Philippians

Philippians front

Introduction to Philippians

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of the 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 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 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 about how he was doing in prison and to encourage them to rejoice even if they are suffering. He also wrote to them about a man named Epaphroditus. He was 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 and to be kind to Epaphroditus when he returns.

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 told the believers 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: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’ and 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. (See: Irony)

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

This kind of expression occurs 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 other many modern versions do not. If “Amen” is included, it should be put inside square brackets ([]) to indicate that it is probably not original to the Book of Philippians.

(See: Textual Variants)

Philippians 1

Philippians 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul includes a prayer in the beginning of this letter. At that time, religious leaders sometimes began informal letters with a prayer.

Special concepts in this chapter

The day of Christ

This probably 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

Παῦλος καὶ Τιμόθεος

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Philippians 1:2

χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη

This is a common 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. (See: Blessings)

ὑμῖν

In 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. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)

Philippians 1:3

ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ μνείᾳ ὑμῶν

Here, in all my remembrance of you could refer to (1) Paul thanking God each time that he thought about the Philippian Christians. Alternate translation: “each time I think about you” (2) Paul thanking God for the good things that he remembered about the Christians in Philppi. Alternate translation: “because of all that I remember about you”

ὑμῶν

See how you translated the word you in 1:2. In this letter, every use of the words you and your are plural and refer to the Philippian Christians except for in one use in 4:3 which has a note will discuss to discuss it. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)

Philippians 1:5

ἐπὶ τῇ κοινωνίᾳ ὑμῶν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, ἀπὸ τῆς πρώτης ἡμέρας ἄχρι τοῦ νῦν

Here, because could refer to: (1) the reason for Paul’s joy. See UST. (2) 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”

ὑμῶν

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. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)

τῇ κοινωνίᾳ ὑμῶν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον

Here, your fellowship in the gospel refers to the Philippian Christians’ partnering with Paul in the various things involved in spreading the gospel. If it would be clearer in your language you can 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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀπὸ τῆς πρώτης ἡμέρας ἄχρι τοῦ νῦν

The phrase from the first day could refer to: (1) the time at which the Philippian Christians first believed the gospel which Paul preached to them. See UST. (2) the time at which Paul first preached the gospel in Philippi. Alternate translation: “from the time I first preached the gospel to you until now” (3) both the time at which the Philippian Christians first believed the gospel and to the time when Paul first preached the gospel in Philippi. Alternate translation: “from the time you first heard and believed the gospel I preached until now” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Philippians 1:6

πεποιθὼς αὐτὸ τοῦτο

The phrase having been persuaded indicates the reason that Paul thanks God. If it would be clearer in your language you can state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “The reason I thank God is because I am confident of this very thing” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὁ ἐναρξάμενος

Here, the one refers to God. If it would be clearer in your language you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “God having begun” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὅτι ὁ ἐναρξάμενος ἐν ὑμῖν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν

The phrase 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 work of the Holy Spirit, after they first believed in Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “that God, having begun his good work in you through your conversion and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐπιτελέσει

Here, will perfect it means that God will bring to completion the work which he began in the lives of the Philippian Christians at their conversion and was currently doing. If it would be clearer in your language you can say this explicitly. See UST. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἡμέρας Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ

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 say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the time when Jesus Christ returns” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Philippians 1:7

τὸ ἔχειν με ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ ὑμᾶς

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 or you state this using plain language. Alternate translation: “I love you very much” (See: Idiom)

συνκοινωνούς μου τῆς χάριτος…ὄντας

Alternate translation: “sharing in grace with me”

ἔχειν με ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ ὑμᾶς

Paul is figuratively describing his thoughts and feelings of love by associating them with his heart. Here, the word heart is used figuratively to represent the center of Paul’s inner thoughts and feelings. Paul uses the phrase I have you in my heart to mean that he loves and cares for the Philippian Christians. If this would be confusing in your language you may use an equivalent expression from your language to express this or state this using plain language. Alternate translation: “I love you deeply” (See: Metonymy)

χάριτος

Here, Paul uses the word grace to refer both to His imprisonment and to his ministry of defending and confirming the gospel. If this would be unclear, consider saying this in a way that would make the meaning clear in your language. See UST.

δεσμοῖς μου

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” (See: Metonymy)

ἀπολογίᾳ

At the time Paul wrote this letter the word translated defense was often used with a legal meaning to refer to the defense given in a court of law against a charge that was made. Here, Paul uses the word defense to speak of his defending the truth of the gospel. If your language has a word or phrase which expresses the legal sense of this word, considering using it if it would be natural to use in the context of defending the gospel.

βεβαιώσει

At the time Paul wrote this letter the word confirmation could be used with a legal meaning to refer to legally defending and confirming the truth of something. If your language has a word or phrase which expresses the legal sense of this word, considering using it if it would be natural to use in the context of defending and confirming the truth of the gospel.

