Philippians

Philippians front

Introduction to Philippians

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the book of Philippians

1. Greeting, thanksgiving and prayer (1:1–11)
2. Paul’s report on his ministry (1:12–26)
3. Instructions
   • To be steadfast (1:27–30)
   • To be united (2:1–2)
   • To be humble (2:3–11)
   • To work out our salvation with God working in you (2:12–13)
   • To be innocent, and shining as light (2:14–18)
4. Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:19–30)
5. Warning about false teachers (3:1–4:1)
6. Personal instruction (4:2–5)
7. Rejoice and do not be anxious (4:4–6)
8. Final remarks
   • Values (4:8–9)
   • Contentment (4:10–20)
   • Final Greetings (4:21–23)

Who wrote the book of Philippians?

Paul wrote Philippians. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.

Paul wrote this letter while in prison in Rome.

What is the book of Philippians about?

Paul wrote this letter to the believers in Philippi, a city in Macedonia. He wrote it to thank the Philippians for the gift they had sent him. He wanted to tell them how he was doing in prison and to encourage them to rejoice, even if they were suffering. He also wrote to them about a man named Epaphroditus, the one who brought the gift to Paul. While visiting Paul, Epaphroditus became ill, so Paul decided to send him back to Philippi. Paul encouraged the believers in Philippi to welcome him and to be kind to Epaphroditus when he returned.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “Philippians.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Paul’s Letter to the Church in Philippi,” or “A Letter to the Christians in Philippi.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What was the city of Philippi like?

Philip, the father of Alexander the Great, founded Philippi in the region of Macedonia. This meant that the citizens of Philippi were also considered citizens of Rome. The people of Philippi were proud of being citizens of Rome. But Paul tells the believers that it is much more important that they are citizens of heaven (3:20).

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Singular and plural “you”

In this book, the word “I” refers to Paul. The words “you” and “your” always refer to the believers in Philippi, except for one time in 4:3. (See: Forms of You)

Who were the “enemies of the cross of Christ” (3:18) in this letter?

The “enemies of the cross of Christ” were probably people who called themselves believers, but they did not obey God’s commands. They thought that freedom in Christ meant that believers could do whatever they desired, and God would not punish them (3:19).

Why were the words “joy” and “rejoice” frequently used in this letter?

Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter (1:7). Even though he suffered, Paul said many times that he was joyful because God had been kind to him through Jesus Christ. He wanted to encourage his readers to have the same trust in Jesus Christ.

What does Paul mean by the expressions “in Christ,” or “in the Lord,” etc.?

These kinds of expressions occur in 1:1, 8, 13, 14, 26, 27; 2:1, 5, 19, 24, 29; 3:1, 3, 9, 14; 4:1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 13, 19, 21. Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union with Christ and the believers. See the introduction to the book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.

What are the major issues in the text of the book of Philippians?

Some versions have “Amen” at the end of the final verse in the letter (4:23). The ULT, UST, and some modern versions include it, but many other versions do not. (See: Textual Variants)

Philippians 1

Philippians 1 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

Paul follows the normal practice of the time by beginning the letter with a statement of the names of the senders and the recipients. In that culture, the sender would then offer a good wish for the recipients. Paul does this in the form of a Christian blessing.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

The day of Christ

This refers to the day when Christ returns. Paul often connected the return of Christ with motivating godly living. (See: godly, godliness, ungodly, godless, ungodliness, godlessness)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. This statement in verse 21 is a paradox: “to die is gain.” In verse 23 Paul explains why this is true. (Philippians 1:21)

Philippians 1:1

in Christ Jesus

Quote: ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ (1)

Alternate translation: “in union with Christ Jesus”

Philippians 1:2

Grace to you and peace

Quote: χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing

This is a greeting and blessing that Paul often uses in the beginning of his letters. Use a form in your language that makes it clear that this is a greeting and blessing. Alternate translation: “may you experience kindness, mercy, and peace within you” or “I pray that you will have grace, mercy, and peace”

to you

Quote: ὑμῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

Here, you refers to the Philippian Christians and is plural in form in the original language in which Paul wrote. Throughout this letter, with one exception, the words “you” and “your” are plural and refer to the Philippian Christians. If your language uses different forms to show when “you” and “your” refer to one person and when they refer to more than one person, use the plural form that would be appropriate in your language in this occurrence and all other occurrences of “you” and “your” in this letter, except for in 4:3. A note will discuss the one exception in 4:3.

our Father

Quote: Πατρὸς ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

If your language has different forms for including or excluding the hearers, use the inclusive form for our here and throughout the letter.

Philippians 1:3

in all my remembrance of you

Quote: ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ μνείᾳ ὑμῶν (1)

Here, in all my remembrance of you could refer to: (1) each time that Paul thought about the Philippian believers. Alternate translation: “each time that I think about you” (2) each time that Paul prayed for the Philippian believers. Alternate translation: “every time that I pray for you”

my God

Quote: τῷ Θεῷ μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Use of the words my God does not mean that God belongs to Paul, but that Paul belongs to God. That is, God is the one whom Paul worships exclusively. Alternate translation: “the one who is God to me”

of you

Quote: ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

See how you translated the word you in 1:2. In this letter, every use of the words you and your is plural and refers to the Philippian believers, except for one use in 4:3, which has a note to discuss it.

Philippians 1:5

because of your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now

Quote: ἐπὶ τῇ κοινωνίᾳ ὑμῶν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, ἀπὸ τῆς πρώτης ἡμέρας ἄχρι τοῦ νῦν (1)

Here, because could refer to: (1) the reason that Paul gives thanks to God. Alternate translation: “I give thanks to God because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (2) the reason for Paul’s joy.

your

Quote: ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

Here, the word your is plural and refers to the Philippian Christians. In this letter, with one exception, the words “you” and “your” are always plural and always refer to the Philippian Christians. If your language uses different forms to show when “you” and “your” refer to one person and when they refer to more than one person, use the plural form that would be appropriate in your language in this occurrence and all other occurrences of “you” and “your” in this letter, except for in 4:3. A note will discuss the one exception in 4:3.

your fellowship in the gospel

Quote: τῇ κοινωνίᾳ ὑμῶν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, your fellowship in the gospel refers to the Philippians’ partnering with Paul in the various things involved in spreading the gospel. This includes gifts of money that they sent to Paul (See: 4:15–18). If it would be clearer in your language, you could state this more explicitly. Alternate translation: “your participation with me in advancing the gospel” or “your partnership with me in working to spread the good news about Jesus”

from the first day

Quote: ἀπὸ τῆς πρώτης ἡμέρας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase from the first day refers to the time at which the Philippian believers first believed the gospel that Paul preached to them. This may also have been the first day that Paul preached in Philippi. Alternate translation: “from the time you first heard and believed the gospel that I preached”

until now

Quote: ἄχρι τοῦ νῦν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase until now does not mean that the Philippian believers have now stopped partnering with Paul. Rather, it means that they are still partnering with Paul. Alternate translation: “that we are still sharing now”

Philippians 1:6

having become confident about this very thing

Quote: πεποιθὼς αὐτὸ τοῦτο (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase having been persuaded indicates a reason that Paul thanks God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I thank God because I am confident of this very thing”

the one having begun a good work in you will perfect {it

Quote: ὁ ἐναρξάμενος ἐν ὑμῖν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν, ἐπιτελέσει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the one refers to God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “that God, having begun a good work in you, will perfect it”

that the one having begun a good work in you

Quote: ὅτι ὁ ἐναρξάμενος ἐν ὑμῖν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase a good work in you refers to both the initial conversion of the Philippian Christians and to God’s ongoing work in their lives through the Holy Spirit. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “that God, having begun his good work in you through your conversion and continuing it through the work of the Holy Spirit”

you

Quote: ὑμῖν (1)

See how you translated the word you in Philippians 1:2.

will perfect {it

Quote: ἐπιτελέσει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, will perfect {it} means that God would bring to completion the work which he began in the lives of the Philippian believers at their conversion and which he was continuing to do. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this explicitly.

the day of Jesus Christ

Quote: ἡμέρας Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase the day of Jesus Christ refers to the time in the future when Jesus Christ will return to judge the world and save those who believe in him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the time when Jesus Christ returns”

Philippians 1:7

I have you in my heart

Quote: τὸ ἔχειν με ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ ὑμᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The phrase, I have you in my heart is an idiom which expresses strong affection. If you have an equivalent expression which adequately communicates the meaning, you may use it here. If not, you could state this using plain language. Alternate translation: “I love you very much”

being partakers with me of grace

Quote: συνκοινωνούς μου τῆς χάριτος & ὄντας (1)

Alternate translation: “sharing in grace with me”

of grace

Quote: χάριτος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

Here, grace refers to the way that God kindly gives us good things that we do not deserve. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun grace with a verb or adjective. In this context, Paul considers both his imprisonment and his ministry of defending and confirming the gospel to be gifts from God. Alternate translation: “of God’s gracious gift” or “in experiencing how kind God is”

my chains

Quote: δεσμοῖς μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Paul refers to his imprisonment in Rome by using the phrase my chains. Paul was chained to a guard and the Philippian Christians would have understood that Paul was referring to his imprisonment when he used the phrase my chains because of the close association between chains and being in prison. If this association is not clear in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or use plain language. Alternate translation: “my imprisonment”

and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel

Quote: καὶ ἐν τῇ ἀπολογίᾳ καὶ βεβαιώσει τοῦ εὐαγγελίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words translated defense and confirmation could be used to refer to defending and confirming in a court of law the truth of something against which a charge was made. These two words mean very similar things. The repetition is used to emphasize that this is hard work. If your language has one word for these ideas, use that here and add emphasis another way. If there is a word or phrase that could be used with this legal sense but could also be used in the context of defending the gospel, consider using it here. Alternate translation: “and as I contend for the truth of the gospel” or “and as I labor to show people that the gospel is true”

Philippians 1:8

with the inner parts of Christ Jesus

Quote: ἐν σπλάγχνοις Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The Greek word translated as inner parts is a term which refers to body organs, particularly to the intestines, liver, lungs, and heart. Paul is using inner parts to refer to love or affection. You can use the body part that represents the seat of affection in your language, or translate the plain meaning. Alternate translation: “with the heart of Christ Jesus” or “with the affection of Christ Jesus”

with the inner parts of Christ Jesus

Quote: ἐν σπλάγχνοις Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ (1)

Here, the inner parts of Christ Jesus could mean: (1) the same kind of love as Christ Jesus gives to people. (2) love that originates with Christ Jesus. Alternate translation: “with love that comes from Christ Jesus”

Philippians 1:9

that your love would abound still more and more

Quote: ἵνα ἡ ἀγάπη ὑμῶν ἔτι μᾶλλον καὶ μᾶλλον περισσεύῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun love with the verb form. Alternate translation: “that you will be able to love others more and more abundantly”

your

Quote: ὑμῶν (1)

See how you translated the word your in Philippians 1:5.

in knowledge and all understanding

Quote: ἐν ἐπιγνώσει καὶ πάσῃ αἰσθήσει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns knowledge and understanding with verb phrases. Alternate translation: “and that God will enable you to see the truth about Him and teach you to love wisely”

Philippians 1:10

so that you may approve {what} excels

Quote: εἰς τὸ δοκιμάζειν ὑμᾶς τὰ διαφέροντα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The word {what} here refers to that which a person does, and the word excels here refers to something that is best, according to God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state these things explicitly. Alternate translation: “so that you may approve and choose to do what pleases God the most”

so that

Quote: εἰς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the phrase so that shows that what follows this phrase is the desired result of Paul’s prayer in verse nine. Consider using a connecting word or phrase that will clearly show that what follows it is the desired result of what Paul prayed in verse nine.

pure and blameless

Quote: εἰλικρινεῖς καὶ ἀπρόσκοποι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words pure and blameless have very similar meanings. Paul uses these two words together to emphasize the idea of moral purity. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these two words and translate them as one idea. Alternate translation: “completely innocent”

Philippians 1:11

being filled with the fruit of righteousness {that is

Quote: πεπληρωμένοι καρπὸν δικαιοσύνης τὸν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, the phrase being filled with is a metaphor meaning to be occupied in doing something. The phrase the fruit of righteousness is a metaphor which refers to what characterizes a person, namely what a person produces. This metaphor is a comparison between a good tree that produces good fruit and a person who is filled with righteousness and produces good actions as a result. So with these two metaphors, Paul is telling the Philippians to be occupied in doing righteous deeds. If this would be unclear in your language, you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “filling your lives with the righteous deeds that are” or “habitually doing the good works that are”

being filled with

Quote: πεπληρωμένοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

The phrase being filled with is a passive form. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “letting God fill you with” or “continually producing”

that is} through Jesus Christ

Quote: τὸν διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, the phrase through Christ Jesus is a metaphor meaning that Christ Jesus is the one who makes it possible for a person to be righteous and thus to do the things that a righteous person does. Alternate translation: “that Christ Jesus produces in you” or “that Christ Jesus enables you to produce”

to the glory and praise of God

Quote: εἰς δόξαν καὶ ἔπαινον Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns glory and praise with verbs. Alternate translation: “which will cause people to glorify and praise God”

to the glory and praise of God

Quote: εἰς δόξαν καὶ ἔπαινον Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words glory and praise mean very similar things here. They are used together to emphasize how much people will praise God. If you have one word for this in your language, you could use it here and show emphasis another way. Alternate translation: “which will cause people to greatly praise God” or “which will cause people to declare how great God is”

Philippians 1:12

brothers

Quote: ἀδελφοί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the term brothers is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a spiritual sense to include both men and women who believe in Jesus. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters”

brothers

Quote: ἀδελφοί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul is using the term brothers here to refer to anyone who is a fellow believer in Jesus. If this is not clear in your language, you could express this plainly. Alternative translation, “my companions who believe in Jesus”

the things concerning me

Quote: τὰ κατ’ ἐμὲ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase the things concerning me refers to Paul’s imprisonment. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the things I have suffered because I was put into prison for preaching about Jesus”

have really happened for the advancement of the gospel

Quote: μᾶλλον εἰς προκοπὴν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ἐλήλυθεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The phrase advancement of the gospel refers to an increasing number of people hearing and believing the gospel. Alternate translation: “have actually caused more people to hear the gospel”

Philippians 1:13

As a result

Quote: ὥστε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the phrase As a result shows that what follows this phrase is the result of Paul’s circumstances which he began discussing in verse 12, namely, his imprisonment. Consider using a connecting word or phrase that will clearly show that what follows it is the result of Paul’s imprisonment.

my chains

Quote: δεσμούς μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Paul again refers to his imprisonment in a figurative way by using the phrase my chains. See how you translated this phrase in 1:7.

my chains in Christ

Quote: τοὺς δεσμούς μου & ἐν Χριστῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase my chains in Christ means that Paul is imprisoned because of his work for the cause of Christ. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “my chains for the sake of Christ” or “my chains because I teach people about Christ” or “my chains for the cause of Christ”

Philippians 1:14

of the brothers

Quote: τῶν ἀδελφῶν (1)

See how you translated brothers in the previous verse 1:12.

of the brothers

Quote: τῶν ἀδελφῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul is using the term brothers here to refer to anyone who is a fellow believer in Jesus. If this is not clear in your language, you could express this plainly. Alternative translation, “my companions who believe in Jesus”

have become confident in the Lord by my chains

Quote: ἐν Κυρίῳ πεποιθότας τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The phrase encouraged in the Lord means that the Philippian Christians had grown in their trust of the Lord because of Paul’s imprisonment. Alternate translation: “trust the Lord more because of my chains” or “have received more courage from the Lord as a result of my imprisonment”

And most of the brothers have become confident in the Lord by my chains

Quote: καὶ τοὺς πλείονας τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἐν Κυρίῳ πεποιθότας τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who or what caused the action. Alternate translation: “The Lord has encouraged most of the brothers because of my chains” or “My chains have given most of the brothers more trust in the Lord”

by my chains

Quote: δεσμοῖς μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Paul is referring to his imprisonment by mentioning one part of it: the chains that bound his feet and hands. If this is unclear in your language, you could mention the imprisonment directly. See how you translated the phrase my chains in 1:7 and 1:13. Alternate translation: “because of my imprisonment”

the word

Quote: τὸν λόγον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word refers to the message from God about Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the gospel” or “the good news” or “God’s message”

Philippians 1:15

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: Some indeed even proclaim Christ (0)

Beginning in this verse, and extending to the end of 1:17, Paul uses a poetic device called chiasm that could be confusing in some languages. You may need to reorder certain things in 1:15–17 if it would be more natural in your language. See the UST.

