spirit which we can enjoy? Yes there is. Are we able to have compassion and sympathy directed toward others? Certainly. Therefore, bring my joy to completion by thinking the same thing (Bible doctrine); by having and holding onto a mental attitude love; by all being of one accord; by thinking the same thing; doing nothing according to your own selfish ambition, not acting out of self-conceit but acting with grace orientation, thinking of one another as being prominent, contemplating not the things of themselves, but think about the needs of others. (Kukis paraphrase)

——————————

Paul has indicated that the focus of the Philippians should be upon Jesus Christ. So what ought they to think about the Lord? He will answer this question in vv. 5–11, which is one of the great Christological treatises in the New Testament.

Here is how others have translated this passage:

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    To this (thing), you (all) keep on understanding in you (all) which even [is] in Christ Jesus, Who in a form of God kept on living, not a seizing He considered to keep on being equals to God, but himself He made empty, a form of a servant taken, in a likeness of men (He) had come to be, and in present design being found as men, He had brought low Himself, having become obedient until of death, now of a death of a post.

Complete Apostles Bible        Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

who, existing in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,

but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming to be in the likeness of men.

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) For let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man.

He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        .

Original Aramaic NT              And reason in your souls this that also Yeshua The Messiah did:

He who, while he was in the form of God, did not esteem this as a prize, that he was the equal of God,

But he stripped himself and took the form of a Servant and was in the form of the children of men, and was found in fashion as a man.

And he humbled himself and was obedient unto death, even the death of being crucified.

Lamsa Peshitta (Syriac)         .

Significant differences: 

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             Let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus, 

To whom, though himself in the form of God, it did not seem that to take for oneself was to be like God; 

But he made himself as nothing, taking the form of a servant, being made like men; 

And being seen in form as a man, he took the lowest place, and let himself be put to death, even the death of the cross.

Bible in Worldwide English     Think the same way Jesus Christ thought.

He was in every way like God. Yet he did not think that being equal to God was something he must hold on to.

He gave this up and became a servant. He was born a baby.

And when he was a man, he was humble. He was even willing to die, yes, to die on a cross.

Easy English                          .

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. He was like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own benefit. Instead, he gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form. During his life as a man, he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death--death on a cross.

God’s Word™                         Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Although he was in the form of God and equal with God, he did not take advantage of this equality. Instead, he emptied himself by taking on the form of a servant, by becoming like other humans, by having a human appearance. He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, death on a cross.

Good News Bible (TEV)         The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had: He always had the nature of God, but he did not think that by force he should try to remain equal with God. Instead of this, of his own free will he gave up all he had, and took the nature of a servant. He became like a human being and appeared in human likeness. He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death--- his death on the cross.

J. B. Phillips                           .

The Message                         .

NIRV                                      .

New Life Version                    .

Radiant New Testament        .

New Simplified Bible              .

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Version          .

Contemporary English V.       Care about them as much as you care about yourselves and think the same way that Christ Jesus thought: Christ was truly God. But he did not try to remain equal with God. Instead he gave up everything and became a slave, when he became like one of us. Christ was humble. He obeyed God and even died on a cross.

Goodspeed New Testament  .

The Living Bible                     .

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           .

The Passion Translation        And consider the example that Jesus, the Anointed One, has set before us. Let his mindset become your motivation.  He existed in the form of God, yet he gave no thought to seizing equality with God as his supreme prize.  Instead he emptied himself of his outward glory by reducing himself to the form of a lowly servant. He became human!  He humbled himself and became vulnerable, choosing to be revealed as a man and was obedient. He was a perfect example, even in his death—a criminal’s death by crucifixion!.

Plain English Version             .

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  Think the same way as the Messiah Jesus thinks: Although he is deserving of all the honors that God should receive, he took his honors and laid them down, and did not hold on to them. Instead, he gave up everything, taking on the qualities of a servant, and he became a human being. And he humbled himself by taking on human form, and in his humility he obeyed God even though obedience to God meant he had to die, and he died a terrible death, the death of a criminal, death on the cross.

Williams’ New Testament      Keep on fostering the same disposition that Christ Jesus had. Though He was existing in the nature of God, He did not think His being on an equality with God a thing to be selfishly grasped, but He laid it aside as He took on the nature of a slave and became like other men. Because He was recognized as a man, in reality as well as in outward form, He finally humiliated Himself in obedience so as to die, even to die on a cross.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          .