Philippians 1:8

ἐν σπλάγχνοις Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ

The word bowels is a term which refers to body organs and particularly to the liver, lungs, and heart. Here, Paul uses bowels figuratively. The figurative use of bowels could refer to: (1) the center and source of emotion. Alternate translation: “with the heart of Christ Jesus” (2) emotion itself. See UST. (See: Idiom)

Philippians 1:9

ἐν ἐπιγνώσει καὶ πάσῃ αἰσθήσει

The word knowledge is an abstract noun. If it would be clearer in your language you could express the idea behind the abstract noun knowledge with a verb such as “see”. Alternate translation: “and that God will enable you to see the truth about Him and teach you to love wisely” See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐν ἐπιγνώσει καὶ πάσῃ αἰσθήσει

The word understanding is an abstract noun. If it would be clearer in your language you could express the idea behind the abstract noun understanding by using a verb phrase such as “and teach you to love wisely.” Alternate translation: “and that God will enable you to see the truth about Him and teach you to love wisely” See: Abstract Nouns)

Philippians 1:10

εἰς τὸ δοκιμάζειν ὑμᾶς τὰ διαφέροντα

Alternate translation: “so that you may approve and choose what pleases God”

εἰς

Here, the phrase so that shows that what follows this phrase is the the reason for what Paul prays in verse nine and is the desired result of his prayer. Consider using a word or phrase that will clearly show that what follows the phrase so that is the reason for what Paul prays in verse nine. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

τὰ διαφέροντα

Alternate translation: “what is most pleasing to God”

εἰλικρινεῖς καὶ ἀπρόσκοποι

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 blameless” (See: Doublet)

Philippians 1:11

πεπληρωμένοι καρπὸν δικαιοσύνης τὸν διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here, the phrase fruit of is a metaphor which figuratively refers to what characterizes a person, namely what a person produces. The phrase fruit of righteousness is a comparison between a good tree which produces good fruit and a person who is filled with righteousness and produces good actions as a result. If this would be unclear in your language you could state this in plain language. Alternate translation: “habitually doing the good works which Jesus the Messiah produces” (See: Metaphor)

πεπληρωμένοι

The phrase being filled with is in the passive tense. If using a passive verb form would be confusing in your language you may translate this phrase using an active verb form. Alternate translation: “God has enabled you to produce” (See: Active or Passive)

Philippians 1:12

ἀδελφοί

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” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

τὰ κατ’ ἐμὲ, μᾶλλον εἰς προκοπὴν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ἐλήλυθεν

The phrase the things concerning me refers to Paul’s imprisonment. If this would be unclear in your language you may state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the things I have suffered because I was put into prison for preaching about Jesus have happened for the greater progress of the gospel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μᾶλλον εἰς προκοπὴν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ἐλήλυθεν

Alternate translation: “have actually caused more people to hear the gospel”

Philippians 1:13

ὥστε

Here, the phrase As a result introduces the result of Paul’s circumstances which he began discussing in verse 12. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

δεσμούς μου

See how you translated this phrase in 1:7.

τοὺς δεσμούς μου…ἐν Χριστῷ

Here, the preposition in used in the phrase chains in Christ could refer to: (1) that Paul’s chains are because of his work for the cause of Christ. 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” (2) the fact that Paul is in chains because of his close connection with Christ. Alternate translation: “my chains because of my connection with Christ” or “my chains because I am in Christ” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πραιτωρίῳ

The phrase palace guard refers to a special group of soldiers that helped protect the Roman emperor. Consider translating this phrase in a way that is easily understood in your language. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Philippians 1:14

ἀδελφῶν

See how you translated brothers in verse 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: “brothers and sisters” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

πλείονας τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἐν Κυρίῳ πεποιθότας τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου, περισσοτέρως τολμᾶν ἀφόβως τὸν λόγον λαλεῖν

The phrase most of the brothers have been encouraged in the Lord by my chains, to dare more fearlessly to speak the word means that most of the Christians who became aware of Paul’s imprisonment were emboldened by it to share the gospel with more courage. If it would be clearer in your language consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “as a result of my imprisonment most of our fellow believers have been emboldened to share the gospel more boldly” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν Κυρίῳ πεποιθότας τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου

The phrase encouraged in the Lord means that the Philippian Christians had become more confident in Christ by Paul’s imprisonment. If this would be unclear in your language consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “as a result of my imprisonment, have increased confidence in Christ” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

δεσμοῖς μου

See how you translated the phrase my chains in 1:7 and 1:13.

τὸν λόγον

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

Philippians 1:15

τινὲς μὲν καὶ…τὸν Χριστὸν κηρύσσουσιν

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

διὰ φθόνον καὶ ἔριν

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

εὐδοκίαν

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. See UST. (See: Abstract Nouns)

Philippians 1:16

εἰς ἀπολογίαν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου κεῖμαι

You can state the phrase I am appointed for the defense of the gospel in active form if it would be clearer in your language. See UST. (See: Active or Passive)

ἐξ ἀγάπης

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. See UST. (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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰς ἀπολογίαν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου

Alternate translation: “to prove that the message about Jesus is true”

εἰς ἀπολογίαν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου κεῖμαι

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

Philippians 1:17

δεσμοῖς

See how you translated the word chains in 1:7, 1:13, and 1:14. (See: Metonymy)

οἱ δὲ ἐξ ἐριθείας τὸν Χριστὸν καταγγέλλουσιν, οὐχ ἁγνῶς οἰόμενοι θλῖψιν ἐγείρειν τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου

Alternate translation: “But the people preaching the gospel from selfish ambition have wrong motives. They hope to cause me trouble in my imprisonment by their preaching” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Philippians 1:18

τί γάρ

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. See UST. (See: Rhetorical Question)