Some indeed even proclaim Christ

Quote: τινὲς μὲν καὶ & τὸν Χριστὸν κηρύσσουσιν (1)

Alternate translation: “Some people are preaching the good news about Jesus”

because of envy and strife

Quote: διὰ φθόνον καὶ ἔριν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns envy and strife by using them in a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “because they are envious and seek their own evil purposes”

goodwill

Quote: εὐδοκίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun goodwill by using it in a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “their desire that others would know Jesus Christ”

Philippians 1:16

from love

Quote: ἐξ ἀγάπης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here the object of the word love is not specified. You can leave the object of love unspecified or, if it is needed in your language, you may specify the object of love. Here, the word love could refer to: (1) love for Paul. Alternate translation: “because of their love for me” (2) love for Christ. Alternate translation: “The ones who proclaim the good news because they love Christ” (3) love for multiple objects, such as Paul and Christ and those who have not yet heard or believed in the gospel. Alternate translation: “The ones who proclaim the good news because of their love for me, and Jesus, and those who do not believe”

I am appointed

Quote: κεῖμαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

You could state the phrase I am appointed in active form. Alternate translation: “God appointed me”

for the defense of the gospel

Quote: εἰς ἀπολογίαν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul is speaking of the gospel as though it were a place or person that could be attacked. If this is confusing in your language, you can use plain language. See how you translated “defense and confirmation of the gospel” in 1:7. Alternate translation: “to prove that the message about Jesus is true”

I am appointed for the defense of the gospel

Quote: εἰς ἀπολογίαν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου κεῖμαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase I am appointed could refer to: (1) God appointing Paul’s current situation of being in prison. Alternate translation: “I am assigned to be here for the defense of the gospel” (2) God appointing Paul to the ministry of defending the gospel. Alternate translation: “God has delegated me to the ministry of publicly defending the truth of the good news”

the defense of the gospel

Quote: ἀπολογίαν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου (1)

See how you translated the phrase “defense and confirmation of the gospel” in 1:7.

Philippians 1:17

but the ones from selfish ambition proclaim Christ

Quote: οἱ δὲ ἐξ ἐριθείας τὸν Χριστὸν καταγγέλλουσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun ambition with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “but they proclaim Christ only to make themselves seem important”

not sincerely

Quote: οὐχ ἁγνῶς (1)

Alternate translation: “with wrong motives” or “from wrong motives”

in my chains

Quote: τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Paul is referring to his imprisonment by mentioning one part of it: the chains that bound his feet and hands. If this is unclear in your language, you could mention the imprisonment directly. See how you translated the phrase my chains in 1:7 and 1:13. Alternate translation: “because of my imprisonment”

supposing to raise up trouble in my chains

Quote: οἰόμενοι θλῖψιν ἐγείρειν τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

If it would be clearer in your language, you could state how the selfish preachers suppose that they are causing trouble to Paul. You could also start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They hope to cause me trouble in my imprisonment by their preaching”

Philippians 1:18

What then

Quote: τί γάρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

The phrase What then? is a rhetorical question. If using a rhetorical question would be confusing in your language, consider expressing the meaning of this rhetorical question by changing it into a statement. Alternate translation: “But that does not matter!”

What then

Quote: τί γάρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

In the rhetorical question What then?, Paul leaves out some words that might be necessary in some languages. If you want to use a rhetorical question here, you may want to add the words which are implied but not stated. This could be done in two ways: (1) as a rhetorical question which expects a negative answer. Alternate translation: “What does it matter what their motives are?” or “So what difference does it make?” (2) as a phrase that focuses on the result. Alternate translation: “What then is the result of this?”

Christ is proclaimed

Quote: Χριστὸς καταγγέλλεται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

You can express the meaning of the passive form is proclaimed with an active form. Alternate translation: “we all proclaim Christ”

Philippians 1:19

this

Quote: τοῦτό (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word this refers to Paul’s current situation of being in prison and the things that accompanied it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “my imprisonment” or “my current condition in prison”

for I know that this will result to me in deliverance

Quote: οἶδα γὰρ ὅτι τοῦτό μοι ἀποβήσεται εἰς σωτηρίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning behind the abstract noun deliverance by using a verbal phrase. You could also say who does the action, if necessary. Alternate translation: “for I know that this will result in God delivering me”

the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ

Quote: ἐπιχορηγίας τοῦ Πνεύματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning behind the abstract noun provision by using a verbal phrase. You could also say who does the action, if necessary. Alternate translation: “by God providing to me the Spirit of Jesus Christ”

Philippians 1:20

eager expectation and hope

Quote: ἀποκαραδοκίαν καὶ ἐλπίδα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Both eager expectation and hope have similar meanings and together express a single idea. Paul uses these two words together to emphasize the strength of his expectation. If you have a single word or phrase in your language which expresses the meaning of these two words, consider using that to express the strength of the hope in another way. Alternate translation: “sincere expectation” or “sure hope”

according to my eager expectation and hope

Quote: κατὰ τὴν ἀποκαραδοκίαν καὶ ἐλπίδα μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

Both expectation and hope are abstract nouns. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express them together in a verb phrase. Alternate translation: “because I fully believe”

in my body

Quote: ἐν τῷ σώματί μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the phrase in my body is used to mean the activities that Paul does with his body. Paul speaks of his body because it was with his earthly body that he would serve God on earth until he died, as he explains in more detail in 1:22–24. Alternate translation: “in everything that I do”

I will in nothing be ashamed, but

Quote: ἐν οὐδενὶ αἰσχυνθήσομαι, ἀλλ’ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If the double-negative phrase in nothing be ashamed would be confusing in your language, you could translate it in a positive way. Alternate translation: “I will always do the right thing and”

in everything have boldness

Quote: ἐν πάσῃ παρρησίᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun boldness with a similar adverb. Alternate translation: “always act boldly”

whether through life or through death

Quote: εἴτε διὰ ζωῆς εἴτε διὰ θανάτου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns life and death with their verbal forms. Alternate translation: “whether I live or I die”

Philippians 1:21

is} gain

Quote: κέρδος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If the abstract noun gain would be unclear in your language, you may express the meaning behind this word by using a verb phrase. Alternate translation: “to die is to go to Christ” or “to die would give me more blessing”

Philippians 1:22

in the flesh

Quote: ἐν σαρκί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here Paul is using the word flesh to refer to his entire body. The phrase in the flesh then refers to living as physical beings. If this would be confusing in your language, consider using a different word or phrase that refers to this present physical life. Alternate translation: “on this earth” or “in this world”

this {is} fruitful labor for me

Quote: τοῦτό μοι καρπὸς ἔργου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, the word fruitful refers to Paul’s work producing good results. This is a metaphor in which Paul’s anticipated productive work is compared to a plant or tree which produces good fruit. Alternate translation: “this will mean effectively serving God” or “this will mean productively working for the advancement of the gospel”

this {is} fruitful labor for me

Quote: τοῦτό μοι καρπὸς ἔργου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If the an abstract noun labor would be unclear in your language, you may express the meaning behind this word by using a verb phrase. Alternate translation: “I will accomplish something important”

Philippians 1:23

But I am hard pressed between the two

Quote: συνέχομαι δὲ ἐκ τῶν δύο (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The phrase I am hard pressed between the two is a metaphor. Paul speaks as if he were experiencing literal pressure from two opposite sides at the same time. Paul uses this figurative expression to show his difficulty in deciding which decision is best, if given the option between living or dying. If this would be confusing in your language, you could translate this phrase using a metaphor that would make sense in your language, or you could choose to use plain language to express it. Alternate translation: “both options have their advantages, so the decision is not an easy one for me”

I am hard pressed

Quote: συνέχομαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

The phrase I am hard pressed is in passive form. If this would be confusing in your language, you could express the meaning behind this phrase by using a verb phrase that is in the active voice. Alternate translation: “It is not easy for me to decide”

the two

Quote: τῶν δύο (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase the two refers to the two options regarding what decision is best. The choice of continuing to live on earth and serve Christ or its alternative, the choice of leaving earth to be with Christ. If the phrase the two would be confusing in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “these two options” or “these two choices”

having the desire

Quote: τὴν ἐπιθυμίαν ἔχων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If the word abstract noun desire would be unclear in your language, you could express the meaning of this word by using the verbal form. Alternate translation: “yearning” or “preferring”

to depart

Quote: ἀναλῦσαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism

Here Paul is referring to his death with the phrase to depart. Instead of focusing on the unpleasantness of death, Paul is using the word depart to focus on the positive result of his death, namely, that his physical death will result in his being with Christ. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a different euphemism or express this plainly. Alternate translation: “to leave this life” or “to depart from this earth” or “to die”

Philippians 1:24

but to remain in the flesh

Quote: τὸ δὲ ἐπιμένειν ἐν τῇ σαρκὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

The phrase but remain in the flesh means to remain alive in one’s body on earth. See how you translated flesh in 1:22. If this would be unclear in your language, consider stating this plainly. Alternate translation: “but to continue in the body” or “but to continue to live on this earth”

is} more necessary

Quote: ἀναγκαιότερον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

In the phrase {is} more necessary Paul leaves out the implied words “than departing” because he knows that his readers will understand them from the context. If this would be unclear in your language, consider supplying these omitted words in your translation. Alternate translation: “rather than departing is more necessary”

your

Quote: ὑμᾶς (1)

See how you translated the word your in 1:5.

Philippians 1:25

And having become confident of this

Quote: καὶ τοῦτο πεποιθὼς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The word this refers back to 1:24 where Paul said that he believed it was more necessary that he remain alive on earth so that he could continue helping the Philippian Christians mature in their faith. If this would be unclear in your language, consider further explaining the word this in your translation. Alternate translation: “And being sure that it is better for you that I remain” or “And having been convinced that I should remain here on earth”

having become confident of this

Quote: τοῦτο πεποιθὼς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “because I am sure of this”

I will remain

Quote: μενῶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word remain refers to remaining alive on earth in one’s body in contrast to dying and leaving the earth to be with Christ. See how you translated the word remain in 1:24 and make the meaning the same here. Alternate translation: “I will continue living on this earth”

I will remain and will continue with

Quote: μενῶ καὶ παραμενῶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two words mean very similar things. The first is more general and the second is more specific about remaining with someone. If your language has one word for both of these meanings, you could use that here. Alternate translation: “I will continue with”

you

Quote: ὑμῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

See how you translated the word you in 1:2.

for your progress and joy

Quote: εἰς τὴν ὑμῶν προκοπὴν καὶ χαρὰν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns progress and joy with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “so that you will advance and be joyful”

for your progress and joy

Quote: εἰς τὴν ὑμῶν προκοπὴν καὶ χαρὰν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase, progress and joy, may be expressing a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word joy tells how it feels to progress in faith. Alternate translation: “joyful progress”

your

Quote: ὑμῶν (1)

See how you translated the word your in 1:5.

in the faith

Quote: τῆς πίστεως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun faith with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “in trusting Jesus”

Philippians 1:26

so that

Quote: ἵνα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here, the phrase so that indicates that what follows is the purpose of what came before it. The purpose of Paul remaining alive, (1:25), was to increase the Philippian’s boasting in Christ. In your translation, use the method your language uses to indicate purpose.

boasting in

Quote: καύχημα & ἐν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun boasting by expressing its meaning in a verb phrase or in some other way that would be natural in your language. Alternate translation: “glorying in” or “rejoicing in”

coming

Quote: παρουσίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

Here the word coming describes Paul’s travel from the perspective of the Philippians. In your language, it may be more natural to describe his travel from Paul’s perspective and use a word such as “going.” Here and in verse 27, use the word or phrase that is most natural in your language.

through my coming

Quote: διὰ τῆς ἐμῆς παρουσίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here the word through could refer to: (1) the reason the Philippians would greatly boast in Christ. Therefore, the word through means “because”. Alternate translation: … because of my coming” (2) the means by which the Philippians would greatly boast in Christ. Therefore, the word through means “by”. Alternate translation: “by my coming”

Philippians 1:27

having come

Quote: ἐλθὼν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

Your language may have a different way of expressing the motion described by the word come. Here, the word come refers to Paul traveling to where the Philippians live and visiting them. See how you translated the form of this word in the previous verse, 1:26.

conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ

Quote: ἀξίως τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τοῦ Χριστοῦ πολιτεύεσθε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

This is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people.

you stand firm

Quote: στήκετε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, the phrase stand firm is used to mean not changing one’s beliefs but, rather, remaining steadfast in what one believes. If this would be unclear in your language, consider using an equivalent expression from your language, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “you be unmoved” or “you remain strong in your faith”

in one spirit, with one soul

Quote: ἐν ἑνὶ πνεύματι, μιᾷ ψυχῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Here, the phrases in one spirit and with one soul mean essentially the same thing and are used together to emphasize the importance of unity. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate them together as one expression and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “unified as one spirit” or “with complete unity”

in one spirit, with one soul

Quote: ἐν ἑνὶ πνεύματι, μιᾷ ψυχῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, the phrases in one spirit and with one soul are used to mean “to have unity in one’s primary purposes and beliefs.” Both phrases refer to being in agreement about what matters. If these expressions would be confusing in your language, you may use plain language or use a similar expression from your language. Alternate translation: “with one mind” or “with singleness of purpose” or “in full agreement”

striving together

Quote: συναθλοῦντες (1)

Alternate translation: “cooperating together in the work”

for the faith of the gospel

Quote: τῇ πίστει τοῦ εὐαγγελίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

Here, the abstract noun faith in the phrase the faith of the gospel refers to what believers understand and do as a result of believing the gospel, which is God’s message about Jesus.