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            Focus on this among you: what is also in the Anointed King Jesus, who being in the form of God, did not regard the "to be equal with God" thing as something that must be tightly held on to. But He emptied Himself, after taking on the form of a slave when He became in the likeness of people. And after being found in an entity as a person, He put Himself down low when He became obedient up to death, a death from a cross.

Common English Bible           .

Len Gane Paraphrase           Have this attitude in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, didn't think it robbery to be equal to God but made himself a nobody and took the form of a slave and was made in the likeness of men. Being found outwardly as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death even the death of the cross.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles Now let this disposition be in you which was also in Christ Jesus; who, though he was in the form of God, did not affect to appear in divine majesty; but divested himself, taking upon him the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       .

NT for Everyone                     .

20^th Century New Testament Let the spirit of Christ Jesus be yours also. Though the divine nature was his from the beginning, yet he did not look upon equality with God as above all things to be clung to, But impoverished himself by taking the nature of a servant and becoming like men; He appeared among us as a man, and still further humbled himself by submitting even to death--to death on a cross!

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

An Understandable Version   .

Berean Study Bible                .

Christian Standard Bible        .

Conservapedia Translation    .

Revised Ferrar-Fenton Bible  .

Free Bible Version                 The attitude you should have is the same as that of Christ Jesus. Though in his nature he was always God, he didn’t concern himself to cling on to his equality with God. Instead he emptied* himself, taking the nature of a servant, becoming like a human being. Coming in human form, humbling himself, he submitted himself to death—even death on a cross.

The Heritage Bible                          Therefore exercise this mind in yourself, which was also in Christ Jesus,

Who, existing in the shape of God, governed it absolutely not something seized to be equal with God, Note Gen 18:1 (which note is placed in the Addendum)

But emptied himself, taking the shape of a servant, and became in the likeness of men;

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient as far as death, even the death of the cross.

International Standard V        Have the same attitude among yourselves [Or Have this mind in you] that was also in the Messiah [Or Christ] Jesus: [Verses 6-11 probably represent an early Christian hymn.]

In God’s own form existed he,

and shared with God equality,

deemed nothing needed grasping.

Instead, poured out in emptiness,

a servant’s form did he possess,

a mortal man becoming.

In human form he chose to be,

and lived in all humility,

death on a cross obeying.

Lexham Bible                         .

Montgomery NT                     Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, though from the beginning he had the nature of God, did not reckon equality with God something to be forcibly retained, but emptied himself of his glory by taking the form of a slave, when he was born in the likeness of men. More than this, after he had shone himself in human form, he humbled himself in his obedience even to death; yes, and to death on a cross.

NIV, ©2011                             .

Riverside New Testament      Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not think that equality with God was something to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant and coming into the likeness of men, and when found in the condition of a man he humbled himself by becoming obedient even to death — death on the cross.

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      . abased

The Spoken English NT         .

UnfoldingWord Literal Text    .

Urim-Thummim Version         Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the external appearance of Elohim, thought it not robbery to be equal with Elohim: But made himself of no reputation and took upon himself the form of a slave, and was made in the image of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the stake.

Weymouth New Testament    Let the same disposition be in you which was in Christ Jesus. Although from the beginning He had the nature of God He did not reckon His equality with God a treasure to be tightly grasped. Nay, He stripped Himself of His glory, and took on Him the nature of a bondservant by becoming a man like other men. And being recognized as truly human, He humbled Himself and even stooped to die; yes, to die on a cross.

Wikipedia Bible Project          .

Worsley’s New Testament    Let the same mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be as God. Yet He emptied himself, assuming the form of a servant, when made in the likeness of men: and being in the human state, He humbled himself, and was obedient even unto death, and that the death of the cross.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)  Your attitude should be the same as Jesus Christ had:

Though he was in the form of God,

he did not regard equality with

God as something to be grasped, Jn 1:1; Col 1:15; Heb 1:3

but emptied himself,

taking on the nature of a servant,

made in human likeness,

and in his appearance found as a man. 2Cor 8:9; Mt 20:28; Gal 4:4

He humbled himself by being

obedient to death,

death on the cross. Romans 5:19; Heb 5:8

New American Bible (2011)   .

New Catholic Bible                 .