τί γάρ

The phrase What then is a rhetorical question in which Paul leaves out some words that might be necessary to fully understand this question in some languages. If the phrase What then would be unclear in your language, you may add the words which are implied but not stated. This phrase could mean: (1) This phrase could be 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) This phrase could be focusing on the result. Alternate translation: “What then is the result of this?” (See: Ellipsis)

καταγγέλλεται

The phrase is proclaimed is in the passive tense. If using a passive verb form would be unclear in your language you may translate this phrase using an active verb form such as “are proclaiming”. See UST. (See: Active or Passive)

χαρήσομαι

Alternate translation: “I will celebrate” or “I will be glad”

Philippians 1:19

τοῦτό

Here, the word this refers to Paul’s current situation of being in prison and the things that accompanied it. If this would not be clear in your language you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “this situation” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οἶδα γὰρ ὅτι τοῦτό μοι ἀποβήσεται εἰς σωτηρίαν

The word deliverance is an abstract noun. If it would be clearer in your language you can express the meaning behind this word by using a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “for I know that this will result in God delivering me” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τοῦ Πνεύματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

The phrase the Spirit of Jesus Christ is referring to the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 1:20

ἀποκαραδοκίαν καὶ ἐλπίδα

This phrase expresses a single idea. Both eager expectation and hope have similar meanings. 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 expressing their meaning together as one word or phrase if it would be clearer in your language. See UST. (See: Hendiadys)

κατὰ τὴν ἀποκαραδοκίαν καὶ ἐλπίδα μου

Both expectation and hope are abstract nouns. If it would be clearer in your language you may express them together in a verb phrase. Alternate translation: “but I fully believe” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐν τῷ σώματί μου

Here, the phrase in my body is used figuratively 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. (See: Metonymy)

εἴτε διὰ ζωῆς εἴτε διὰ θανάτου

Alternate translation: “whether I live or die”

Philippians 1:21

κέρδος

The word gain is an abstract noun. If this would be unclear in your language you may express the meaning behind this word by using a verb phrase. See UST. See: Abstract Nouns)

Philippians 1:22

ἐν σαρκί

Here, the phrase in the flesh means “in the body”. Paul is using the word flesh figuratively to refer to his entire body. Paul’s audience would have understood that he was referring to his body. If this would be confusing in your language consider using a different word or phrase to avoid misunderstanding. See UST. (See: Synecdoche)

τοῦτό μοι καρπὸς ἔργου

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” (See: Metaphor)

ἔργου

The word labor is an abstract noun. If this would be unclear in your language you may express the meaning behind this word by using a verb phrase. See UST. See: Abstract Nouns)

Philippians 1:23

συνέχομαι δὲ ἐκ τῶν δύο

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

συνέχομαι

The phrase I am hard pressed is in passive form. If this would be confusing in your language you can 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” (See: Active or Passive)

τῶν δύο

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐπιθυμίαν

The word desire is an abstract noun. If this would be unclear in your language you can express the meaning of this word by using it in a verb phrase. See UST. See: Abstract Nouns)

ἀναλῦσαι

Here, Paul is referring to his death with the phrase to depart. This is a delicate way of referring to something unpleasant. Here, instead of focusing on the unpleasantness of death, Paul is instead 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 plain language. Alternate translation: “to leave this body” or “to depart from this earth” (See: Euphemism)

Philippians 1:24

τὸ δὲ ἐπιμένειν ἐν τῇ σαρκὶ

The phrase remain in the flesh means to remain alive in one’s body on earth. If this would be unclear in your language, consider stating this plainly. Alternate translation: “but to remain in the body” or “but to remain on this earth” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀναγκαιότερον

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. Alternative translation: “is more necessary than departing” (See: Ellipsis)

σαρκὶ

See how you translated the phrase flesh in 1:22. (See: Synecdoche)

ὑμᾶς

In 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 most 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. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)

Philippians 1:25

καὶ τοῦτο πεποιθὼς

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μενῶ

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. Paul explained this in 1:23-24 so it is not necessary to explain it here. See how you translated the word remain in 1:24. (See: When to Keep Information Implicit)

ὑμῖν

In 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. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)

εἰς τὴν ὑμῶν προκοπὴν

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun progress by using it as a verb in a verbal phrase or by expressing it in some other way that will make the meaning clear in your language. Alternate translation: “so that you progress in knowing Jesus” (See: Abstract Nouns)

χαρὰν τῆς πίστεως

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns joy and faith by using them in a verb phrase or in some other way that would be clear in your language. See UST. (See: Abstract Nouns)

Philippians 1:26

ἵνα

Here, the phrase so that indicates purpose. In this verse, what follows so that is the reason Paul gives for what he said in 1:25. In your translation, follow the conventions of your language for purpose clauses. (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

καύχημα

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 clear in your language. Alternate translation: See UST. (See: Abstract Nouns)

καύχημα…ἐν

Here, the word boasting means to “glory in” Jesus or to “take joy in” him. Alternate translation: “glorying in” or “rejoicing in”

παρουσίας

Your language may have a different way of expressing the motion described by the word coming here. Here, the word coming refers to Paul going to where the Philippians live, and visiting them. If your language has a different way of expressing the motion described here by the word coming, use the word or phrase that will best help your readers understand which direction Paul is speaking of. (See: Go and Come)

τὸ καύχημα ὑμῶν περισσεύῃ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ ἐν ἐμοὶ, διὰ τῆς ἐμῆς παρουσίας πάλιν πρὸς ὑμᾶς