Philippians 1:28

the ones opposing {you

Quote: τῶν ἀντικειμένων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase the ones opposing you refers to the people who were opposing the Philippian Christians and causing them trouble. If this would be unclear in your language, consider stating this plainly. Alternate translation: “the people opposing you” or “the people opposing you because you believe in Jesus”

This is a sign to them

Quote: ἥτις ἐστὶν αὐτοῖς ἔνδειξις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The word This in the phrase This is a sign to them refers to the lack of fear because of their faith that the Philippian believers will have when they are opposed.

of their destruction

Quote: ἀπωλείας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun destruction by using a verb form or by expressing it in some other way that would be clear in your language. Alternate translation: “that God will destroy them”

of … salvation

Quote: σωτηρίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun salvation by using a verb form of this word or by expressing it in some other way that would be clear in your language. Alternate translation:

this from God

Quote: τοῦτο ἀπὸ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The word this in the phrase this from God could refer to: (1) what comes before it in this verse, both the courage God gives the Philippian Christians and the sign that their courage gives to those opposing them. Alternate translation: “your lack of fear and the evidence it gives is all from God” (2) the sign given to those who oppose the Philippian Christians. Alternate translation: “this sign is from God”

Philippians 1:29

it has been freely given to you

Quote: ὑμῖν ἐχαρίσθη τὸ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

You could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “God has graciously granted to you”

Philippians 1:30

having the same struggle

Quote: τὸν αὐτὸν ἀγῶνα ἔχοντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If the abstract noun struggle would be confusing in your language, you could express it with a verb phrase, as the UST does, or by expressing the idea behind this word in some other way that would be clear in your language. Alternate translation: “facing the same strife” or “enduring the same trials”

having the same struggle which you saw in me

Quote: τὸν αὐτὸν ἀγῶνα ἔχοντες, οἷον εἴδετε ἐν ἐμοὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, the word struggle is a figurative way of referring to the conflict that Paul and the Philippian believers had with people who opposed them because of their faith. Paul speaks of it here as if it were a military battle or an athletic competition. If this would be unclear in your language, you could state this in plain language. Alternate translation: “as you experience the same opposition from people that you saw that I experienced”

you saw in me, and now you hear in me

Quote: εἴδετε ἐν ἐμοὶ, καὶ νῦν ἀκούετε ἐν ἐμοί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the phrase in me occurs twice, both times referring to what Paul is experiencing. If this would be unclear in your language, you could express this in a way that is understandable in your language. Alternate translation: “you saw me experience and now hear that I am experiencing”

Philippians 2

Philippians 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations, like the ULT, set apart the lines of verses 6–11. These verses describe the example of Christ. They teach important truths about the person of Jesus.

Special concepts in this chapter

Practical instructions

In this chapter Paul gives many practical instructions to the church in Philippi.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“If there is any”

This appears as though it is a type of hypothetical statement. However, it is not a hypothetical statement, because it expresses something that is true. The translator may also translate this phrase as “Since there is.”

Philippians 2:1

Therefore

Quote: οὖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

The word Therefore indicates that what follows is the natural result of or conclusion to what preceded it. Use the most natural form in your language to show this relationship.

if {there is} any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affections and compassions

Quote: εἴ τις & παράκλησις ἐν Χριστῷ, εἴ τι παραμύθιον ἀγάπης, εἴ τις κοινωνία Πνεύματος, εἴ τις σπλάγχνα καὶ οἰκτιρμοί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase if {there is} any, which occurs one time in this verse, and the phrase if any, which occurs three times in this verse, appear to be hypothetical statements. However, they are not hypothetical, because they each express things which are true. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning of these phrases explicitly. Alternate translation: “because of the encouragement which comes from Christ, because there is comfort from his love, because of the fellowship of the Spirit, because you have affections and compassions” or “since Christ has encouraged you, since there is comfort from his love, since there is fellowship in the Spirit, since you have affections and compassions”

if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affections and compassions

Quote: εἴ τι παραμύθιον ἀγάπης, εἴ τις κοινωνία Πνεύματος, εἴ τις σπλάγχνα καὶ οἰκτιρμοί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

In the three occurrences of the phrase if any in this verse, the missing words, “there is,” are implied and can be supplied in your translation if omitting them would cause confusion. Alternate translation: “if there is any comfort from love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if there are any affections and compassions”

if {there is} any encouragement in Christ

Quote: εἴ τις & παράκλησις ἐν Χριστῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

Connecting Statement:

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun encouragement by using a verbal form of this word. Alternate translation: “if Christ encourages you”

if {there is} any encouragement in Christ

Quote: εἴ τις & παράκλησις ἐν Χριστῷ (1)

Connecting Statement:

Here, the word encouragement could refer to: (1) “encouragement” (2) “exhortation” Alternate translation: “if there is any exhortation in Christ” (3) both the idea of “encouragement” and “exhortation” at the same time. Alternate translation: “if there is any encouragement and exhortation in Christ”

if {there is} any encouragement in Christ

Quote: εἴ τις & παράκλησις ἐν Χριστῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Connecting Statement:

Here, the phrase, encouragement in Christ probably means the encouragement that Christ gives to believers because they are in union with him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “because of the encouragement which comes from Christ” or “if Christ encourages you” or “because you are encouraged by being in Christ” or “since you are encouraged because of your union with Christ”

if any comfort of love

Quote: εἴ τι παραμύθιον ἀγάπης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, love probably refers to Christ’s love for the Philippians. Alternate translation: “if his love has given you any comfort” or “if his love for you has comforted you in any way”

if any comfort of love

Quote: εἴ τι παραμύθιον ἀγάπης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns comfort and love by using verbal forms of these words and/or using them in a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “if Christ’s love for you has comforted you” or “if being loved by Christ has comforted you” or “if Christ’s love comforts you”

if any comfort of love

Quote: εἴ τι παραμύθιον ἀγάπης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase comfort of love refers to the comfort which the Philippian believers received from Christ’s love. If it would be clearer in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “if you have received any comfort from Christ’s love” or “if Christ’s love comforts you”

if any fellowship of the Spirit

Quote: εἴ τις κοινωνία Πνεύματος (1)

The phrase fellowship of the Spirit could refer to: (1) the Holy Spirit giving the Philippian Christians fellowship with each other. Alternate translation: “if the Spirit has produced any fellowship among you” or “if the Spirit has given you fellowship with each other” (2) the Philippian Christians’ fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “if you have fellowship with the Spirit” (3) both the Holy Spirit giving the Philippian Christians fellowship with each other and to their having fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “if you have any fellowship with the Spirit and the Spirit has produced in you any fellowship with each other”

if any fellowship of the Spirit

Quote: εἴ τις κοινωνία Πνεύματος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun fellowship by using it in a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “if the Spirit has produced any fellowship among you” or “if the Spirit has given you fellowship with each other”

if any affections and compassions

Quote: εἴ τις σπλάγχνα καὶ οἰκτιρμοί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns affections and compassions by using them in a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “if you feel any affection and compassion for one another” or “if you have any affection and compassion for each other”

if any affections and compassions

Quote: εἴ τις σπλάγχνα καὶ οἰκτιρμοί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase if any affections and compassions probably refers to the Philippian believers’ affection and compassion toward each other. If it would be clearer in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “if you have any affection and compassion toward one another”.

Philippians 2:2

fulfill my joy

Quote: πληρώσατέ μου τὴν χαρὰν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of joy, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun joy by using an adjective or verb. Alternate translation: “make me overflow with happiness”

you might think the same

Quote: τὸ αὐτὸ φρονῆτε (1)

Alternate translation: “you think together as one”

having the same love

Quote: τὴν αὐτὴν ἀγάπην ἔχοντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of love, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun love with an adjective or verb. Alternate translation: “love each other”

united in soul

Quote: σύνψυχοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Paul’s use of the idiom, united in soul, is a figurative way of asking the Philippians to be unified and to agree about what is important. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “be one in spirit” or “be one in heart and will” or “agree about what is important” or “be unified”

thinking the one thing

Quote: τὸ ἓν φρονοῦντες (1)

Alternate translation: “being concerned about the same things”

Philippians 2:3

Do} nothing according to selfish ambition

Quote: μηδὲν κατ’ ἐριθείαν (1)

Alternate translation: “Do not be selfishly ambitious” or “Do not do anything with an attitude of self-importance”

or according to empty conceit

Quote: μηδὲ κατὰ κενοδοξίαν (1)

Alternate translation: “or with empty pride”

or according to empty conceit

Quote: μηδὲ κατὰ κενοδοξίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun conceit by using an adjective or some other way. Alternate translation: “or with prideful motives”

but with humility considering others better than yourselves

Quote: ἀλλὰ τῇ ταπεινοφροσύνῃ ἀλλήλους ἡγούμενοι ὑπερέχοντας ἑαυτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun humility by using an adjective or some other way. Alternate translation: “but rather, act in a humble way by considering others more important than yourselves”

Philippians 2:4

each one not considering the things of themselves, but also the things of each other

Quote: μὴ τὰ ἑαυτῶν ἕκαστος σκοποῦντες, ἀλλὰ καὶ τὰ ἑτέρων ἕκαστοι (1)

Alternate translation: “each of you caring not only about what you need, but also about what others need”

each one

Quote: ἕκαστος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase each one here means “each person” and refers to all of the Philippian believers. If it would be clearer in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “every one of you” or “each of you”

not considering

Quote: μὴ & σκοποῦντες (1)

Alternate translation: “not thinking about”

of themselves

Quote: ἑαυτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns

Here, the reflexive pronoun themselves is plural in form in the original language in which Paul wrote this letter. If your language has a plural form for this pronoun, consider using it here. Alternate translation: “of yourselves”

of themselves

Quote: ἑαυτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns

Here, the reflexive pronoun themselves refers back to each one at the beginning of the verse. Alternate translation: “of yourselves”

Philippians 2:5

Have this attitude in you which also {was} in Christ Jesus

Quote: τοῦτο φρονεῖτε ἐν ὑμῖν, ὃ καὶ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ (1)

Alternate translation: “Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had”

Have this attitude in you which also {was} in Christ Jesus

Quote: τοῦτο φρονεῖτε ἐν ὑμῖν, ὃ καὶ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of attitude, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun attitude with a verb such as “think.” Alternate translation: “Think about one another the way Christ Jesus thought of people”

Have this attitude

Quote: τοῦτο φρονεῖτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

This is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian believers. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. Alternate translation: “Every one of you should have this attitude”

Have this attitude in you which also {was} in Christ Jesus

Quote: τοῦτο φρονεῖτε ἐν ὑμῖν, ὃ καὶ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here the phrase Have this attitude in you which also {was} in Christ Jesus means that a believer is to have the same attitude and disposition which Christ Jesus had and which characterized his behavior. If it would be helpful in your language, consider stating it explicitly. Alternate translation: “Think the same way that Christ Jesus did” or “Have the same values which Christ Jesus also had”

Philippians 2:6

existing in the form of God

Quote: ἐν μορφῇ Θεοῦ ὑπάρχων (1)

The phrase existing in the form of God means that Jesus had the very nature of God. It does not mean that Jesus only appeared to be God, but was not God. This phrase is saying that Jesus was fully God. The rest of this verse and the next two verses explain that Jesus, while being fully God, humbled himself and acted as a servant, in obedience to God. Avoid any translation that would suggest that Jesus was not fully God. Alternate translation: “being fully God” or “though everything that is true of God is true of him”

did not consider

Quote: οὐχ & ἡγήσατο (1)

Alternate translation: “did not think” or “did not regard”

something to be grasped

Quote: ἁρπαγμὸν (1)

Alternate translation: “something to be held onto” or “something to be retained”

Philippians 2:7

Instead

Quote: ἀλλὰ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

The word Instead introduces a contrast between the preceding clause in 2:6 and what is expressed about Jesus in this verse and the next two verses. The contrast is made between Jesus’ choice to retain his divine rights and privileges, or to surrender them. Choose the best form in your language to show the contrast that Instead expresses here. Alternate translation: “On the contrary” or “Rather” or “But instead”

Instead, he emptied himself

Quote: ἀλλὰ ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the pronoun he refers to Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, consider the best way to express the meaning of he to show that it refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “Instead, Jesus emptied himself”

he emptied himself

Quote: ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns

Here, the reflexive pronoun himself refers to Jesus and is used to emphasize the fact that Jesus freely and intentionally chose to empty himself of divine rights and privileges. Consider the best way to express the emphatic element of this pronoun in your language. Alternate translation: “he willingly set aside divine privileges”

he emptied himself

Quote: ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, Paul statement that Christ emptied himself is figurative, and not literal. By using the figurative phrase he emptied himself, Paul is vividly expressing that Christ chose to give up his divine rights and privileges when he became human. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “he gave up divine rights and privileges” or “he willingly set aside divine privileges”

having taken the form of a servant

Quote: μορφὴν δούλου λαβών (1)

The phrase, having taken the form of a servant, means that Jesus acted as a servant while on earth. It does not mean that Jesus simply appeared to be a servant. If it would be helpful in your language, consider using an equivalent expression from your language, or state this in plain language. Alternative translation, “and acted as a servant”

having been born in the likeness of men

Quote: ἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων γενόμενος (1)

The phrase having been born in the likeness of men means that Jesus became a human being. It does not mean that Jesus only appeared to be human. Rather, it means that Jesus, who always existed as God, chose to take on a human body and appear on earth in human form. If it would be helpful in your language, consider saying this in plain language. Alternate translation: “having become a human being”

in the likeness of men

Quote: ἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Here, the word men is emphasizing the idea of Jesus’ humanity rather than his gender. The word men is plural in form to emphasize the idea that Jesus resembled humanity in general. Consider the best way in your language to express this emphasis on Jesus’ humanity. Alternate translation: “in the likeness of human beings”

and having been found in appearance as a man

Quote: καὶ σχήματι εὑρεθεὶς ὡς ἄνθρωπος (1)

The phrase having been found in appearance as a man does not mean that Jesus appeared to be a man but was not a man. Rather, this phrase continues the thought of the previous phrase, having been born in the likeness of men, and means that Jesus became a human being and therefore was fully human in appearance. The phrase, in appearance, points out that Jesus appeared in all ways to be fully human. It also indicates that while being fully human, Jesus was distinct from the rest of humanity: He retained his full deity while being human and, therefore, he was both human and divine at the same time. Alternate translation: “and while being found in the form of a human being”

a man

Quote: ἄνθρωπος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Here the word man is emphasizing the idea of Jesus’ humanity rather than his gender. If your language has a way of expressing this emphasis on Jesus’ humanity, consider using the term that would most clearly express this. See how you translated the word men earlier in this verse. Alternate translation: “a human being”

Philippians 2:8

he humbled himself, having become obedient to the point of death

Quote: ἐταπείνωσεν ἑαυτὸν, γενόμενος ὑπήκοος μέχρι θανάτου (1)

The phrase having become clarifies or introduces the way that Jesus humbled himself. Choose the most natural form in your language to express this meaning. Alternate translation: “Jesus humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of dying” or “Jesus humbled himself this way, by obeying to the point of death” or “Jesus humbled himself, specifically, by obeying God to the point of death”

himself

Quote: ἑαυτὸν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns

The reflexive pronoun himself, which refers to Jesus, is used here to emphasize Jesus’ action of humbling himself. Consider the best way in your language to express the emphatic element of this pronoun.

having become obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross

Quote: γενόμενος ὑπήκοος μέχρι θανάτου, θανάτου δὲ σταυροῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the two occurrences in this verse of the abstract noun death with a verb such as “dying”. Alternate translation: “ having become obedient to the point of dying, even dying on a cross”

having become obedient to the point of death

Quote: γενόμενος ὑπήκοος μέχρι θανάτου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The phrase to the point of is an English idiom that translates a single Greek preposition. This preposition emphasizes the intensity of Jesus’ obedience to the Father by showing that death that follows as the extreme result of that obedience. Alternate translation: “ remaining obedient even though it resulted in him dying”

even death on a cross

Quote: θανάτου δὲ σταυροῦ (1)

The phrase even death on a cross emphasizes that dying on a cross was a very humiliating way to die. By using the word even and repeating the word death, Paul is emphasizing the great extent of Jesus’ humility and obedience. Think about the best way in your language to show the emphasis provided by the phrase even death on a cross. Alternate translation: “even so far as dying on a cross” or “even to the extent of dying on a cross”

Philippians 2:9

Therefore

Quote: διὸ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word Therefore shows the reason and result relationship between what comes before this word and what follows it. Here, Therefore introduces the result of Jesus humbling himself, as was described in 2:6–8. Choose the form in your language that best expresses the reason and result relationship expressed by the word Therefore. Alternate translation: “Because of this” or “Because Jesus acted this way”

highly exalted him

Quote: αὐτὸν ὑπερύψωσεν (1)