New Jerusalem Bible             .

NRSV (Anglicized Cath. Ed.) .

Revised English Bible–1989   .

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           .

Eth Cipher Translation           Let this mind be in you, which was also in Mashiach Yahusha: Who, being in the form of Elohiym, thought it not robbery to be equal with Elohiym: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Hebraic Roots Bible               For think this within you, which mind was also in Messiah Yahshua, who existed in the very form of Elohim, thought it not robbery to be the equal with Elohim, but emptied Himself, taking the image of a servant, having become in the image of the sons of men and being found in form like a man, He humbled Himself, having become obedient until death, even the death of a torture stake.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    Have the same attitude among you that Christ Jesus had: though Christ was divine by nature, he did not think that being equal with God was something to be grasped. Instead, he emptied himself, taking on the very nature of a slave. He became like human beings appearing in human form. He humbled himself. He obeyed though it meant dying, even dying on a cross !

The Scriptures 2009              For, let this mind be in you which was also in Messiah יהושע, who, being in the form of Elohim, did not regard equality with Elohim a matter to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, and came to be in the likeness of men.  And having been found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, death even of a stake.

Tree of Life Version                .

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...this think! in you* Which and {is} in christ Jesus Who in form [of] god Becoming not plunder considers the+ to be [Things] Equal~ [to] god but himself [He] empties form [of] servant Receiving in appearance [of] men Becoming and [in] situation Being Found as Man [He] lowers himself Becoming Obedient until death death but [of] cross...

Alpha & Omega Bible            . 15:28

Awful Scroll Bible                   For, be this reasoning from-within yous, which is also from-within the Anointed One, Jesus, who is beginning-by being from-within the form of God, esteems it not robbery to be equal to God, however, He empties Himself, taking the form of a devoted slave, coming to be from-within the likeness of the aspects-of-man, and being found as to the aspects-of-man, He humbles Himself, coming about listening-under to the point of death, moreover the death of an upright pale.

Concordant Literal Version    For let this disposition be in you, which is in Christ Jesus also,

Who, being inherently in the form of God, deems it not pillaging to be equal with God,

nevertheless empties Himself, taking the form of a slave, coming to be in the likeness of humanity,

and, being found in fashion as a human, He humbles Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."

exeGeses companion Bible   THE SELF-HUMBLING OF MESSIAH

Indeed have this thought in you,

which is also in Messiah Yah Shua:

who, being in the form of Elohim,

deemed it not usurpation to be equal with Elohim:

but voided himself

and took the form of a servant

and became in the likeness of humanity:

and being found in configuration as a human,

he humbled himself

and became obedient to death

- even the death of the stake.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           .

Orthodox Jewish Bible           Let this mind be in you which was also in Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua,

Who, though existing in the demut of the mode of being of Elohim [His etzem or essential nature, Yn 1:1-2; 17:5], nevertheless Moshiach did not regard being equal with G-d as a thing to be seized [BERESHIS 3:5],

But poured out and emptied himself [2C 8:9], taking the demut of the mode of being of an eved [YESHAYAH 52:13- 53:12] [T.N. see the AVDI TZADDIK TZEMACH DOVID MOSHIACH YIRMEYAH 23:5; ZECHARIAH 3:8], and was born in the likeness of Bnei Adam [Yn 1:14; Ro 8:3; MJ 2:14-17], and having been found in appearance as an Adam,

Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach humbled himself and took the path of shiflut (lowliness), unto mishma'at (obedience 2:12) [cf. BERESHIS 3:17] even unto death [Yn 10:17; MJ 5:8; 12:2], and that, a death on HaEtz [the Tree, DEVARIM 21:23; 27:26; Ga 3:13; Pp 3:18].

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                .

An Understandable Version   You should think about things the way Christ Jesus did. He existed in the form of God [i.e., He shared God’s very nature], but did not consider [remaining] equal with God something [to continue] to hold onto. Instead, He gave up what He had and took on the form [i.e., the nature] of a slave, becoming like a man, [and even] His appearance was found to be like a man’s. He humbled Himself [by] becoming obedient [to God] to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Brodie’s Expanded Trans.     Keep on thinking this [doctrine] within you, which [doctrine] was also in Christ Jesus,

Who although He pre-existed [pre-incarnate Christ] in the form [divine essence and attributes] of God [Christ as eternal God], He did not consider equalities with God [the other two members of the Trinity] to be a gain to be seized and retained [spiritual booty],

But He deprived Himself [by exercising divine sovereignty] when He took the form [inner essence] of a slave, when He was born in the overt likeness of men. In fact, although He was discovered in outward appearance like a man [humanly speaking],

He humbled Himself [voluntarily submitted to the Father] by becoming obedient to the point of spiritual death, that is, the spiritual death of the cross .