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: See UST. (2) the means by which the Philippians would greatly boast in Christ. Therefore, the word through means “by”. Alternate translation: “by my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus will increase” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

Philippians 1:27

ἐλθὼν

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

ἀξίως τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τοῦ Χριστοῦ πολιτεύεσθε

This is a command to the Philippian Christians. If your language has a plural command form, use it here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)

στήκετε

Here, the phrase stand firm is used figuratively 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” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν ἑνὶ πνεύματι, μιᾷ ψυχῇ

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. Both of these phrases are used figuratively to mean “to have unity in ones 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. Because these two phrases mean essentially the same thing, you may translate them together as one expression, if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “with unity” or “with singleness of purpose” or “in full agreement” (See: Doublet)

συναθλοῦντες

Alternate translation: “working hard together” or “cooperating together in the work”

τῇ πίστει τοῦ εὐαγγελίου

The phrase the faith of the gospel is speaking of the Christian religion as a whole and refers to the Christian belief system which centers around the gospel. See UST.

Philippians 1:28

μὴ πτυρόμενοι ἐν μηδενὶ

This is a command to the Philippian Christians. If your language has a plural command form, use it here. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)

τῶν ἀντικειμένων

The phrase those 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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἥτις ἐστὶν αὐτοῖς ἔνδειξις

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun sign by expressing it in a verbal phrase or by expressing it in some other way that would be clear in your language. Alternate translation: See UST. (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἀπωλείας

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” or see UST. (See: Abstract Nouns)

σωτηρίας

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: See UST. (See: Abstract Nouns)

τοῦτο ἀπὸ Θεοῦ

The word this in the phrase this is 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” (See: When to Keep Information Implicit)

Philippians 1:29

ὑμῖν ἐχαρίσθη τὸ

The phraseit has been freely given to you is in the passive voice. If using the passive voice would be confusing in your language you may express this using an active verbal clause. Alternate translation: “God has graciously granted” (See: Active or Passive)

Philippians 1:30

τὸν αὐτὸν ἀγῶνα

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun struggle by using 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: “You are engaged in the same conflict” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἀγῶνα

Here, the word struggle refers to the conflict between good and evil and speaks of it 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: “You are engaged in the same battle” (See: Metaphor)

εἴδετε ἐν ἐμοὶ, καὶ νῦν ἀκούετε ἐν ἐμοί

Here, the phrase in me refers to what Paul is experiencing. If this would be unclear in your language you can express this in a way that is understandable in your language. Alternate translation: “you saw me experience and now hear that I am experiencing” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν ἐμοί

Here, the phrase in me leaves out some words that might be necessary for a clear understanding in some languages. The missing words are left out because they are implied from earlier in this verse. If this phrase would be unclear as it is you may supply the missing words in your translation. Alternate translation: “I am engaged in” (See: Ellipsis)

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 to be 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

εἴ τις…παράκλησις ἐν Χριστῷ

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” (See: Abstract Nouns)

οὖν

The word Therefore indicates that what follows is the natural consequence or conclusion to what preceded it. Use a word or phrase from your language that would show that what follows the word Therefore is intended to be the consequence of what preceded it. (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

εἴ τις…παράκλησις ἐν Χριστῷ

Alternate translation: “if Christ has encouraged you” or “if you are encouraged by being in Christ” or “if you are encouraged because of your union with Christ”

εἴ τι παραμύθιον ἀγάπης

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”

εἴ τι

In the three occurrences of the phrase if any in this verse, the words “there is” are implied and can be supplied in your translation if omitting them would be unclear. (See: Ellipsis)

εἴ τι παραμύθιον ἀγάπης

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns comfort and love by using them in a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “if being loved by Christ has comforted you” or “if Christ loving you has comforted you” or “if Christ’s love comforts you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

εἴ τις κοινωνία Πνεύματος

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”

εἴ τις

In the three occurrences of the phrase if any in this verse, the words “there is” are implied and can be supplied in your translation if omitting them would be unclear. (See: Ellipsis

εἴ τις σπλάγχνα καὶ οἰκτιρμοί

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” (See: Abstract Nouns)

εἴ τις

In the three occurrences of the phrase if any in this verse, the words “there is” are implied and can be supplied in your translation if omitting them would be unclear. (See: Ellipsis

Philippians 2:2

πληρώσατέ μου τὴν χαρὰν

Alternate translation: “make me very happy”

τὸ αὐτὸ φρονῆτε

Alternate translation: “you think together as one”

τὴν αὐτὴν ἀγάπην ἔχοντες

Alternate translation: “have love for each other” or “love one another”

σύνψυχοι

Alternate translation: “be one in spirit” or “be one in heart and will”

τὸ ἓν φρονοῦντες

Alternate translation: “be concerned about the same things”

Philippians 2:3

μηδὲν κατ’ ἐριθείαν

Alternate translation: “Do not be selfishly ambitious” or “Never try to make yourselves more important than others” or “Do not do anything with an attitude of self-importance”

μηδὲ κατὰ κενοδοξίαν

Alternate translation: “or with empty pride”

Philippians 2:4

μὴ τὰ ἑαυτῶν ἕκαστος σκοποῦντες, ἀλλὰ καὶ τὰ ἑτέρων ἕκαστοι

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

ἕκαστος

The phrase each one here means “each person”. If it would be clearer in your language consider saying this explicitly. Alternate translation: “each of you” or “everyone of you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μὴ…σκοποῦντες