Alternate translation: “greatly honored him”

the name {that is} above every name

Quote: τὸ ὄνομα τὸ ὑπὲρ πᾶν ὄνομα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name is a metonym that refers to the status or position associated with someone’s name. Alternate translation: “the position that is above every other position” or “the position that is higher than any other position” or “the rank that is above every other rank”

Philippians 2:10

so that

Quote: ἵνα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The phrase so that connects this verse with the preceding verse, 2:9 and shows that this verse and the next verse are the result of 2:9. Use the most natural form in your language to show this connection.

at the name of Jesus every knee would bend

Quote: ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ, πᾶν γόνυ κάμψῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, every knee bending is an idiomatic way of saying that Jesus will be worshiped and honored by all. If this would be clear in your language, consider using this expression, but If it would be helpful in your language, consider using an equivalent expression to communicate the idea of worship.

at the name of Jesus every knee would bend

Quote: ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ, πᾶν γόνυ κάμψῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name is a metonym for the person, telling who it is they will worship. Alternate translation: “before the person of Jesus” or “every person and being will worship Jesus”

in heaven and on earth and under the earth

Quote: ἐπουρανίων καὶ ἐπιγείων καὶ καταχθονίων (1)

Paul uses the phrase in heaven and on earth and under the earth to include to all beings, including human beings and angels. This phrase emphasizes that all beings everywhere will bow in reverence to Jesus. Consider the best way to express this in your language. Alternate translation: “every being in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth”

Philippians 2:11

every tongue would confess

Quote: πᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσηται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here Paul uses the word tongue to represent the mouth and what comes out of the mouth. Paul is describing what is said by associating it with the tongue. If this is not clear in your language, you could use an equivalent expression, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “every mouth will declare” or “every being will say” or “everyone will say”

to the glory of God the Father

Quote: εἰς δόξαν Θεοῦ Πατρὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here the word to expresses result. Alternate translation: “with the result that God the Father will be honored”

to the glory of God the Father

Quote: εἰς δόξαν Θεοῦ Πατρὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun glory by using a verbal form of this word or by some other way. Alternate translation: “and honor God the Father”

Philippians 2:12

So then

Quote: ὥστε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Connecting Statement:

The phrase So then shows that what follows it is the desired result of what preceded it in 2:5–11. Use the most natural form in your language to show this relationship. Alternate translation: “Therefore”

my beloved

Quote: ἀγαπητοί μου (1)

Here, the word beloved refers to the believers in Philippi. Paul uses this word to express how much he loves them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent phrase in your language that expresses love and affection. Alternate translation: “my dear fellow believers”

as in my presence

Quote: ὡς ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ μου (1)

Alternate translation: “when I was present with you”

in my absence

Quote: ἐν τῇ ἀπουσίᾳ μου (1)

Alternate translation: “when I am not there with you”

work out your own salvation with fear and trembling

Quote: μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου τὴν ἑαυτῶν σωτηρίαν κατεργάζεσθε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of salvation, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun salvation by using a verbal form of this word or expressing it in some other way which describes God’s saving work. Alternate translation: “with fear and trembling, continue to work hard to do that which is proper for those whom God saves” or “with awe and reverence for God, work to do good things, as those whom God has saved”

with fear and trembling

Quote: μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Paul uses the words fear and trembling together to show the attitude of reverence that people should have for God. Consider the best way to express this idea in your language. These words have very similar meanings, so you can express them as one idea or translate them as two separate expressions. Alternate translation: “with awe and reverence for God” or “with deep reverence”

Philippians 2:13

working

Quote: ἐνεργῶν (1)

In the original language in which Paul wrote this letter, the word working expresses continuous action and emphasizes the ongoing nature of God’s work in believers. Consider the best way to express the continuous nature of this word in your language. Alternate translation: “continually working”

in you

Quote: ἐν ὑμῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo

The phrase in you could refer to: (1) God working individually within the heart of each of the Philippian believers. (2) God working among the Philippian believers as a whole. Alternate translation: “among you” (3) both option one and two simultaneously. Alternate translation: “in and among you” If your language allows you to keep the object of God’s work ambiguous, as it is in the ULT, this is the preferable option. If your language does not allow for this, choose one of the options above.

both to will and to work for his good pleasure

Quote: καὶ τὸ θέλειν, καὶ τὸ ἐνεργεῖν, ὑπὲρ τῆς εὐδοκίας (1)

Alternate translation: “to enable you to both desire to do, and to do, the things which him happy” or “so that you will want to do what pleases him, and will be able to do what pleases him”

Philippians 2:14

Do all things without complaining or arguing

Quote: πάντα ποιεῖτε χωρὶς γογγυσμῶν καὶ διαλογισμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The phrase Do all things without is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. Alternate translation: “Every one of you, make sure that you do not complain or argue in anything you do”

Philippians 2:15

blameless and pure

Quote: ἄμεμπτοι καὶ ἀκέραιοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words blameless and pure are very similar in meaning and are used together to emphasize the idea of living a morally pure life. You may translate these words individually, as the ULT does, or combine them together into one idea and express their meaning together as a single expression. Consider what would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “completely innocent”

children of God

Quote: τέκνα Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The phrase children of God is a metaphorical way of describing people who have entered into a father-child relationship with God by putting their faith and trust in Jesus. Here, children does not refer to those who are young, but only to the relationship that people have at any age to their father. If you translate children using a literal term, choose a word that can refer to people of any age in relation to their fathers. Alternate translation: “God’s spiritual offspring” or “spiritual children of God”

without blemish

Quote: ἄμωμα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase without blemish means being free from flaws or defects. Here the phrase without blemish specifically means being free from moral flaws or corruption. Consider using an equivalent phrase from your language that would be understood in this context, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “who abstain from all evil”

among whom you shine as lights in the world

Quote: ἐν οἷς φαίνεσθε ὡς φωστῆρες ἐν κόσμῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Paul is describing people by associating them with the world in which they live. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “among whom you shine as lights before the people in the world”

you shine as lights in the world

Quote: φαίνεσθε ὡς φωστῆρες ἐν κόσμῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, the word lights represents believers who are living in a righteous way that shows other people what is true and good. “Light”, is often used metaphorically in the Bible to represent truth and the righteous living that aligns with truth. In the Bible, light is often contrasted with darkness, which represents falsehood and living according to it. To shine as lights in the world means to live in a way that helps people see God’s truth and character. You can retain this metaphor or express this using plain language. Alternate translation: “you will be examples of God’s goodness and truth in the world”

in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation

Quote: μέσον γενεᾶς σκολιᾶς καὶ διεστραμμένης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words crooked and perverted are used together to emphasize the idea of extreme sinfulness. These two words are very similar in meaning. You may translate these words individually, as the ULT does, or combine them together into one idea and express their meaning together as a single expression. Consider what would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “among people who are very sinful”

Philippians 2:16

holding forth the word of life

Quote: λόγον ζωῆς ἐπέχοντες (1)

Here, holding forth could mean: (1) holding out to others the word of life. Alternate translation: “holding out the word of life” or “offering the word of life” (2) holding firmly to the word of life. Alternate translation: “holding tightly to the word of life” or “holding firmly to the word of life”

holding forth the word of life

Quote: λόγον ζωῆς ἐπέχοντες (1)

The phrase holding forth the word of life continues the thought from the previous verse and shows in more detail how Christians can become “blameless and pure, children of God” who “shine as lights in the world.” Consider the best way to show this connection in your language. Alternate translation: “as you hold forth the word of life”

the word of life

Quote: λόγον ζωῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase word of life refers to the good news about Jesus. If this would be unclear in your language, consider translating this phrase in plain language. Alternate translation: “the message that gives life” or “the life-giving gospel” or “the life-giving message”

the word

Quote: λόγον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the phrase the word means “the gospel.” In his writings, Paul often uses word to refer to the message of the gospel. In doing this, Paul is describing something Christians communicate to others by associating it with words. If this is not clear in your language, you could use an equivalent expression, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “the message” or “the gospel” or “the good news”

the word of life

Quote: λόγον ζωῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase the word of life could mean: (1) the word that gives people life. Alternate translation: “the word that gives life” (2) the word that is about life and that gives life. Alternate translation: “the word that is about life and gives life” (3) the word which contains life and has the ability to give people life. Alternate translation: “the word that contains and gives life” If your language allows you to keep the phrase the word of life ambiguous, this is the best option. If your language does not allow you to do this, you may specify clearly how the phrase of life is related to the word.

the word of life

Quote: λόγον ζωῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the abstract noun life by using it in a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “the life-giving word” or “the word which gives life”

for my boasting on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain nor labor in vain

Quote: εἰς καύχημα ἐμοὶ εἰς ἡμέραν Χριστοῦ, ὅτι οὐκ εἰς κενὸν ἔδραμον, οὐδὲ εἰς κενὸν ἐκοπίασα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

With the phrase for my boasting on the day of Christ, Paul introduces a reason that the Philippian believers should try to live out the things he has just told them to do in 2:12 and ending with the phrase “holding forth the word of life.” Paul here gives one reason for what he has just asked them to do. He says that if they live out what he has just told them, then when Christ returns, he can be proud of the fact that he did not work in vain among them. Consider the best way in your language to show this reason-result relationship. Alternate translation: “so that I will be able to boast on the day Christ returns that I did not run in vain or labor in vain”

for my boasting

Quote: εἰς καύχημα ἐμοὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, boasting refers to Paul being rightfully proud of God’s work in the lives of the Philippian believers. If it would be clearer in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “so that I may be rightfully proud of God’s work in you” or “so that I might glory in God’s work in you”

for my boasting

Quote: εἰς καύχημα ἐμοὶ (1)

Alternate translation: “so that I may boast” or “in order that I have good reason to glory”

on the day of Christ

Quote: εἰς ἡμέραν Χριστοῦ, (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase the day of Christ refers to the time in the future when Christ will return. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “when Christ returns” or “at the time Christ returns”

I did not run in vain nor labor in vain

Quote: οὐκ εἰς κενὸν ἔδραμον, οὐδὲ εἰς κενὸν ἐκοπίασα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

The phrases run in vain and labor in vain have very similar meanings here. Paul uses these two phrases together to emphasize how hard he has worked to help people believe in Christ and mature in their obedience and love for him. You may translate these two phrases separately, as the ULT does, or if it would be clearer in your language, you may translate them together as a single phrase. Alternate translation: “I did not work so hard for nothing” or “I did not work hard with no lasting results”

I did not run in vain

Quote: οὐκ εἰς κενὸν ἔδραμον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul uses the word run metaphorically to mean “work.” Here Paul specifically means that he worked for the advancement of the gospel among the Philippians. Paul uses the word run to bring to the Philippians’ minds the image of a runner who is racing toward a finish line in order to win a prize. If this image is familiar to people in your culture, consider using this metaphor. But if this image is not familiar to your readers, consider stating this idea in plain language. Alternate translation: “I did not work for the advancement of the gospel uselessly” or “I did not work for the spread of the good news for nothing” or “I did not run the race uselessly”

in vain … in vain

Quote: εἰς κενὸν (-1)

Alternate translation: “for no purpose … for no purpose” or “without positive results … without positive results” or “for nothing … for nothing”

nor labor in vain

Quote: οὐδὲ εἰς κενὸν ἐκοπίασα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul uses the word labor to refer to his spiritual work of sharing the gospel with the Philippian believers and working to help them grow in spiritual maturity. Paul assumes that his readers will know that he is referring to his spiritual work among them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “or work hard for nothing, trying to help you believe in Christ and obey him”

Philippians 2:17

But even if

Quote: ἀλλ’ εἰ καὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

But even if connects the idea of running and laboring for the advance of the gospel, which Paul discussed in 2:16, with what he says in the rest of this verse. Consider how to translate this phrase in your language in a way that shows this connection.

I am being poured out as an offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith

Quote: σπένδομαι ἐπὶ τῇ θυσίᾳ καὶ λειτουργίᾳ τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

The phrase I am being poured out as an offering on the sacrifice uses imagery from the Old Testament Jewish sacrificial system. A priest would sacrifice an animal on the altar as a burnt offering to God and then pour out wine as a drink offering to God, in order to make the sacrifice complete. See Num 28:7. If there is a gesture with similar meaning in your culture, consider using it here, but if this imagery would be confusing in your culture, consider translating this imagery using plain language. Alternate translation: “I work and give my life for your sake in order to complete the sacrificial service of your faith”

I am being poured out as an offering

Quote: σπένδομαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul uses the phrase I am being poured out as an offering to depict his imprisonment and suffering for the advancement of the gospel. Paul probably is also thinking of the fact that he could be killed in the future for preaching the gospel. If this metaphor would not be clear in your language, consider using plain language to express this idea.

I am being poured out as an offering

Quote: σπένδομαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the abstract noun offering by using a verbal form.

on the sacrifice and service of your faith

Quote: ἐπὶ τῇ θυσίᾳ καὶ λειτουργίᾳ τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “on your sacrifice and service which you offer because you believe”

on the sacrifice and service of your faith

Quote: ἐπὶ τῇ θυσίᾳ καὶ λειτουργίᾳ τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

The words sacrifice and service express a single idea by using two words connected by and. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this meaning as a single idea or phrase. Alternate translation: “to complete your sacrificial service which you offer because you believe the gospel”

I rejoice and rejoice with you all

Quote: χαίρω καὶ συνχαίρω πᾶσιν ὑμῖν (1)

The phrase I rejoice and rejoice with you all is Paul’s summary of his attitude toward his hard work and suffering on behalf of the Philippians, which he described in 2:16 and in this verse.

Philippians 2:18

in the same manner

Quote: τὸ & αὐτὸ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase in the same manner refers to the Philippian Christians rejoicing in the same manner that Paul said he would rejoice in previous verse 2:17. If this would be unclear in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “in the same way that I rejoice”

you also rejoice and rejoice with me

Quote: καὶ ὑμεῖς χαίρετε καὶ συνχαίρετέ μοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

Connecting Statement:

The phrases you also rejoice and rejoice with me are both commands or instructions given to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. Alternate translation: “I urge each of you to rejoice, and also to rejoice with me”

Philippians 2:19

Now I hope in the Lord Jesus

Quote: ἐλπίζω δὲ ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hope, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun hope with a verb form such as “hoping.”