The Expanded Bible              .

Jonathan Mitchell NT             You see, this way of thinking (this attitude and disposition) is continuously within and among you folks (or, as an imperative: So let this minding be habitually within you folks) – which [is] also within Christ Jesus,

Who, starting and continuing as inherently existing (or: beginning under; subsisting) within God's form (or: in an outward mold which is God), He does not consider the [situation] to be equals in and by God a plunder (or: a pillaging; a robbery; a snatching; or: a thing or situation seized and held), (or: Who, [although] constantly humbly and supportively ruling in union with an external shape and an outward appearance from God, did not give consideration to a seizure: the [situation] to continuously exist being the same things with God, even on the same levels in God, or equal [things; aspects] to God,)

but to the contrary, He empties Himself (or: removed the contents of Himself; made Himself empty), receiving (or: taking; accepting) a slave's form (external shape; outward mold), coming to be (or: birthing Himself) within an effect of humanity's (mankind's; people's) likeness.

And so, being found in an outward fashion, mode of circumstance, condition, form-appearance (or: character, role, phase, configuration, manner) as a human (a person; a man), He lowers Himself (or: humbled Himself; made Himself low; degrades Himself; levels Himself off), coming to be (or: birthing Himself) a submissive, obedient One (one who gives the ear and listens) as far as (or: to the point of; until) death – but death of a cross (torture stake)!.

P. Kretzmann Commentary    .

Syndein/Thieme                     .

Translation for Translators     .

The Voice                               .

Bible Translations with Many Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         Christ’s Humiliation and Exaltation

Think this in [Or “among”] yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,

who, existing in the form of God,

did not consider being equal with God something to be grasped,

but emptied himself

by [*Here “by” is supplied as a component of the participle (“taking”) which is understood as means] taking the form of a slave,

by [*Here “by” is supplied as a component of the participle (“becoming”) which is understood as means] becoming in the likeness of people.

And being found in appearance like a man,

he humbled himself

by [*Here “by” is supplied as a component of the participle (“becoming”) which is understood as means] becoming obedient to the point of death,

that is, death on a cross.

NET Bible®                             .

New American Bible (2011)   .

The Passion Translation        .

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. ||The same thing|| esteem |in yourselves| which also ||in Christ Jesus|| [ye esteem],—

    Who <|in form of God|^f subsisting>

Not ||a thing to be seized|| accounted the being equal with God,

But ||himself|| emptiedˎ

Taking ||a servant’s form||ˎ

Coming to be ||in men’s likeness||;

And <||in fashion|| being found ||as a man||>

    Humbled himself,

Becoming obedient as far as death,

    Yeaˎ ||death upon a cross||.

^f Or: “divine form.”

The Spoken English NT         Although he was in the form of God,
He didn’t regard equality with God as something to run off with.

Just the opposite: he poured himself out.^b
He took the form of a servant, and became the same as a human being.^c
And being found^d in the shape of a human being,

he humbled himself,
And was obedient all the way to death, even death on a cross.

b.Or “emissary”; see “Bible Words” under “apostle”.

Apostle: This means “someone sent,” or an emissary: a person who is sent out with a mission to accomplish on behalf of, and representing, the person that sent them. For the Christians, an apostle was someone specifically sent by God to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. “Missionary” would also be a possible translation of the Greek word apostolos, which is transliterated into English as “apostle”. This word was also a title given by Jesus to twelve of his closest followers, whom he sent out with his message (see Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16; Luke 9:1-6). They were understood by the first Christians as those appointed by Jesus to be the foundation (see Matthew 16:13-19) and the authoritative high council for his spiritual community after his resurrection (e.g. observe their role in Acts 6:1-7; Acts 15:1-21; Galatians 2:6-10). James, Jesus’ brother, was also an acknowledged member of this circle (see Galatians 1:17-19).

c.Some important ancient mss lack the words, “in Ephesus”. It’s very possible that this letter was sent to Laodicea, a city Paul never visited (see Colossians 2:1). It appears that Paul wrote both this letter and the letter to the Colossians when he was in prison (see Ephesians 3:1; Ephesians 6:19-20; Colossians 4:18).

d.Lit. “…blessed, who…”.

