Interesting Word | "Interests" | Philippians 2:4

Milt Reynolds | Last updated September 24, 2022

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I'm having difficulty understanding Philippians 2:4. What is the intended meaning of "interests", as translated by ESV:

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4, ESV)

According to New Oxford American Dictionary "interest" as a noun has seven different meanings, none of which seem to connect well with the context of the passage, Philippians 2:1-4. Is Paul urging me to know or learn about what interests others? To develop curiosity and attention for what others find curious and attention-grabbing?

The definition of "interests" that may be most helpful is this: "the advantage or benefit of a person or group". But how are we to prioritize and select what is the best advantage or benefit for a person...physical, monetary, spiritual, correction, rebuke?

When I look at the Greek word which we translate as "interests", I find...nothing! The Greek word for "the"?

What am I missing here? Why do the translators use "interests" here? The word seems ambiguous in English. Wouldn't "welfare" or "good" be a better choice, given the context?

I do like The Message paraphrase here:

“Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.” (Philippians 2:3–4, The Message)

Even better, here's Young's Literal Translation:

“each not to your own look ye, but each also to the things of others.” (Philippians 2:4, YLT)

But still, I almost feel that Philippians 2:4 is unnecessary, to the point of not being helpful. If it were removed, would anything be lost from the meaning and intention of verses 1-3?

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