Philippians 2:20

For I have no one like-minded

Quote: οὐδένα γὰρ ἔχω ἰσόψυχον (1)

Alternate translation: “For I have no one else who loves you like I do”

Philippians 2:21

for they all seek their own things, not the things of Jesus Christ

Quote: οἱ πάντες γὰρ τὰ ἑαυτῶν ζητοῦσιν, οὐ τὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here the words they and their refer to a group of people Paul does not think he can trust to help the believers in Philippi. If it would be helpful in your language, consider stating that explicitly. Alternate translation: “All the other people I might send to you seek what they want and not the things Jesus Christ wants”

Philippians 2:22

as a child with his father, he served with me in the gospel

Quote: ὡς πατρὶ τέκνον, σὺν ἐμοὶ ἐδούλευσεν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

The point of this comparison is that children learn from their fathers and try to follow and imitate them as they work alongside them. Paul was not Timothy’s biological father, but he uses this simile to illustrate how Timothy worked alongside him and learned from him as, together, they advanced the gospel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he learned from me and did what I did as he served with me in the gospel”

But you know his proven worth

Quote: τὴν δὲ δοκιμὴν αὐτοῦ γινώσκετε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun worth with an adjective such as “valuable” or in some other way. Alternate translation: “But you know how valuable Timothy is”

in the gospel

Quote: εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the gospel means the work of advancing the gospel. If it would be helpful in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “in gospel work” or “in working to spread the gospel” or “in the work of telling people the good news about Jesus”

Philippians 2:24

I am confident in the Lord that I myself will also come soon

Quote: πέποιθα & ἐν Κυρίῳ, ὅτι καὶ αὐτὸς ταχέως ἐλεύσομαι (1)

Alternate translation: “I am sure, if it is the Lord’s will, that I will also come soon”

that I myself will also come soon

Quote: ὅτι καὶ αὐτὸς ταχέως ἐλεύσομαι. (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word also expresses that Paul was confident that he would be able to visit the Philippian Christians too, in addition to sending Timothy to them. If it would be helpful in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “that I myself, in addition to Timothy, will also come soon”

that I myself will also come soon

Quote: ὅτι καὶ αὐτὸς ταχέως ἐλεύσομαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

Your language may say “go” instead of come in contexts such as this. Alternate translation: “that I myself will also go soon”

Philippians 2:25

Epaphroditus

Quote: Ἐπαφρόδιτον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Epaphroditus is the name of a man sent by the Philippian church to minister to Paul in prison.

my brother

Quote: ἀδελφὸν & μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the phrase my brother does not mean that Epaphroditus was Paul’s biological brother. Rather, Paul calls Epaphroditus his brother because they were both members of God’s spiritual family through their faith in Jesus Christ. If this would be unclear in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “my spiritual brother” or “my brother in Christ”

fellow soldier

Quote: συνστρατιώτην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the phrase fellow soldier does not mean that Epaphroditus and Paul were actual soldiers in a military. What Paul means is that he and Epaphroditus were spiritual soldiers fighting together beside God in the spiritual battle against Satan and evil. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this explicitly or modify the phrase fellow soldier to further explain what Paul means, or you could express the meaning of fellow soldier by turning it into a simile, as the UST does. Alternate translation: “fellow believer who works and struggles along with us” or “fellow soldier of God” or “fellow warrior for God”

your messenger and minister for my needs

Quote: ὑμῶν & ἀπόστολον καὶ λειτουργὸν τῆς χρείας μου (1)

Alternate translation: “who brings your messages to me and helps me in my need”

Philippians 2:26

he has been longing to be with you all, and he is distressed

Quote: ἐπιποθῶν ἦν πάντας ὑμᾶς, καὶ ἀδημονῶν (1)

Alternate translation: “he has wanted to be with you all and is deeply concerned”

seeing that he has been longing to be with you all, and he is distressed because you heard that he was sick

Quote: ἐπειδὴ ἐπιποθῶν ἦν πάντας ὑμᾶς, καὶ ἀδημονῶν διότι ἠκούσατε ὅτι ἠσθένησεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

In this verse all three uses of the pronoun he refer to Epaphroditus. If it would be helpful in your language, consider clarifying this in your translation in a way that would be natural. Alternate translation: “seeing that Epaphroditus has been longing to be with you all and is distressed because you heard that he was sick”

Philippians 2:27

For indeed he was sick nearly to death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but also on me, so that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow

Quote: καὶ γὰρ ἠσθένησεν παραπλήσιον θανάτῳ, ἀλλὰ ὁ Θεὸς ἠλέησεν αὐτόν, οὐκ αὐτὸν δὲ μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐμέ, ἵνα μὴ λύπην ἐπὶ λύπην σχῶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here the pronoun he refers to Epaphroditus, as do both uses of the pronoun him. If this would be unclear in your language, consider clarifying this in your translation. Alternate translation: “For indeed Epaphroditus was sick nearly to death. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but also on me, so that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow”

he was sick nearly to death

Quote: ἠσθένησεν παραπλήσιον θανάτῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun death with an adjective such as “dying” or with a verbal form such as died, as the UST does. Alternate translation: “he was sick nearly to the point of dying”

but God had mercy on him

Quote: ἀλλὰ ὁ Θεὸς ἠλέησεν αὐτόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of mercy, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun mercy with an adjective such as “merciful” or in some other way. Alternate translation: “but God was merciful to him”

sorrow upon sorrow

Quote: λύπην ἐπὶ λύπην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

If it would be helpful in your language, consider using an equivalent expression for sorrow upon sorrow, or state the meaning of this phrase explicitly. Alternate translation: “sorrow added to sorrow”

sorrow upon sorrow

Quote: λύπην ἐπὶ λύπην (1)

The expression sorrow upon sorrow could mean: (1) adding the sorrow of Epaphroditus’ death to the sorrow of Epaphroditus’ sickness. Alternate translation: “the sorrow of Epaphroditus’ death added to the sorrow of his sickness” (2) adding the sorrow of Epaphroditus’ death to the sorrow of Paul’s imprisonment. Alternate translation: “the sorrow of Epaphroditus’ death added to the sorrow of my imprisonment”

Philippians 2:28

Therefore, I sent him all the more eagerly, so that, having seen him again, you might rejoice, and I might be free from pain

Quote: σπουδαιοτέρως οὖν ἔπεμψα αὐτὸν, ἵνα ἰδόντες αὐτὸν πάλιν, χαρῆτε κἀγὼ ἀλυπότερος ὦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, both occurrences of the pronoun him refer to Epaphroditus. If it would be helpful in your language, consider clarifying who him is referring to in a way that would be natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Therefore, I sent Epaphroditus all the more eagerly, so that, having seen him again, you might rejoice, and I might be free from pain”

and I might be free from pain

Quote: κἀγὼ ἀλυπότερος ὦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

Here when Paul refers to pain, he is referring to emotional pain. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of pain, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun pain with an adjective such as “anxious” or “concerned” or in some other way. Alternate translation: “and I might be less anxious” or “and I might be less concerned about you”

Philippians 2:29

welcome him

Quote: προσδέχεσθε & αὐτὸν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The word welcome is a command or instruction in plural form to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. Alternate translation: “I exhort all of you to welcome him” or “all of you receive him”

in the Lord with all joy

Quote: ἐν Κυρίῳ μετὰ πάσης χαρᾶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of joy, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun joy with an adverb such as “joyfully,” as the UST does, or you can use a verbal form of this word such as “rejoicing.” Alternate translation: “Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with rejoicing”

hold in honor

Quote: ἐντίμους ἔχετε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The phrase hold in honor is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. Alternate translation: “I exhort each of you to hold in honor” or “each of you honor” or “all of you honor”

hold in honor

Quote: ἐντίμους ἔχετε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of honor, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun honor with a verbal form of honor as the UST does, or in some other way.

Philippians 2:30

since for the sake of the work of Christ, he came near even to death, risking his life so that he might make up your lack of service to me

Quote: ὅτι διὰ τὸ ἔργον Χριστοῦ μέχρι θανάτου ἤγγισεν, παραβολευσάμενος τῇ ψυχῇ, ἵνα ἀναπληρώσῃ τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα, τῆς πρός με λειτουργίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the pronouns he and him refer to Epaphroditus. If it would be helpful in your language, consider clarifying this in a way that would be natural in your language. Alternate translation: “since for the sake of the work of Christ, Epaphroditus came near even to death, risking his life so that he might make up your lack of service to me”

for the sake of the work of Christ

Quote: διὰ τὸ ἔργον Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

In the phrase the work of Christ, Paul is using the possessive form to describe work that is done for Christ. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind this phrase in some other way. Alternate translation: “for the sake of working for Christ” or “as a result of working for Christ”

for the sake of the work of Christ

Quote: διὰ τὸ ἔργον Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of work, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun work with a verbal form such as “working.” Alternate translation: “for the sake of working for Christ” or “as a result of working for Christ”

he came near even to death

Quote: μέχρι θανάτου ἤγγισεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of death, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun death with an adjective such as “dying” or with a verbal form such as died, as the UST does. Alternate translation: “he was close to dying” or “he came close to dying”

risking his life

Quote: παραβολευσάμενος τῇ ψυχῇ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of life, you can express the idea behind the phrase risking his life in some other way. Alternate translation: “running the risk of dying” or “taking the risk that he would die”

so that he might make up your lack of service to me

Quote: ἵνα ἀναπληρώσῃ τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα, τῆς πρός με λειτουργίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of service, you can express the idea behind the word service by using a verb form such as “serve.” Alternate translation: “so that he might make up for your being unable to serve me”

so that he might make up your lack of service to me

Quote: ἵνα ἀναπληρώσῃ τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα, τῆς πρός με λειτουργίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The lack of service Paul speaks of here is the inability of the Philippian believers to be present with him in prison. By sending Epaphroditus to Paul, the Philippian believers ministered to Paul’s needs through Epaphroditus, and so Epaphroditus supplied what they could not. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “so that he might supply what you could not give me” or “so that he might make up for what you could not give”

Philippians 3

Philippians 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In verses 4–8, Paul lists the ways he qualifies for being considered a righteous Jew. In every way, Paul was an exemplary Jew, but he contrasts this with the greatness of knowing Jesus. (See: righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Special concepts in this chapter

Dogs

The people of the ancient Near East used dogs as an image to refer to people in a negative way. Not all cultures use the term “dogs” in this way.

Resurrected bodies

We know very little about what people will be like in heaven. Paul teaches here that Christians will have some kind of glorious body and will be free from sin. (See: heaven, sky, heavens, heavenly and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Prize

Paul uses an extended illustration to describe the Christian life. The goal of the Christian life is to grow to be like Christ while we live on earth. We can never achieve this goal perfectly, but we must strive for it.

Philippians 3:1

brothers

Quote: ἀδελφοί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Paul is using the term brothers here to refer to anyone who is a fellow believer in Jesus. If this is not clear in your language, you could express this plainly. See how you translated this word in Philippians 1:12.

rejoice in the Lord

Quote: χαίρετε ἐν Κυρίῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The word rejoice is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. Alternate translation: “I exhort each of you to rejoice in the Lord” or “each of you rejoice in the Lord” or “all of you rejoice in the Lord”

in the Lord

Quote: ἐν Κυρίῳ (1)

Alternate translation: “in your relationship with the Lord” or “in who the Lord is and what he has done”

and {is} a safeguard for you

Quote: ὑμῖν δὲ ἀσφαλές (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

If it would be helpful in your language, you could state explicitly how writing these things is a safeguard for the Philippians. Alternate translation: “and these teachings will protect you from those who teach what is false”

Philippians 3:2

Beware of … beware of … beware of

Quote: βλέπετε (-1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

All three times that the phrase Beware occurs in this verse, it is a command or instruction given to all of the Philippian believers. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. Alternate translation: “I exhort each of you to beware of” or “Each of you beware of”

Beware of … beware of … beware of

Quote: βλέπετε (-1)

Alternate translation: “Watch out for” or “Look out for” or “Be on guard against”

the dogs, … the evil workers, … the mutilation

Quote: τοὺς κύνας & τοὺς κακοὺς ἐργάτας & τὴν κατατομήν (1)

The phrases the dogs, the evil workers, and the mutilation are three different ways of describing the same group of Jewish teachers who were corrupting the gospel. Paul uses strong expressions to convey his feelings about these Jewish teachers.

the dogs

Quote: τοὺς κύνας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

Paul speaks of the Jewish teachers who were corrupting the gospel as though they were dogs in order to show strong contempt for them. A dog is an animal that is common in many parts of the world. Dogs are despised in some cultures but not despised in other cultures, so using the term dogs in some cultures may not have the same derogatory or negative meaning that Paul intended. If you have a different animal in your culture that is despised or whose name is used as an insult, you could use this animal instead, if it would fit well in this context.

evil workers

Quote: κακοὺς ἐργάτας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase evil workers refers to Jewish teachers who were teaching things that were contrary to the gospel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind this phrase using plain language. Alternate translation: “false teachers”

the mutilation

Quote: τὴν κατατομήν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

The word mutilation is a sarcastic way of referring to circumcision, and the phrase the mutilation is a sarcastic way of referring to the people who taught that circumcision was necessary in order to be in right standing with God. By using the term mutilation, Paul is showing the Philippian believers that those who trust in circumcision, and not solely in Christ, mistakenly think that they can earn God’s favor by cutting their bodies. Consider the term that would best communicate this idea in your language, or you could state this using plain language. Alternate translation: “those who cut themselves”

the mutilation

Quote: τὴν κατατομήν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the mutilation refers to the Jewish teachers, all circumcised, who were corrupting the gospel by teaching that it was necessary to be circumcised.

Philippians 3:3

For we are

Quote: ἡμεῖς γάρ ἐσμεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here Paul uses we to refer to himself and the Philippian believers and anyone else who believes in Christ, so we is inclusive. Your language may require you to mark this form.

the circumcision

Quote: ἡ περιτομή (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

In contrast to its normal usage in the Bible, here Paul uses the term the circumcision as a metonym to refer to all true Christians. Normally, the term the circumcision was used to refer to Jewish males, all circumcised, but here Paul intentionally uses this term with a spiritual sense to refer to all Christians, both Jews and non-Jew. This would have been surprising to his readers. Paul’s use of the circumcision here refers to the inward, spiritual circumcision that the Holy Spirit performs in the hearts of all true Christians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind this term using plain language.

the ones worshiping by the Spirit of God

Quote: οἱ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ λατρεύοντες (1)

Alternate translation: “the ones who are empowered by God’s Spirit to worship him” or “the ones who are enabled to worship God by his Spirit” or “the ones who worship God through his Spirit”

not being confident in the flesh

Quote: οὐκ ἐν σαρκὶ πεποιθότες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

You can state explicitly that Paul did not have any confidence in the “works of” the flesh. Alternate translation: “having no confidence in the works of the flesh” or “not trusting that circumcision will please God” or “not trusting that being circumcized will earn God’s favor”

boasting in Christ Jesus and not being confident in the flesh

Quote: καυχώμενοι ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, καὶ οὐκ ἐν σαρκὶ πεποιθότες (1)

The phrase boasting in Christ Jesus and the phrase and having no confidence in the flesh are complementary ideas which express a similar truth. If people truly place their confidence in Christ as their only means of earning God’s favor, they will not put their confidence in themselves or religious acts. Conversely, if people put their confidence in religious rituals and observances, they cannot place their full confidence in Christ. Consider the best way to clearly express these coordinate ideas in your language.

and not being confident in the flesh

Quote: καὶ οὐκ ἐν σαρκὶ πεποιθότες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of confidence, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun confidence with an adjective such as trusting or a verbal form such as trust. Alternate translation: “and we do not trust in our flesh”

Philippians 3:4

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: ἐγὼ ἔχων πεποίθησιν καὶ ἐν σαρκί. εἴ τις δοκεῖ ἄλλος πεποιθέναι ἐν σαρκί, ἐγὼ μᾶλλον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Using a type of hypothetical situation, Paul recites his own credentials to illustrate that if observing the law could earn God’s favor, then he had more reason to boast than anyone else. His purpose is to teach the Philippian believers that they should only trust in Christ and not trust in other things to earn God’s favor. Paul explains in 3:7–11 that his hope is in Christ and not in the things he lists in the next two verses. Alternate translation: “We do not trust in those rituals to make us acceptable to God, although I could very well do that if it would be useful for me”

Philippians 3:5

circumcision on the eighth day, from the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; according to the law, a Pharisee

Quote: περιτομῇ ὀκταήμερος ἐκ γένους Ἰσραήλ φυλῆς Βενιαμείν, Ἑβραῖος ἐξ Ἑβραίων, κατὰ νόμον Φαρισαῖος (1)

In this verse and the next verse, Paul lists a total of seven things in which he put his confidence before he believed in Christ. In this verse he lists five of those things and in the next verse he lists the remaining two.

of the tribe of Benjamin

Quote: φυλῆς Βενιαμείν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase of the tribe of Benjamin means that Paul was from the Israelite tribe of Benjamin and therefore descended from Jacob’s son Benjamin. Consider the best way to say this in your language.