Alternate translation: “not thinking about”

ἑαυτῶν

Here, the reflexive pronoun themselves is plural in form. If your language has a plural form for this pronoun, consider using it here. Alternate translation: “of yourselves” (See: Pronouns)

ἑαυτῶν

Here, the reflexive pronoun themselves refers back to each one. Alternate translation: “of yourselves” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

Philippians 2:5

τοῦτο φρονεῖτε ἐν ὑμῖν, ὃ καὶ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

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

τοῦτο φρονεῖτε ἐν ὑμῖν, ὃ καὶ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

If it would be clearer in your language, you could 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” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ὑμῖν

See how you translated you in the previous verses. In 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. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)

τοῦτο φρονεῖτε

This is a command to the Philippian Christians in the plural form. If your language has a plural command form, use it here. Alternate translation: “Everyone of you have this attitude” (See: Imperatives — Other Uses)

ὃ καὶ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

Here, the phrase attitude…in Christ Jesus means the attitude and disposition which existed in Christ Jesus and therefore characterized his behavior. The phrase this attitude…which also was in Christ Jesus therefore refers to the attitude or way of thinking that belonged to Christ Jesus. Alternate translation: “which also belonged to Christ Jesus” or “which Christ Jesus also had” or “which Christ Jesus also displayed” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Philippians 2:6

ἐν μορφῇ Θεοῦ ὑπάρχων

Alternate translation: “though everything that is true of God was true of him”

ἐν μορφῇ Θεοῦ ὑπάρχων

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. 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”

ἁρπαγμὸν

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

οὐχ…ἡγήσατο

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

Philippians 2:7

ἀλλὰ

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 the choice of hanging onto divine rights and privileges or choosing to surrender them. The rest of this verse, as well as the following two verses, explain how Jesus gave up many of his divine rights and privileges to act as a servant. Alternate translation: “On the contrary” or “Rather” of “But” (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἀλλὰ ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν

Here, the pronoun he refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “Instead, Jesus emptied himself” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν

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, in your language, to express the emphatic element of this pronoun. Alternate translation: “he willingly set aside divine privileges” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν

Here, Paul saying that Christ emptied himself is figurative and not literal. By using this phrase, Paul is vividly expressing that Christ chose to give up many of his divine rights and privileges when he became human. The phrase emptied himself is a figurative way of saying that Jesus chose to give up divine privileges and honors. Paul expresses this in a metaphorical way in order to more vividly make his point. If this would be unclear in your language consider using a similar expression that would be clear in your language or use plain language. Alternate translation: “he gave up divine rights and privileges” or “he willingly set aside divine privileges” (See: Metaphor)

ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν, μορφὴν δούλου λαβών

The phrase having taken the form of a servant modifies the phrase he emptied himself by explaining just how Jesus emptied himself, namely by acting as a servant. Consider the best way, in your language, to show the connection between these two phrases. Alternate translation: “Jesus emptied himself by acting as a servant” or “he emptied himself by becoming a servant”

μορφὴν δούλου λαβών

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.

ἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων γενόμενος

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 therefore he appeared on earth in human form. Alternate translation: “having become a human being” or see UST.

ἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων

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. If your language has a way of expressing this emphasis on Jesus’ humanity, consider the most clear way to express this. Alternate translation: “in the likeness of human beings” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

καὶ σχήματι εὑρεθεὶς ὡς ἄνθρωπος

The phrase having been found in appearance as a man does not mean that Jesus appeared to be a man but was not. Rather, this phrase continues the thought of the 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 was fully human in appearance but also indicates that while being fully human, Jesus was distinct from the rest of humanity because he retained his full deity while being human; and therefore was both human and divine at the same time. Alternate translation: “and while being found in the form of a human being” or see UST.

ἄνθρωπος

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. Alternate translation: “a human being” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Philippians 2:8

ἐταπείνωσεν ἑαυτὸν, γενόμενος ὑπήκοος μέχρι θανάτου

The phrase having become could be: (1) introducing the way Jesus humbled himself, namely that he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death. 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” (2) explaining what the phrase he humbled himself refers to. If this is how this phrase is being used then having become is clarifying that he humbled himself by death on a cross. Alternate translation: “he humbled himself, specifically, by being obeying to the point of death”

ἑαυτὸν

The word himself is a reflexive pronoun which refers to Jesus. The reflexive pronoun himself 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. (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

γενόμενος ὑπήκοος μέχρι θανάτου

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun obey with a verb such as “obeying”. Alternate translation: “having obeyed to the point of death” (See: Abstract Nouns)

θανάτου δὲ σταυροῦ

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun death with a verb such as “dying”. Alternate translation: “even to dying on a cross” (See: Abstract Nouns)

θανάτου δὲ σταυροῦ

The word even combined with the repetition of the word death emphasize that dying on a cross was considered extremely humiliating. Paul’s readers would have been familiar with crucifixion and understood that it was very humiliating. This phrase emphasizes that Jesus’ death on the cross showed the great extent of his humility and obedience. Think about the best way, in your language, to show the emphatic nature of this phrase. Alternate translation: “even to death on a cross” or “even as so far as dying on a cross” or “even to the extent of dying on a cross”