Updated ASV                         Christ’s Humility and Exaltation

Have this mind^[16] in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

[16] Lit be thinking, mental attitude

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     In fact, let this mindset be in you that was also in Christ Jesus, who, existing in God’s form, did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped,³ but divested Himself, taking a slave’s form, coming to be in the likeness of men.⁴ And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to the point of death⁵—even death on a cross!

(3) “In the heavenly realms” may be a synonym for Heaven.

(4) The blessings are only for those who are in Christ.

(5) Here the pronoun refers to the Father, not ‘Christ’. Below, whenever the referent changes I will indicate this by [F] or [S], which will be good until the next change.

WEB — Messianic Edition       .

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

A Faithful Version                  .

Analytical-Literal Translation  Indeed, be letting the frame of mind [or, attitude] be in you_p which [was] also in Christ Jesus, who existing in the nature of God, did not consider being equal to God something to be held onto, but He emptied Himself, having taken the nature of a slave, having come to be in the likeness of people, and having been found in appearance as a person, He humbled Himself, having become obedient to the point of death—even of death of a cross.

Berean Literal Bible                .

Bill Puryear translation           Keep on thinking this within you, which also [was] in Christ Jesus, Who, although He existed in the essence of God, He did not think to be equal with God a gain to be seized, but He deprived Himself [of the normal function of deity], by having received the form of a servant, although He had been born in the likeness of mankind. In fact, although having been discovered in outward appearance as a man, He humbled Himself, by becoming obedient to the point of [spiritual] death; that is, the death produced by the cross.

C. Thomson updated NT        .

Charles Thomson NT             For let this temper of mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God did not think it robbery to be like God, but he emptied himself;having taken the form of a servant, being in the likeness of men, and found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even the death of a cross;...

Context Group Version          Have this mind in you (pl), which was also in the Anointed Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be robbed {or used to advantage}, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in structure as a man, he afflicted himself, becoming obedient [even] to death, yes, the death of the cross.

English Standard Version      .

Far Above All Translation       Let everyone look not to his own interests, but also each one to the interests of others. So have this frame of mind in you, which is also in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider being equal to God to be misappropriation, yet he emptied himself, having taken on the status of a servant, having come in the appearance of men, and having been found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient to the extent of death, and the death of the cross at that,...

Green’s Literal Translation    .

James Allen translation          .

Legacy Standard Bible           .

Literal New Testament           THIS FOR LET MIND BE IN YOU WHICH ALSO IN CHRIST JESUS [WAS];

WHO, IN [THE] FORM OF GOD SUBSISTING, NOT RAPINE ESTEEMED IT TO BE EQUAL WITH GOD;

BUT HIMSELF EMPTIED, FORM A BONDMAN'S HAVING TAKEN, IN [THE] LIKENESS OF MEN HAVING BECOME;

AND IN FIGURE HAVING BEEN FOUND AS A MAN, HE HUMBLED HIMSELF, HAVING BECOME OBEDIENT UNTO DEATH, EVEN DEATH OF [THE] CROSS.

Literal Standard Version        .

Modern English Version         .

Modern Literal Version 2020  For* let this mindset be in you°, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, did not deem it a seizure to be equal to God, but emptied himself, having taken the form of a bondservant, when he became in the likeness of men; and having been found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, when he became obedient* as far as death, and even death of a cross.

New American Standard        .

New European Version          .

New King James Version       .

New Matthew Bible                .

NT (Variant Readings)           .

Niobi Study Bible                   . Title

R. B. Thieme, Jr. translation  Keep on thinking this doctrine within you, which also was resident in Christ Jesus, Who though He existed in the essence of God, He did not think equality with God a gain to be seized and held,... He did not see Deity as something which must be held onto, thus not advancing the plan of God. This is so He would not hinder or frustrate the plan of God. ...but He deprived himself [= kenosis] of the proper function of deity, when He had received the form of a servant, although He had been born in the likeness of mankind. In fact, although having been discovered in outward appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of [spiritual] death, that is, the death of the cross.