a Hebrew of Hebrews

Quote: Ἑβραῖος ἐξ Ἑβραίων (1)

The phrase a Hebrew of Hebrews could mean: (1) that Paul had retained Hebrew customs and spoke the language of the Hebrew people, which was Aramaic. (2) that Paul had no Gentile ancestors, but rather was a pure-blooded Hebrew. Alternate translation: “a Hebrew whose parents and ancestors are all full-blooded Jews” (3) a combination of both of the above. Alternate translation: “a full-blooded Jew who has retained the Hebrew culture, customs, and language”

according to the law, a Pharisee

Quote: κατὰ νόμον Φαρισαῖος (1)

The phrase according to the law, a Pharisee means that prior to his conversion Paul had been a Pharisee. He related to the law of Moses as a Pharisee and, therefore, strictly obeyed it as well as the many rules scribes had added to try to safeguard the law of Moses. Alternate translation: “in relation to the law of Moses, I was a Pharisee” or “in relation to how I observed the law of Moses, I was a Pharisee, and therefore, I strictly obeyed every detail of it including the teachings of the scribes”

Philippians 3:6

according to zeal, persecuting the church; according to righteousness {that is} in the law, having become blameless

Quote: κατὰ ζῆλος διώκων τὴν ἐκκλησίαν, κατὰ δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐν νόμῳ γενόμενος ἄμεμπτος (1)

In this verse Paul finishes naming the things in which he put his confidence before he believed in Christ.

according to zeal, persecuting the church

Quote: κατὰ ζῆλος διώκων τὴν ἐκκλησίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase persecuting the church is explaining the extent of Paul’s zeal. Before Paul believed in Jesus, he thought that by persecuting the church, he was serving God and ensuring that the law of Moses was honored and obeyed. If it would be helpful in your language, consider stating the meaning of the phrase according to zeal, persecuting the church plainly. Alternate translation: “having so much desire to serve God that I persecuted the church” or “wanting so much to honor God, I persecuted the church”

the church

Quote: τὴν ἐκκλησίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

Here, church is a collective noun. The phrase the church refers to Christians as a whole and includes anyone belonging to the group of people who follow Jesus. What Paul means by saying that he had persecuted the church is that he formerly persecuted anyone who was a Christian. Alternate translation: “persecuting Christians” or “persecuting anyone who was a Christian”

according to righteousness {that is} in the law, having become blameless

Quote: κατὰ δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐν νόμῳ γενόμενος ἄμεμπτος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase righteousness {that is} in the law refers to obeying the righteous guidelines for living that the law of Moses required. Paul obeyed the law so carefully that he believed that no one could find any part of it that he disobeyed. If it would be helpful in your language, consider stating it plainly. Alternate translation: “As regards obeying the law of Moses, no one could say that I ever disobeyed the law”

Philippians 3:7

Whatever things were gains for me, I consider these things loss for the sake of Christ

Quote: ἅτινα ἦν μοι κέρδη, ταῦτα ἥγημαι διὰ τὸν Χριστὸν ζημίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

This entire verse is Paul’s response to the seven things he listed in 3:5–6, which he once considered to be spiritually and religiously profitable to himself. In this verse Paul contrasts his former way of viewing things when he was a Pharisee with his new way of viewing things now that he believes in Christ.

Whatever things were gains for me, I consider these things loss for the sake of Christ

Quote: ἅτινα ἦν μοι κέρδη, ταῦτα ἥγημαι διὰ τὸν Χριστὸν ζημίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

In the original language in which Paul wrote this letter, the words gains and loss were common business terms used for accounting to describe things a business person determined to be either profitable or unprofitable. Here, Paul is using these two terms metaphorically to portray the things he considers spiritually profitable and unprofitable. If your language has similar business or accounting terms that would be natural to use in this context, consider using them here. Alternate translation: “Whatever things I formerly counted as gains, these things I now count as loss for the sake of Christ” or “Whatever things I formerly accounted as gains, these things I now account as loss for the sake of Christ”

Whatever things were gains for me

Quote: ἅτινα ἦν μοι κέρδη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase Whatever things were gains for me refers specifically to the list of seven things that Paul has just listed in 3:5–6 and to anything else in which he would have put confidence before he believed in Christ. Alternate translation: “Whatever things I formerly considered profitable”

Whatever things were gains for me

Quote: ἅτινα ἦν μοι κέρδη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of gains, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun gains by using an adjective such as profitable, or you can express it in some other way. Alternate translation: “Whatever things were profitable for me”

I consider these things loss for the sake of Christ

Quote: ταῦτα ἥγημαι διὰ τὸν Χριστὸν ζημίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of loss, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun loss by using a verbal phrase such as “worth losing”. Alternate translation: “I consider these things worth losing for the sake of Christ”

Philippians 3:8

But on the contrary, I consider even all things to be loss because of the surpassing value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom I have suffered the loss of all things—and I consider {them} dung—so that I might gain Christ

Quote: ἀλλὰ μενοῦνγε καὶ ἡγοῦμαι πάντα ζημίαν εἶναι, διὰ τὸ ὑπερέχον τῆς γνώσεως Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου μου, δι’ ὃν τὰ πάντα ἐζημιώθην καὶ ἡγοῦμαι σκύβαλα, ἵνα Χριστὸν κερδήσω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

In this verse Paul continues the business metaphor which he began in 3:7.

I consider

Quote: ἡγοῦμαι (1)

See how you translated the word consider in 3:7.

loss

Quote: ζημίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

See how you translated the abstract noun loss in 3:7. Alternate translation: “worth losing”

I consider even all things to be loss because of the surpassing value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord

Quote: καὶ ἡγοῦμαι πάντα ζημίαν εἶναι, διὰ τὸ ὑπερέχον τῆς γνώσεως Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of value, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun value with an adjective such as “valuable.” Alternate translation: “I consider everything worth losing for the sake of what is most valuable, namely, knowing Christ Jesus my Lord”

because of the surpassing value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord

Quote: διὰ τὸ ὑπερέχον τῆς γνώσεως Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of knowledge, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun knowledge with a verbal form such as “knowing.” Alternate translation: “because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord”

because of the surpassing value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord

Quote: διὰ τὸ ὑπερέχον τῆς γνώσεως Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου μου (1)

Alternate translation: “because knowing Christ Jesus my Lord is worth so much more”

of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord

Quote: τῆς γνώσεως Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word knowledge does not refer to simply being mentally aware of something or someone, but rather, it refers to having a deep, intimate, personal knowledge or experience of someone or something. Here, it refers to having an intimate and personal knowledge or experience of Christ. Consider the best way to express this meaning in your language. Alternate translation: “of intimately knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” or “of deeply knowing and experiencing Christ Jesus my Lord”

because of whom I have suffered the loss of all things

Quote: δι’ ὃν τὰ πάντα ἐζημιώθην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

See how you translated the abstract noun loss earlier in this verse and in 3:7. Alternate translation: “for whom I have willingly lost all things”

I consider {them

Quote: ἡγοῦμαι (2)

See how you translated the word consider earlier in this verse and in 3:7.

dung

Quote: σκύβαλα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

During Paul’s time the word dung was used to refer to excrement and things which were considered worthless and worthy of being thrown out. In the original language in which Paul wrote this letter, the term dung was a crude term that referred to things that were discarded as garbage, including dung, and the specific meaning was determined by context. Here, this word could be referring to: (1) excrement, since in the preceding verses Paul has been discussing what comes from the flesh. Alternate translation: “excrement” or “crap” (2) garbage, since Paul is discussing what he now considers worth throwing away in order to gain and know Christ. Alternate translation: “garbage” or “refuse”

I might gain

Quote: κερδήσω (1)

See how you translated the word gains in 3:7.

so that I might gain Christ

Quote: ἵνα Χριστὸν κερδήσω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

The phrase so that is a purpose clause. In your translation, follow the conventions of your language for purpose clauses. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of gaining Christ”

Philippians 3:9

and be found in him

Quote: καὶ εὑρεθῶ ἐν αὐτῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the passive verbal phrase be found with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “and God might find me belonging to him”

not having my own righteousness {that is} from law

Quote: μὴ ἔχων ἐμὴν δικαιοσύνην, τὴν ἐκ νόμου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun righteousness in some other way. Alternate translation: “not being able to please God by keeping the law”

but {that which is} through faith in Christ

Quote: ἀλλὰ τὴν διὰ πίστεως Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you can express the idea behind faith by using a verbal form. Alternate translation: “but that which comes by believing in Christ”

but {that which is} through faith in Christ

Quote: ἀλλὰ τὴν διὰ πίστεως Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word that refers to “righteousness.” Paul assumes his readers will know this from the context. If this would be unclear in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “but the righteousness which is through faith in Christ” or “but the righteousness which comes by faith in Christ”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: τὴν ἐκ Θεοῦ δικαιοσύνην ἐπὶ τῇ πίστε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun righteousness in some other way. See how you translated righteousness earlier in this verse. Alternate translation: “being pleasing to God by believing in Christ”

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: τὴν ἐκ Θεοῦ δικαιοσύνην ἐπὶ τῇ πίστε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you can express the idea behind faith by using a verbal form. See how you translated faith earlier in this verse. Alternate translation: “but the righteousness from God, which comes by believing in Christ”

by faith

Quote: ἐπὶ τῇ πίστει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

In the phrase by faith, Paul is leaving out some words that would be needed to complete the sentence in many languages. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “which comes by faith” or “which is received through faith”

Philippians 3:10

to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death

Quote: τοῦ γνῶναι αὐτὸν, καὶ τὴν δύναμιν τῆς ἀναστάσεως αὐτοῦ, καὶ κοινωνίαν παθημάτων αὐτοῦ, συμμορφιζόμενος τῷ θανάτῳ αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

All occurrences of the pronouns him and his in this verse refer to Christ. If it would be helpful in your language, you could clarify this in a way that would be natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death”

and

Quote: καὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

The first occurrence of the word and indicates that what follows is the Paul’s explanation of how specifically he wants to know Christ.

to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings

Quote: τοῦ γνῶναι αὐτὸν, καὶ τὴν δύναμιν τῆς ἀναστάσεως αὐτοῦ, καὶ κοινωνίαν παθημάτων αὐτοῦ (1)

In the original language in which Paul wrote this letter, he closely connects the phrase the power of his resurrection and the phrase the fellowship of his sufferings. He does this because in Paul’s mind these two things are inseparably linked, and a person cannot know the power of Christ’s resurrection without first sharing in Christ’s suffering. Consider the best way to show the close connection between these two phrases in your language.

to know him

Quote: τοῦ γνῶναι αὐτὸν (1)

See how you translated the word “knowledge” in 3:8. Here, the word know does not refer to simply being mentally aware of something or someone, but rather, it refers to having a deep, intimate, personal knowledge or experience of something or someone. Here, it refers to having an intimate and personal knowledge or experience of Christ. Consider the best way to express this meaning in your language. Alternate translation: “to intimately know Christ” or “to deeply know and experience him”

power

Quote: δύναμιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of power, you can express the idea behind power by using an adverb such as “powerfully,” as modeled in UST.

and the fellowship of his sufferings

Quote: καὶ κοινωνίαν παθημάτων αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract noun for the idea of fellowship, you can express the idea behind this word by using a verbal form such as “participate” or “sharing.” Alternate translation: “and to participate in his sufferings” or “and the sharing of his sufferings”

and the fellowship of his sufferings

Quote: καὶ κοινωνίαν παθημάτων αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of suffering, you can express the idea behind the word sufferings by using a verbal form such as “suffer.” Alternate translation: “and to suffer with him”

and

Quote: καὶ (2)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word and indicates that what follows is the second aspect of knowing Christ, which Paul introduces in explanation of how specifically he wants to know Christ. Alternate translation: “and to know”

being conformed to his death

Quote: συμμορφιζόμενος τῷ θανάτῳ αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the phrase being conformed to with an active form. Alternate translation: “taking on the likeness of his death”

being conformed to his death

Quote: συμμορφιζόμενος τῷ θανάτῳ αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of death, you can express the idea behind this word by using a verbal form such as “die.”

Philippians 3:11

the resurrection {that is} from the dead

Quote: τὴν ἐξανάστασιν τὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν (1)

Alternate translation: “the resurrection from the dead”

Philippians 3:12

Not that I already received {it

Quote: οὐχ ὅτι ἤδη ἔλαβον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo

Connecting Statement:

The word {it} in the phrase Not that I already received {it} could be referring to: (1) spiritual perfection and completion. This phrase would then mean that Paul is saying that he is not yet spiritually perfect or complete. Alternate translation: “Not that I have already attained spiritual perfection” or “Not that I am already spiritually complete” or “Not that God’s work in me is already complete” or “Not that God’s work in me is already perfected” (2) that Paul has not yet reached the goals he has for himself and so has not received his reward. Alternate translation: “Not that I have yet reached my goals and received my reward from God” (3) Paul has not yet finished the work God gave him to do with his life, and then died and received his reward from God. Alternate translation: “Not that I have finished my work and received my reward from God”

or have already been made perfect

Quote: ἢ ἤδη τετελείωμαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be more natural in your language, you could express the phrase been made perfect with an active form. Alternate translation: “or think that God has already made me perfect” or “or think that God has already completed his work in me”

have already been made perfect

Quote: ἤδη τετελείωμαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo

In the original language in which Paul wrote this letter, the word perfect means that someone or something has reached full completion and therefore reached its intended purpose or goal. It can also refer to someone reaching full maturity and is used in the New Testament of Christians reaching completeness of Christ-like character. Alternate translation: “been brought to completion” or “have already been made complete” or “have already reached full maturity” or “have already reached full Christ-likeness”

have already been made perfect

Quote: ἤδη τετελείωμαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be more natural in your language, you could translate the phrase been made perfect with an active form. Alternate translation: “that God has already perfected me” or “that God has already perfected his work in me”

I might … grasp that for which I was also grasped by Christ Jesus

Quote: καταλάβω, ἐφ’ ᾧ καὶ κατελήμφθην ὑπὸ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be more natural in your language, you could translate the phrase I was also grasped by Christ Jesus with an active form. Alternate translation: “I might grasp the things for which Christ Jesus grasped me”

Philippians 3:13

Brothers

Quote: ἀδελφοί (1)

See how you translated the word Brothers in Philippians 1:12 and 3:1.

I do not consider myself to have grasped {it

Quote: ἐγὼ ἐμαυτὸν οὐ λογίζομαι κατειληφέναι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo

Paul does not explicitly state what {it} is that he has not yet grasped. He is probably referring to becoming perfectly like Jesus and to fully knowing Jesus. You may choose to state this in your translation, as the UST does, or you may leave it ambiguous, as the ULT does.