Philippians 2:9

διὸ

The word Therefore introduces the result of Jesus humbling himself. How Jesus humbled himself is described in 2:6-8. What follows the word Therefore is the result of what Jesus did in 2:6-8. The wordTherefore shows the reason and result relationship between what comes before this word and what follows it. Choose the best way in your language to express the reason and result relationship expressed by the word Therefore. Alternate translation: “Because of this” or “Because Jesus acted this way” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

αὐτὸν ὑπερύψωσεν

Alternate translation: “greatly honored him”

καὶ ἐχαρίσατο αὐτῷ τὸ ὄνομα τὸ ὑπὲρ πᾶν ὄνομα

Alternate translation: “and gave him the position that was higher than any other position”

τὸ ὄνομα τὸ ὑπὲρ πᾶν ὄνομα

Here, name is a metonym that refers to status or position. Alternate translation: “the position that is above every other position” or “the rank that is above every other rank” (See: Metonymy)

Philippians 2:10

ἵνα

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. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ, πᾶν γόνυ κάμψῃ

Here, every knee bending is an idiomatic way of saying that Jesus will be worshiped and honored. If this would be clear in your language consider using this expression but if it would not be clear in your language consider using an equivalent expression to communicate the the idea of worship. (See: Idiom)

ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ, πᾶν γόνυ κάμψῃ

Here, at the name of is a metonym for the person, telling who it is they will worship. Alternate translation: “every person will worship Jesus” (See: Metonymy)

ὀνόματι

See how you translated name in 2:9.

ἐπουρανίων καὶ ἐπιγείων καὶ καταχθονίων

The phrase in heaven and on earth and under the earth literally means “of heavenly things and of earthly things and of things under the earth” or “of heavenly beings and of earthly beings and of beings under the earth”. This phrase refers to all beings, including human beings and angels. This phrase emphasizes that all beings everywhere will bow in reverence to Jesus. Alternate translation: “every being in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth”

 

Philippians 2:11

πᾶσα γλῶσσα

Here, tongue refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “every person” or “every being” (See: Synecdoche)

εἰς δόξαν Θεοῦ Πατρὸς

Here the word to expresses result: “with the result that they will praise God the Father” (See: Metaphor)

Philippians 2:12

Paul encourages the Philippian believers and shows them how to live the Christian life before others and reminds them of his example.

ἀγαπητοί μου

“my dear fellow believers”

ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ μου

“when I am there with you”

ἐν τῇ ἀπουσίᾳ μου

“when I am not there with you”

μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου τὴν ἑαυτῶν σωτηρίαν κατεργάζεσθε

The abstract noun salvation can be expressed with a phrase about God saving people. Alternate translation: “with fear and trembling, continue to work hard to do what is proper for those whom God saves” or “with awe and reverence for God, work hard to do the good things that show that he has saved you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου

Paul uses the words fear and trembling together to show the attitude of reverence that people should have for God. Alternate translation: “trembling with fear” or “with deep reverence” (See: Doublet)

Philippians 2:13

καὶ τὸ θέλειν, καὶ τὸ ἐνεργεῖν, ὑπὲρ τῆς εὐδοκίας

“so that you will want to do what pleases him and will be able to do what pleases him”

Philippians 2:15

ἄμεμπτοι καὶ ἀκέραιοι

The words blameless and pure are very similar in meaning and are used together to strenghten the idea. Alternate translation: “completely innocent” (See: Doublet)

φαίνεσθε ὡς φωστῆρες ἐν κόσμῳ

Light represents goodness and truth. To shine as lights in the world represents living in a good and righteous way so that people in the world can see that God is good and true. Alternate translation: “you will be examples of goodness and truth in the world” (See: Metaphor)

μέσον γενεᾶς σκολιᾶς καὶ διεστραμμένης…ἐν κόσμῳ

Here the word world refers to the people of the world. The words crooked and depraved are used together to emphasize that the people are very sinful. Alternate translation: “in the world, among people who are very sinful” (See: Doublet)

Philippians 2:16

λόγον ζωῆς ἐπέχοντες

Here, holding forth represents firmly believing. Alternate translation: “continuing to firmly believe the word of life” (See: Metaphor)

λόγον ζωῆς

“the message that brings life” or “the message that shows how to live the way God wants you to”

εἰς ἡμέραν Χριστοῦ

This refers to when Jesus comes back to set up his kingdom and rule over the earth. Alternate translation: “when Christ returns”

οὐκ εἰς κενὸν ἔδραμον, οὐδὲ εἰς κενὸν ἐκοπίασα

The phrases run in vain and labor in vain here mean the same thing. Paul uses them together to emphasize how hard he has worked to help people believe in Christ. Alternate translation: “I did not work so hard for nothing” (See: Parallelism)

ἔδραμον

The scriptures often use the image of walking to represent conducting one’s life. To run is to live life intensively. (See: Metaphor)

Philippians 2:17

ἀλλ’ εἰ καὶ σπένδομαι ἐπὶ τῇ θυσίᾳ καὶ λειτουργίᾳ τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν, χαίρω καὶ συνχαίρω πᾶσιν ὑμῖν

Paul speaks of his death as if he were a drink offering which is poured out upon the animal sacrifice to honor God. What Paul means is that he would gladly die for the Philippians if that would make them more pleasing to God. Alternate translation: “But, even if the Romans kill me and it is as if my blood pours out as an offering, I will be glad and rejoice with you all if my death will make your faith and obedience more pleasing to God” (See: Metaphor)

Philippians 2:19

Paul tells the Philippian believers about his plan to send Timothy soon and that they should treat Epaphroditus as special.

