Philippians 2:4 ( NKJV ) reads as follows:
"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
The Greek word ( Greek [ 4648 ] ) for the word - "look" - in Philippians 2:4 ( KJV and NKJV, or the word - "looke" ( KJV; 1611 EDITION )) is defined as follows:
"to take aim at (spy), i.e. (fig.) regard" ( emphasis mine, R.E.W. ). [ See ABINGDON'S STRONG'S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, S.T.D., LL.D., ABINGDON PRESS, NASHVILLE, Copyright, 1890, JAMES STRONG, MADISON, N.J., ( A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek/New Testament with their Renderings in the King James Version, p. 88. ). ]
Furthermore, the word - "regard" - in the above-given definition is defined as follows ( sense 1 of this definition is assumed to be the appropriate sense ):
"v.t. 1 To look at or observe closely or attentively." [ See NEW ILLUSTRATED WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY Including THESAURUS of SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS, PMC Publishing Company, Inc., 118 EAST 28th STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10016, dictionary portion: pages 1-1150, Copyright 1992, by J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, p. 814. ]
Moreover, the word - "responsibility" - is defined as follows ( senses 1 and 2 are assumed to be the appropriate senses of this definition ):
"n. 1 The state of being responsible or accountable. 2 That for which one is answerable; a duty or trust." [ Ibid., p. 825 - emphasis mine, R.E.W. ]
Also, the word - "responsible" - as it appears in the definition given immediately above, is defined as follows:
"adj. 1 Answerable legally or morally for the discharge of a duty, trust, or debt. 2 Having capacity to perceive the distinctions of right and wrong; having ethical discrimination. 3 Able to meet legitimate claims; having sufficient property or means for the payment of debts. 4 Involving accountability or obligation. 5 Denoting the status of a cabinet or ministry with respect to the legislative body to which it is answerable." [ Ibid. ]
Philippians 2:4 implies the concept of responsibility. Christians ( see Acts 11:26, for example ) are commanded by God ( see Psalm 119:72, Ecclesiastes 12:13, and 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, for example ) to regard ( "To look at or observe closely or attentively" ( in a figurative sense )) not only our own interests, but also the interests of others.
This concept of responsibility also applies to the government. Consider the following quotation:
"Surrounding the royal court were such officials as 'the one who is over the house' a sort of Secretary of State or Prime Minister; the recorder who was a herald, press secretary, and chief of protocol combined; the chief scribe; counselors; priests; and prophets ( 1 Kings 4 ). In addition, many attendants would minister to the king. The king embodied the rule of the entire nation. As he and his officials were just and faithful in ruling, the nation prospered. As he and the officials were unjust, the nation suffered. Likewise, the unjust actions of lesser officials ultimately was the responsibility of the king. Thus the prophets accused the king of his actions and of the actions of those under him." [ See HOLMAN BIBLE DICTIONARY, BUTLER, TRENT C., PH.D., HOLMAN BIBLE PUBLISHERS, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, Copyright 1991 Holman Bible Publishers, p. 572. ]
See also Romans 15:4, for example.
See also Romans 15:4, for example.
If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:
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