But one thing

Quote: ἓν δέ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

In the phrase But one thing, Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “But take note of this one thing”

forgetting {what is} behind and straining for {what is} ahead

Quote: τὰ μὲν ὀπίσω ἐπιλανθανόμενος, τοῖς δὲ ἔμπροσθεν ἐπεκτεινόμενος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

In the phrase forgetting {what is} behind and straining for {what is} ahead, Paul is using the imagery of a person who is in a race to win a prize. Paul portrays himself as a runner in this metaphor, and he continues using this metaphor until the end of Philippians 3:14. If this metaphor is unfamiliar in your culture, consider using another metaphor that would be familiar to your readers, or you may state this in plain language, as the UST does. Alternate translation: “like a runner, I forget what is behind me and put all of my effort into running toward the finish line in front of me” or “like a runner, I have one focus, and therefore I do not look backward as I run, but only look forward as I strain with all my might so that I will reach the finish line”

Philippians 3:14

I press on toward the goal for the prize

Quote: κατὰ σκοπὸν διώκω εἰς τὸ βραβεῖον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

In this verse Paul continues using the metaphor of a runner who is competing in a foot race in order to win a prize. In this verse Paul says that his goal, which he works hard for, is to win the prize which God promises to give every person who obediently follows Christ. If this metaphor would be unfamiliar in your culture, consider using another metaphor, or use plain language to translate the idea behind this metaphor. Alternate translation: “I do all I can to pursue the goal of winning the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus” or “I work hard so that I can reach my goal”

the goal for the prize of the upward calling of God

Quote: σκοπὸν & εἰς τὸ βραβεῖον τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)

The phrases the goal and the prize could be related to each other in one of two ways. They could: (1) be focusing on the same basic idea. Alternate translation: “the goal, which is to be given the prize of God’s upward call” or “my goal, which is to receive the prize of God’s upward call” (2) be focusing on different things, in which case the goal is referring to the goal of Paul’s life, while the prize is referring to what Paul hopes to receive once he has successfully achieved his goal. Alternate translation: “the goal and toward being given the prize of God’s upward call” or “the goal and toward receiving the prize of God’s upward call”

the prize of the upward calling of God

Quote: τὸ βραβεῖον τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo

The phrase the prize of the upward calling of God could mean: (1) that the prize is the upward calling of God. Alternate translation: “receive the prize of God’s upward call” or “receive the prize of God’s heavenward invitation” (2) that the upward calling of God is a call to come and receive God’s prize. Alternate translation: “answer God’s upward call to receive his prize” or “answer God’s invitation to receive his prize”

of the upward calling of God

Quote: τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo

The word upward probably refers to both the origin of God’s call and to the direction of God’s call. In other words, the phrase the upward calling of God probably refers both to the fact that the calling is from God and that the calling is also a heavenly calling to move towards God. Alternate translation: “God’s heavenward call”

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus

Quote: κατὰ σκοπὸν διώκω εἰς τὸ βραβεῖον τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase in Christ Jesus could be: (1) modifying the phrase the upward calling of God. (2) modifying the phrase I press on. Alternate translation: “I press on in Christ Jesus toward the goal for the prize of the upward calling of God”

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus

Quote: κατὰ σκοπὸν διώκω εἰς τὸ βραβεῖον τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of a goal, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun goal in another way. Alternate translation: “I make it my main focus to win the prize of God’s upward calling in Christ Jesus”

Philippians 3:15

Therefore

Quote: οὖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

The word Therefore indicates that Paul is transitioning from teaching the Philippians by using his personal experience (Philippians 3:4–14) to exhorting them (Philippians 3:15–17). Use the form that would best express this meaning in your language.

as many as

Quote: ὅσοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The phrase as many as is missing some words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “as many of you as” or “all of you who”

as many as {are} perfect

Quote: ὅσοι & τέλειοι (1)

Here, the word perfect does not mean “without sin,” but rather it means “spiritually mature.” Alternate translation: “as many as are spiritually mature”

God will also reveal that to you

Quote: καὶ τοῦτο ὁ Θεὸς ὑμῖν ἀποκαλύψει (1)

Alternate translation: “God will also make it clear to you” or “God will make sure you know it”

Philippians 3:16

in what we have attained, we should live in it

Quote: εἰς ὃ ἐφθάσαμεν, τῷ αὐτῷ στοιχεῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

When Paul says we in this verse, he is speaking of himself and the Philippian Christians, so we is inclusive here. Your language may require you to mark these two uses of we as inclusive forms. Alternate translation: “let us all continue obeying the same truths we have already received”

in what we have attained, we should live in it

Quote: εἰς ὃ ἐφθάσαμεν, τῷ αὐτῷ στοιχεῖν (1)

Alternate translation: “in the things that we have attained so far, we should live in them” or “in the things that we have believed so far, we should obey them” or “in the things that we have believed so far, we should act on them”

Philippians 3:17

Become imitators of me

Quote: συνμιμηταί μου γίνεσθε (1)

Alternate translation: “Do what I do” or “Live as I live”

Become

Quote: γίνεσθε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The word Become is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. Alternate translation: “I exhort each of you to become” or “Each of you become” or “I command each of you to become”

brothers

Quote: ἀδελφοί (1)

See how you translated the word brothers in Philippians 1:12.

watch closely

Quote: σκοπεῖτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The phrase watch closely is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. Alternate translation: “I exhort each of you to watch closely” or “each of you watch closely” or “I urge each of you to watch closely”

the ones walking in this manner, just as you have us {as} an example

Quote: τοὺς οὕτω περιπατοῦντας, καθὼς ἔχετε τύπον ἡμᾶς (1)

Alternate translation: “those people who are already living just as I live and follow our example” or “those people who are already doing what I do and imitating us”

Philippians 3:18

For many walk

Quote: πολλοὶ γὰρ περιπατοῦσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, the word walk is a Jewish figure of speech meaning to “live” or to “conduct one’s life.” In Jewish culture a person’s behavior was spoken of as if that person was walking along a path. If it would be helpful in your language, consider stating this in plain language. Alternate translation: “For many live” or “For many people conduct their lives”

For many

Quote: πολλοὶ γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

The phrase For many leaves out a word that would be needed in some languages to be completely clear. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply the missing word from the context. Alternate translation: “For many people walk”

but now even weeping

Quote: νῦν δὲ καὶ κλαίων (1)

Alternate translation: “but now telling you with great sadness”

as} the enemies of the cross of Christ

Quote: τοὺς ἐχθροὺς τοῦ σταυροῦ τοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Paul is describing the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection and the work of sharing this good news by associating these things with the cross of Christ. Here, the phrase the cross of Christ is synonymous with the gospel message and the work of spreading the gospel message. The phrase enemies of the cross of Christ refers to the people who are opposed to the message of the gospel and who oppose the people who share the gospel with others. If this is not clear in your language, you could express this with plain language. Alternate translation: “as enemies of the good news about Jesus” or “as enemies of the message about Jesus and enemies of those who proclaim it” or “as enemies of the message about Jesus and enemies of those who share it with others”

Philippians 3:19

whose end {is} destruction

Quote: ὧν τὸ τέλος ἀπώλεια (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of end, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun end in another way. Alternate translation: “whom God will destroy”

whose end {is} destruction

Quote: ὧν τὸ τέλος ἀπώλεια (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of destruction, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun destruction by using a verb such as “destroy.” Alternate translation: “whom God will destroy”

whose god {is their} belly

Quote: ὧν ὁ Θεὸς ἡ κοιλία (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Here Paul uses belly to represent all physical desires for pleasure. By Paul calling their belly their god, he means that these people love and serve their physical desire for pleasure rather than loving and serving God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture, or you could use plain language. Alternate translation: “who serve their desire for food and other pleasures rather than serve God” or “who obey their physical appetites instead of obeying God” or “who love pleasure more than they love God”

whose} glory {is} in their shame

Quote: ἡ δόξα ἐν τῇ αἰσχύνῃ αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, shame stands for the actions that people should be ashamed of but are not. Alternate translation: “they are proud of the things that should cause them shame”

whose} glory {is} in their shame

Quote: ἡ δόξα ἐν τῇ αἰσχύνῃ αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun glory by using an adjective such as “proud.” Alternate translation: “who take pride in what should bring them shame”

whose} glory {is} in their shame

Quote: ἡ δόξα ἐν τῇ αἰσχύνῃ αὐτῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of shame, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun shame by using an adjective such as “ashamed.” Alternate translation: “ who take pride in what should cause them to be ashamed”

the ones thinking about earthly things

Quote: οἱ τὰ ἐπίγεια φρονοῦντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, earthly refers to all the things that pertain to everyday living on earth. Alternate translation: “who only think about the things here on this earth” or “who only think about the things of this life”

the ones thinking about earthly things

Quote: οἱ τὰ ἐπίγεια φρονοῦντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implied contrast that Paul is making here is between earthly things and spiritual things. Alternate translation: “who think about is earthly things instead of the things of God” or “who only think about earthly things instead of the things of God”

Philippians 3:20

our … we … eagerly await

Quote: ἡμῶν & ἀπεκδεχόμεθα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

Here when Paul uses our and we, he is referring to himself and the believers in Philippi, so our and we are inclusive. Your language may require you to mark these forms.

citizenship

Quote: πολίτευμα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of citizenship, you can express the idea behind citizenship with a concrete noun such as “citizen.” Alternate translation: “status as citizens”

Philippians 3:21

to his glorious body

Quote: σώματι τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the pronoun his refers to Christ. Alternate translation: “to Christ’s glorious body”

of his power

Quote: τοῦ δύνασθαι αὐτὸν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of power, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun power in some other way. Alternate translation: “of his might and ability”

Philippians 4

Philippians 4:1

Therefore

Quote: ὥστε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here Paul uses the word Therefore as a transition word to introduce the exhortations to the Philippian Christians which he is about to give and which are based on the things that he has said before this verse. Consider the best word or phrase to use in your language to show this meaning. Alternate translation: “So then”

brothers

Quote: ἀδελφοί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

See how you translated the word brothers in Philippians 1:12.

beloved and longed for

Quote: ἀγαπητοὶ καὶ ἐπιπόθητοι (1)

Alternate translation: “whom I love and greatly desire to see”

my joy and crown

Quote: χαρὰ καὶ στέφανός μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of joy, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun joy by using a verbal form such as “rejoice” or by using an adjective such as “happy.” Alternate translation: “who cause me to be very happy and are my crown”

my joy and crown

Quote: χαρὰ καὶ στέφανός μου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo

The phrase my joy and crown could refer to: (1) Paul’s current feelings of joy regarding the Philippian Christians and his future hope of being rewarded for his labor among them. Alternate translation: “my source of joy and my future hope of being rewarded when Christ returns” (2) Paul’s joy and reward in the future when Christ returns. Alternate translation: “my hope for joy and reward when Christ returns” (3) Paul’s present joy in the Philippian believers and his present feeling that they are his reward for his work among them. Alternate translation: “my joy and reward”

crown

Quote: στέφανός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of the Philippian Christians as if they were his crown. At the time Paul wrote this letter, a crown was made of leaves and was worn by a person on their head as a sign of their achievement after they had won an important victory. Here, the word crown means that the Philippian Christians brought great honor to Paul before God and were a sign of his hard work among them. If your readers would not understand the meaning of this metaphor, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or state the meaning in plain language. Alternate translation: “my reward” or “my honor” or “the sign of my hard work”

in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved

Quote: οὕτως στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ, ἀγαπητοί (1)

Alternate translation: “so continue living for the Lord in the way that I have taught you, dear friends”

in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved

Quote: οὕτως στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ, ἀγαπητοί (1)

The phrase in this way could refer to: (1) what comes before it, in which case this phrase would mean, “in the way that I have just explained to you” Alternate translation: “stand firm in the Lord in the way that I have just explained to you, beloved” (2) what Paul commands the Philippian Christians to do in Philippians 4:2–9. Alternate translation: “stand firm in the Lord, beloved, in this way”

stand firm

Quote: στήκετε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The phrase stand firm is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people.

stand firm

Quote: στήκετε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the phrase stand firm is used to refer to the imagery of a soldier remaining in place, not moved by the enemy. Here, Paul gives this metaphor a spiritual meaning to exhort the Philippian Christians to not change their minds but continue believing what they have already believed. If it would be helpful in your language, consider using another metaphor that would make sense in your culture, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “remain unmoved in your belief in Christ” or “remain firm in your faith”

in this way stand firm in the Lord

Quote: οὕτως στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ (1)

Alternate translation: “stand firm in your union and relationship with the Lord” or “stand firm in your union and communion with the Lord”

Philippians 4:2

Euodia … Syntyche

Quote: Εὐοδίαν & Συντύχην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Euodia and Syntyche are the names of women.

Philippians 4:3

you

Quote: σέ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

Here, you refers to the true companion and is singular. This is the only occurrence of the word you in Philippians that is singular.

true companion

Quote: γνήσιε σύνζυγε (1)

The phrase true companion refers to a person with whom the Philippian believers were familiar at that time but whose identity is no longer known. Alternate translation: “my faithful helper in the work of the gospel”

who labored with me in the gospel

Quote: αἵτινες ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ συνήθλησάν μοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

In the phrase the gospel, Paul is leaving out some of the words that would be needed in many languages for the sentence to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “who have labored with me in the work of spreading the gospel” or “who have labored with me in the work of telling people the gospel” or “who have labored with me in the work of sharing the gospel with people”

the gospel

Quote: τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here Paul is using the phrase the gospel to refer specifically to the work of telling other people about Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express plainly the idea behind this term. Alternate translation: “the work of spreading the gospel” or “the work of telling people the gospel” or “the work of sharing the gospel with people”

the gospel

Quote: τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ (1)

See how you translated the phrase the gospel in Philippians 1:5.

Clement

Quote: Κλήμεντος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Clement is the name of a man.

whose names {are} in the Book of Life

Quote: ὧν τὰ ὀνόματα ἐν βίβλῳ ζωῆς (1)

Alternate translation: “whose names God has written in the Book of Life”

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord

Quote: χαίρετε ἐν Κυρίῳ (1)

See how you translated the phrase Rejoice in the Lord in Philippians 3:1.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice

Quote: χαίρετε ἐν Κυρίῳ πάντοτε, πάλιν ἐρῶ, χαίρετε! (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

Both occurrences of the word Rejoice are commands or instructions to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. Alternate translation: “I urge you all to rejoice in the Lord at all times. Again I will say it, I urge each of you to rejoice”

Philippians 4:5

Let your gentleness be known

Quote: τὸ ἐπιεικὲς ὑμῶν γνωσθήτω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The phrase Let your gentleness be known is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people.

to all men

Quote: πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the term men is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a general sense to mean all people in general, including women. Alternate translation: “to all people” or “to everyone.”

The Lord {is} near

Quote: ὁ Κύριος ἐγγύς (1)

The phrase The Lord {is} near could mean: (1) that the day that Jesus will return is coming soon. Alternate translation: “The Lord will return soon” or “The Lord is coming is near” or “The second coming of the Lord is near” (2) the Lord was near to the Philippian believers. Alternate translation: “The Lord is near to you”

Philippians 4:6

Be anxious about nothing

Quote: μηδὲν μεριμνᾶτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

Be anxious about nothing is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people.

but

Quote: ἀλλ’ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Here, the word but shows a contrast between the phrase Be anxious and the phrase by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. Consider the best way to show this contrast in your language.

in everything

Quote: ἐν παντὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo

The phrase in everything could refer to: (1) all situations. Alternate translation: “in all situations” or “in all circumstances.” (2) time. Alternate translation: “at all times”

by prayer and petition

Quote: τῇ προσευχῇ καὶ τῇ δεήσει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The words prayer and petition mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used both for emphasis and comprehensiveness. Petition is a type of prayer in which a person asks God for things. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these two words. Alternate translation: “by prayer” or “in prayer”.

by prayer and petition

Quote: τῇ προσευχῇ καὶ τῇ δεήσει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of prayer, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun prayer with a verb such as “praying” or in some other way. Alternate translation: “by praying and making a petition”

by prayer and petition

Quote: τῇ προσευχῇ καὶ τῇ δεήσει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of petition, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun petition by using a verbal form such as “petitioning” or in some other way. Alternate translation: “by praying and petitioning God”

with thanksgiving

Quote: μετὰ εὐχαριστίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of thanksgiving, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun thanksgiving with a verb such as “thank” or in a verbal phrase such as “giving thanks.” Alternate translation: “and giving thanks”

let your requests be known

Quote: τὰ αἰτήματα ὑμῶν γνωριζέσθω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The phrase let your requests be known is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people.

[GL Quote Not Found!]

