Bits of Torah Truths – Torah Concept in the NT: Let Each Esteem Other Better than Himself – Episode 550
Philippians 2:3
וְאַל תַּעֲשׂוּ דָּבָר מִתּוֹךְ תַּחֲרוּת, אַף לֹא מִתּוֹךְ כְּבוֹד שָׁוְא, אֶלָּא בִּנְמִיכוּת רוּחַ יַחְשֹׁב אִישׁ אִישׁ אֶת רֵעֵהוּ לְנִכְבָּד מִמֶּנּוּ.
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Philippians 2:3
2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; (NASB)
https://www.matsati.com/index.php/category/bits-of-torah-truths/
There are several Torah passages that reflect the heart of “Let each esteem other better than himself” from Philippians 2:3, even if the phrasing differs. The Torah often emphasizes humility, mutual respect, and the elevation of others, especially in the context of community and covenant. For example, Leviticus 19:18 “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This is foundational. While it calls for equality in love, the rabbinic tradition often interprets it as a call to prioritize others’ dignity and well-being, sometimes even above one’s own pride or comfort. Genesis 18:27 Abraham says, “I am but dust and ashes.” This self-effacing statement, made while interceding for Sodom, reflects a profound humility—Abraham doesn’t elevate himself despite his closeness to God. Exodus 32:32 After the Golden Calf incident, Moses pleads, “If You will forgive their sin… but if not, blot me out of Your book.” Moses is willing to sacrifice his own standing for the sake of the people—a radical act of esteeming others above himself. Numbers 11:29 When Joshua is jealous for Moses’ sake, Moses replies, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets!” Moses again shows no concern for personal status, rejoicing in others’ elevation. These examples show that the Torah deeply values humility and the honoring of others. We note how the NT verse is more direct in its phrasing, the Torah’s narratives and laws consistently promote a mindset where one’s own ego is secondary to the good of others. This is how the NT teaches Torah, the Torah has not passed away!