ἐλπίζω δὲ ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ

“Now I confidently expect the Lord Jesus to allow me”

Philippians 2:20

οὐδένα γὰρ ἔχω ἰσόψυχον

“For no one else here loves you as much as he does”

Philippians 2:21

οἱ πάντες γὰρ

Here the word they refers to a group of people Paul does not feel he can trust to send to Philippi. Paul is also expressing his displeasure with the group, who should have been able to go, but Paul does not trust them to fulfill their mission.

Philippians 2:22

ὡς πατρὶ τέκνον, σὺν ἐμοὶ ἐδούλευσεν

Fathers and sons love each other and work together. Timothy was not really Paul’s child, but he worked with Paul as a son works with his father. (See: Simile)

εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον

Here, the gospel stands for the activity of telling people about Jesus. Alternate translation: “in telling people about the gospel” (See: Metonymy)

Philippians 2:24

πέποιθα…ἐν Κυρίῳ, ὅτι καὶ αὐτὸς ταχέως ἐλεύσομαι

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

Philippians 2:25

Ἐπαφρόδιτον

This is the name of a man sent by the Philippian church to minister to Paul in prison. (See: How to Translate Names)

συνεργὸν καὶ συνστρατιώτην

Here Paul is speaking of Epaphroditus as if he were a fellow soldier. He means that Epaphroditus is trained and is dedicated to serving God, no matter how great the hardship he must suffer. Alternate translation: “fellow believer who works and struggles along with us” (See: Metaphor)

ὑμῶν…ἀπόστολον καὶ λειτουργὸν τῆς χρείας μου

“who brings your messages to me and helps me when I am in need”

Philippians 2:26

ἐπιποθῶν ἦν πάντας ὑμᾶς, καὶ ἀδημονῶν

“he wanted to be with you all and is very worried”

Philippians 2:27

λύπην ἐπὶ λύπην

The cause of the sorrow can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the sorrow of losing him added to the sorrow I already have from being in prison” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Philippians 2:28

κἀγὼ ἀλυπότερος ὦ

“I will be less anxious” or “I will not worry as much as I have been”

Philippians 2:29

προσδέχεσθε οὖν αὐτὸν

“Therefore, gladly receive Epaphroditus”

ἐν Κυρίῳ μετὰ πάσης χαρᾶς

“as a fellow believer in the Lord with all joy” or “with the great joy we have because the Lord Jesus loves us”

Philippians 2:30

μέχρι θανάτου ἤγγισεν

Paul here speaks of death as if it were a place that one could go to. (See: Metaphor)

ἀναπληρώσῃ τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα, τῆς πρός με λειτουργίας

Paul speaks of his needs as if they were a container that Epaphroditus filled with good things for Paul. (See: Metaphor)

Philippians 3

Philippians 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In verses 4-8, Paul lists how 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 attempting to grow to be like Christ until a person dies. We can never achieve this goal perfectly, but we must strive for it.

Philippians 3:1

In order to warn his fellow believers about Jews who would try to get them to follow the old laws, Paul gives his own testimony about when he persecuted believers.

τὸ λοιπόν, ἀδελφοί μου

“Now moving along, my brothers” or “Concerning other matters, my brothers”

ἀδελφοί

See how you translated this in Philippians 1:12.

χαίρετε ἐν Κυρίῳ

“be happy because of all the Lord has done”

ὑμῖν δὲ ἀσφαλές

You can state explicitly how writing these things is a safeguard for the Philippians. Alternate translation: “because these teachings will protect you from those who teach what is not true” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Philippians 3:2

βλέπετε

“Watch out for” or “Look out for”

τοὺς κύνας…τοὺς κακοὺς ἐργάτας…τὴν κατατομήν

These are three different ways of describing the same group of false teachers. Paul is using strong expressions to convey his feeling about these Jewish Christian teachers.

τοὺς κύνας

The word dogs was used by the Jews to refer to those who were not Jews. Paul reverses this and calls the Jews “dogs.”(See: Irony)

τοὺς κύνας

Paul speaks of the false teachers as though they were dogs, to insult them, because dogs were unclean. If you have a different animal in your culture that is considered unclean or whose name is used as an insult, you could use this animal instead. (See: Metaphor)

τὴν κατατομήν

Paul is exaggerating about the act of circumcision to insult the false teachers. (See: Hyperbole)

τὴν κατατομήν

Here, mutilation refers to the people who were circumcized, and represents the Jews who were all circumcized. The false teachers said God will only save a person who is circumcised, who cuts off the foreskin. This action was required by the law of Moses for all male Israelites. (See: Metonymy)

Philippians 3:3

ἡμεῖς γάρ ἐσμεν

Paul uses we to refer to himself and all true believers in Christ, including the Philippian believers. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἡ περιτομή

Paul uses this phrase to refer to believers in Christ who are not physically circumcised but are spiritually circumcised, which means they have received the Holy Spirit through faith. Alternate translation: “the truly circumcised ones” or “truly God’s people”

οὐκ ἐν σαρκὶ πεποιθότες

“not trusting that only cutting our flesh will please God”

Philippians 3:4

καίπερ

Paul is introducing a hypothetical situation that could not possibly exist. Alternate translation: “although if I wanted to” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ἐγὼ ἔχων πεποίθησιν καὶ ἐν σαρκί. εἴ τις δοκεῖ ἄλλος πεποιθέναι ἐν σαρκί, ἐγὼ μᾶλλον

This is a hypothetical situation that Paul does not believe is possible. Paul says if it were possible that God would save people based on what they did, then God would certainly have saved him. Alternate translation: “no one can do enough things to please God, but if anyone could do enough things to please God, I could do more good things and please God more than anyone” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ἐγὼ

Paul uses myself for emphasis. Alternate translation: “certainly I” (See: Reflexive Pronouns)

Philippians 3:5

περιτομῇ

“I received circumcision” or “a priest circumcised me”

ὀκταήμερος

“seven days after I was born”

Ἑβραῖος ἐξ Ἑβραίων

This could mean: (1) This refers to a Hebrew son with Hebrew parents. (2) This refers to the purest Hebrew.