Quote: τὰ αἰτήματα ὑμῶν γνωριζέσθω πρὸς τὸν Θεό (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of requests, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun requests in some other way. Alternate translation: “tell God your needs”

Philippians 4:7

and

Quote: καὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word and shows that what follows is the result of practicing what comes before and in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “and then”

the peace of God

Quote: ἡ εἰρήνη τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo

The phrase the peace of God refers to the peace which God gives. Alternate translation: “the peace that God gives”

of God, which surpasses all understanding

Quote: Θεοῦ ἡ ὑπερέχουσα πάντα νοῦν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your readers not understand the abstract noun peace, you could express the meaning with an adjectival phrase such as “at peace” or in some other way. Alternate translation: “then God will help you be confident in God, even if you don’t understand everything”

which surpasses all understanding

Quote: ἡ ὑπερέχουσα πάντα νοῦν (1)

The phrase which surpasses all understanding could mean: (1) that the peace God gives is so great that human minds are not able to understand it. Alternate translation: “which is greater than we can understand” (2) that the peace that God gives is superior to anything that humans can contrive through their own efforts. Alternate translation: “which humans cannot accomplish or attain by their own efforts”

which surpasses all understanding

Quote: ἡ ὑπερέχουσα πάντα νοῦν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of understanding, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun understanding by using a verbal form such as “understand.” Alternate translation: “which is greater than we can understand”

will guard your hearts and your minds

Quote: φρουρήσει τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν καὶ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The word guard is a military term which refers to a soldier guarding a city or a fortress in order to protect it from enemy attacks. Here Paul presents God’s peace as if it were a soldier who protects hearts and minds from worrying, and so this phrase literally means “will be like a soldier and guard your hearts and minds” or “will be like a soldier standing guard to protect your hearts and minds.” If your readers would not understand this metaphor in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Paul’s meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will keep your hearts and minds safe from attacks of worry and fear” or “will keep your hearts and minds safe” or “will protect your hearts and minds”

in Christ Jesus

Quote: ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ (1)

See how you translated the phrase in Christ Jesus in Philippians 1:1.

Philippians 4:8

As to} the rest

Quote: τὸ λοιπόν (1)

Here, as Paul comes near to the end of his letter, he gives some final instructions for how believers should live. Alternate translation: “Regarding what remains to be said” or “As to what remains for me to say”

brothers

Quote: ἀδελφοί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

See how you translated the word brothers in Philippians 1:12.

as many as are true, as many as honorable, as many as just, as many as pure, as many as lovely, as many as reputable

Quote: ὅσα ἐστὶν ἀληθῆ, ὅσα σεμνά, ὅσα δίκαια, ὅσα ἁγνά, ὅσα προσφιλῆ, ὅσα εὔφημα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Here Paul is leaving out some of the words that would be needed in many languages in order for these phrases to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “as many things as are true, as many things as are honorable, as many things as are just, as many things as are pure, as many things as are lovely, as many things as are reputable”

as many as lovely

Quote: ὅσα προσφιλῆ (1)

Alternate translation: “whatever things are pleasing”

as many as reputable

Quote: ὅσα εὔφημα (1)

Alternate translation: “whatever things people admire” or “whatever things people respect”

if anything {is} virtuous

Quote: εἴ τις ἀρετὴ (1)

Alternate translation: “if anything is morally good”

if anything {is} praiseworthy

Quote: εἴ τις ἔπαινος (1)

Alternate translation: “if anything is worth praising”

think about

Quote: λογίζεσθε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The phrase think about is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people.

Philippians 4:9

And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me

Quote: ἃ καὶ ἐμάθετε καὶ παρελάβετε, καὶ ἠκούσατε καὶ εἴδετε, ἐν ἐμοί (1)

Alternate translation: “And everything that I have taught and shown you”

And what you learned and received

Quote: ἃ καὶ ἐμάθετε καὶ παρελάβετε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

Here, the words learned and received mean basically the same thing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine them into one idea. Alternate translation: “And what you learned”

do these things

Quote: ταῦτα πράσσετε (1)

Alternate translation: “put these things into practice”

do

Quote: πράσσετε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

The word do is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people.

and

Quote: καὶ (5)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word and shows that what follows it is the result of practicing what comes before it. Consider the best way to show this relationship in your language. Alternate translation: “and then” or “and the result will be that”

the God of peace

Quote: ὁ Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης (1)

The phrase the God of peace could mean: (1) that God is the giver of peace. Alternate translation: “the God who gives peace” or “God, who gives peace,” (2) that God is characterized by peace. Alternate translation: “the God who is characterized by peace” or “our God who is characterized by peace” (3) God, the source of peace and the giver of peace. Alternate translation: “God, who is both the source of peace and the giver of peace,”

and the God of peace will be with you

Quote: καὶ ὁ Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης ἔσται μεθ’ ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your readers would better understand it, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun peace with an adjective such as “peaceful” or in some other way. Alternate translation: “the God who gives us a peaceful spirit will be with you”

Philippians 4:10

in the Lord

Quote: ἐν Κυρίῳ (1)

Connecting Statement:

See how you translated the phrase in the Lord in Philippians 3:12.

because now at last you renewed your concern on my behalf

Quote: ὅτι ἤδη ποτὲ ἀνεθάλετε τὸ ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ φρονεῖν (1)

Connecting Statement:

Alternate translation: “because now at last you revived your concern for me”

for which indeed you were concerned

Quote: ἐφ’ ᾧ καὶ ἐφρονεῖτε (1)

Connecting Statement:

Alternate translation: “for whom you were certainly worried”

but were lacking opportunity

Quote: ἠκαιρεῖσθε δέ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Connecting Statement:

Here Paul is leaving out some of the words that a phrase would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “but you did not have a way to demonstrate it” or “but it was not possible for you to show it”

Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak according to need

Quote: οὐχ ὅτι καθ’ ὑστέρησιν λέγω (1)

Alternate translation: “I do not say this because of need”

to be content

Quote: αὐτάρκης εἶναι (1)

Alternate translation: “to be satisfied” or “to be happy”

in whatever I am

Quote: ἐν οἷς εἰμι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Here Paul is leaving out some of the words that a phrase would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “in whatever situation I am in” or “in whatever circumstances I am in”

Philippians 4:12

I know both {how

Quote: οἶδα καὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase I know means “I know from experience” and refers to what Paul knew from his experience. If it would help your readers, consider clarifying this in your translation in some way. Alternate translation: “I have learned both how”

I know both {how} to be brought low, and I know {how} to abound. … and to abound and to be in need

Quote: οἶδα καὶ ταπεινοῦσθαι, οἶδα καὶ περισσεύειν & καὶ περισσεύειν καὶ ὑστερεῖσθαι (1)

The sentence at the beginning of this verse, I know both {how} to be brought low and I know {how} to abound is very similar in meaning to the phrase and to abounding and to being in need at the end of this verse. You can combine the beginning sentence and the closing phrase, as modeled by the UST, if you think it will help your readers.

I know both {how} to be brought low, and I know {how} to abound

Quote: οἶδα καὶ ταπεινοῦσθαι, οἶδα καὶ περισσεύειν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Here, the phrases to be brought low and to abound refer to two opposite extremes of living and to every living condition between them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “I know both how to live with very little and how to live with more than I need” or “I know how to live with very little and I know how to live with plenty”

to be brought low

Quote: ταπεινοῦσθαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be more natural in your language, you could express the passive phrase to be brought low with an active form. Alternate translation: “to live with less” or “to live without things I need”

to be brought low

Quote: ταπεινοῦσθαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here the phrase to be brought low is a figurative way of saying “to live with very little.” If it would help your readers, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “to live with very little”

to be filled and to be hungry

Quote: χορτάζεσθαι καὶ πεινᾶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul is leaving out some of the words that a phrase would need in many languages to be understandable. If it would help your readers, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “to be full of food and to be hungry” or “to be content when I have plenty of food to eat and to be content when I am hungry”

to be filled and to be hungry

Quote: χορτάζεσθαι καὶ πεινᾶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Here the phrases to be filled and to be hungry refer to two opposite extremes and to everything in between them. If it would help your readers, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “to be hungry and to be filled and to everything in between”

to abound and to be in need

Quote: περισσεύειν καὶ ὑστερεῖσθαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Here Paul is leaving out some of the words that a phrase would need in many languages to be understandable. If it would help your readers, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “to have an abundance of things I need and to live contentedly when I do not have certain things I need”

to abound and to be in need

Quote: περισσεύειν καὶ ὑστερεῖσθαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

Here, the phrases to abound and to be in need refer to two opposite extremes and to everything in between them. If it would help your readers, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “to abound and to be in need and to everything in between”

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things in the one strengthening me

Quote: πάντα ἰσχύω ἐν τῷ ἐνδυναμοῦντί με (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the one refers to Christ. Alternate translation: “I can do all things because Christ gives me strength”

I can do all things in the one strengthening me

Quote: πάντα ἰσχύω ἐν τῷ ἐνδυναμοῦντί με (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, all things refers to all situations. The phrase I can do all things means “I can handle all situations.” Alternate translation: “I can deal with anything through him who strengthens me” or “I am able to act properly in every situation because Jesus makes me strong”

Philippians 4:14

having shared together in my affliction

Quote: συνκοινωνήσαντές μου τῇ θλίψει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase having shared together in my affliction means that the Philippian believers helped Paul while he was experiencing difficulties by giving him money and sending Epaphroditus to him. If it would help your readers, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by helping me in my affliction through your gift of money and sending Epaphroditus to me” or “by helping me when I faced difficult circumstances by sending Epaphroditus to encourage me and bring me your gift of money”

in my affliction

Quote: μου τῇ θλίψει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of affliction, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun affliction with an adjective such as difficult or in some other way. Alternate translation: “when I was suffering” or “when I was mistreated”

in my affliction

Quote: μου τῇ θλίψει (1)

Alternate translation: “in my trials” or “in my troubles” or “in my difficulties”

Philippians 4:15

in the beginning of the gospel

Quote: ἐν ἀρχῇ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, in the beginning of the gospel refers to when Paul first began communicating the gospel message to the Philippians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state explicitly the idea behind this phrase. Alternate translation: “when you first heard me preach the gospel”

of the gospel

Quote: τοῦ εὐαγγελίου (1)

See how you translated the phrase the gospel in Philippians 1:5 and 4:3.

no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone

Quote: οὐδεμία μοι ἐκκλησία ἐκοινώνησεν εἰς λόγον δόσεως καὶ λήμψεως, εἰ μὴ ὑμεῖς μόνοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

You can state no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone in the positive. Alternate translation: “you were the only church that shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving”

shared with me

Quote: μοι & ἐκοινώνησεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, shared with me means the Philippians helped Paul financially and in other practical ways. Alternate translation: “were partners with” or “helped me”

in the matter of giving and receiving

Quote: εἰς λόγον δόσεως καὶ λήμψεως (1)

In the original language in which Paul wrote this letter, the phrase giving and receiving could refer either to exchanges that involved money or to exchanges that involved the giving and receiving of non-financial things that would benefit the other party. Here, the phrase giving and receiving may refer to both financial and non-financial gifts because the Philippians helped Paul by sending a gift of money via Epaphroditus, who also helped Paul in other ways. Alternate translation: “by sending money and help to me”

Philippians 4:16

for even in Thessalonica

Quote: ὅτι καὶ ἐν Θεσσαλονίκῃ (1)

Alternate translation: “for even when I was in Thessalonica”

both once and twice

Quote: καὶ ἅπαξ καὶ δὶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The phrase both once and twice is an idiom meaning that something occurred more than one time. If your readers would not understand this idiom, you could use an equivalent idiom from your language, or you could state this in plain language. Alternate translation: “several times”

you sent for my needs

Quote: εἰς τὴν χρείαν μοι ἐπέμψατε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Paul is leaving out some of the words that this phrase would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “you sent me money to help me with my needs”

Philippians 4:17

I seek the fruit that is increasing to your account

Quote: ἐπιζητῶ τὸν καρπὸν τὸν πλεονάζοντα εἰς λόγον ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

At the time Paul wrote this letter, the word fruit could be used in a business context to refer to what was gained in a financial transaction. When used in a business context, the word fruit meant “profit” or “gain.” Here Paul is using this business meaning to refer to God’s reward. If your language has an equivalent word that could be used in a business context, consider using it here if it would be natural in your language. Alternately, you may express this meaning using plain language, as the UST does. Alternate translation: “I seek the profit that increases to your account” or “I seek the gain that increases to your account”

Philippians 4:18

I have all things in full

Quote: ἀπέχω & πάντα (1)

The phrase I have all things in full could mean: (1) that Paul has received all things that he needs from the Philippian believers and is therefore sufficiently supplied. Alternate translation: “I have everything I need and am content” (2) that Paul is continuing the business metaphor from Philippians 4:17 and is here offering the Philippians a figurative receipt for the gifts they gave him. Alternate translation: “I have received the gift that you sent”

I abound

Quote: περισσεύω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase I abound means that Paul has more than enough of the things that he needs for himself. If it would be helpful in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I have more than enough of the things I need”

I have been filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things from you

Quote: πεπλήρωμαι, δεξάμενος παρὰ Ἐπαφροδίτου τὰ παρ’ ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

Connecting Statement:

If it would be more natural in your language, you could express the phrase I have been filled with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “You have fully provided for me by giving me the things which Epaphroditus brought to me”

Epaphroditus

Quote: Ἐπαφροδίτου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Epaphroditus is the name of a man. See how you translated his name in Philippians 2:25.

an aroma, a sweet smell, an acceptable, pleasing sacrifice to God

Quote: ὀσμὴν εὐωδίας, θυσίαν δεκτήν, εὐάρεστον τῷ Θεῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul speaks of the gift from the Philippian believers as if it were a sacrifice offered to God on an altar. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this phrase by stating the meaning using plain language. Alternate translation: “which are very pleasing to God” or “which make God happy” or “which I assure you are gifts very pleasing to God, like an acceptable sacrifice”

Philippians 4:19

will fulfill all your need

Quote: πληρώσει πᾶσαν χρείαν ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The word for will fulfill is the same word translated as “have been fulfilled” in verse 18. This phrase is an idiom meaning “will provide everything you need”

according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus

Quote: κατὰ τὸ πλοῦτος αὐτοῦ ἐν δόξῃ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ (1)

Alternate translation: “from his glorious riches that he gives through Christ Jesus”

Philippians 4:20

our

Quote: ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

When Paul says our, he is speaking of himself and the Philippian believers, so our is inclusive. Your language may require you to mark this form.

Philippians 4:21

Greet

Quote: ἀσπάσασθε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

Greet is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people.

The brothers with me

Quote: οἱ σὺν ἐμοὶ ἀδελφοί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See how you translated the word brothers in Philippians 1:12. Paul is using the term brothers here to refer to anyone who is a fellow believer in Jesus. If this is not clear in your language, you could express this plainly. Alternative translation, “My fellow believers here”

The brothers with me

Quote: οἱ σὺν ἐμοὶ ἀδελφοί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

See how you translated the word brothers in Philippians 1:12. Although the term brothers is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a spiritual sense to include both men and women who believe in Jesus. Alternate translation: “The brothers and sisters with me”

Philippians 4:22

the household of Caesar

Quote: τῆς Καίσαρος οἰκίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

The phrase the household of Caesar refers to the servants who worked in Caesar’s palace.

Philippians 4:23

be} with your spirit

Quote: μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Paul describes the Philippian Christians as whole persons by reference to their spirit. Alternate translation: “be with you”

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ {be} with your spirit

Quote: ἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

The word grace is an abstract noun that can be translated with an adverb. Alternate translation: “May the Lord Jesus Christ act graciously to you”