κατὰ νόμον Φαρισαῖος

The Pharisees were committed to obeying all of the law. Being a Pharisee showed that Paul was committed to obeying all of the law. Alternate translation: “as a Pharisee, I was committed to obeying all of the law”

Philippians 3:6

κατὰ ζῆλος διώκων τὴν ἐκκλησίαν

Paul’s zeal was his enthusiasm for honoring God. He believed that by persecuting the church he proved how zealous he was for God. Alternate translation: “having so much zeal for God that I persecuted the church” or “wanting so much to honor God, I persecuted the church”

διώκων τὴν ἐκκλησίαν

“attacking Christians”

κατὰ δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐν νόμῳ γενόμενος ἄμεμπτος

The phrase righteousness that is under the law refers to being righteous by obeying the law. Paul obeyed the law so carefully that he believed that no one could find any part of it that he disobeyed. Alternate Translation: “being so righteous by obeying the law that I was blameless”

Philippians 3:7

ἅτινα ἦν μοι κέρδη

Paul is referring here to the praise he received for being an eager Pharisee. He speaks of this praise as if he had viewed it in the past as a businessman’s profit. Alternate translation: “Anything that other Jews praised me for” (See: Metaphor)

κέρδη…ζημίαν

These are common business terms. If many people in your culture do not understand formal business terms, you could translate these terms as “things that made my life better” and “things that made my life worse.”

ταῦτα ἥγημαι…ζημίαν

Paul speaks of that praise as if he were now viewing it as a business loss instead of a profit. In other words, Paul says that all his religious acts of righteousness are worthless before Christ. (See: Metaphor)

Philippians 3:8

καὶ ἡγοῦμαι πάντα ζημίαν εἶναι

Paul is continuing the business metaphor from Philippians 3:7, saying it is worthless to trust in anything other than Christ. Alternate translation: “I consider everything to be worthless” (See: Metaphor)

διὰ τὸ ὑπερέχον τῆς γνώσεως Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου μου

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

ἵνα Χριστὸν κερδήσω

“so that I may have only Christ”

Philippians 3:9

εὑρεθῶ ἐν αὐτῷ

The phrase be found is an idiom that emphasizes the idea of “to be.” Alternate translation: “be truly united with Christ” (See: Idiom)

μὴ ἔχων ἐμὴν δικαιοσύνην, τὴν ἐκ νόμου

Paul knows that he cannot become righteous by obeying the law.

ἀλλὰ τὴν διὰ πίστεως Χριστοῦ

The word that refers to righteousness. Paul knows that he can become righteous only by believing in Christ. Alternate translation: “but having the righteousness that comes by believing in Christ”

Philippians 3:10

τὴν δύναμιν τῆς ἀναστάσεως αὐτοῦ

“his power that gives us life”

κοινωνίαν παθημάτων αὐτοῦ

“what it is like to suffer as he suffered” or “what it is like to participate in suffering with him”

συμμορφιζόμενος τῷ θανάτῳ αὐτοῦ

This could mean: (1) Paul wants to be like Christ by dying as Christ died. (2) Paul wants his desire to sin to become as dead as Jesus was before he was raised. (See: Metonymy)

Philippians 3:11

εἴ πως καταντήσω εἰς τὴν ἐξανάστασιν τὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν

The word somehow means Paul does not know what is going to happen to him in this life, but whatever happens, it will result in eternal life. Alternate translation: “so that, no matter what happens to me now, I will come back to life after I die”

Philippians 3:12

Paul urges the believers at Philippi to follow his present example because of heaven and the new bodies that wait for believers. He speaks of how he works as hard as he can to be like Christ, knowing that God will allow him to live forever in heaven, as if he were a runner racing for the finish line.

ἤδη ἔλαβον

These include knowing Christ, knowing the power of his resurrection, sharing in Christ’s suffering, and being united with Christ in his death and resurrection (Philippians 3:8-11).

ἢ ἤδη τετελείωμαι

“or am already perfect” or “or am already fully mature”

διώκω δὲ

“but I keep trying”

καταλάβω, ἐφ’ ᾧ καὶ κατελήμφθην ὑπὸ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ

You can state this in an active form. Alternate translation: “to grasp the things for which Christ Jesus grasped me” (See: Active or Passive)

καταλάβω, ἐφ’ ᾧ καὶ κατελήμφθην ὑπὸ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ

Receiving spiritual things from Christ is spoken of as if Paul could grasp them with his hands. And, Jesus choosing Paul to belong to him is spoken of as if Jesus grasped Paul with his hands. Alternate translation: “I may receive these things because that is why Jesus claimed me as his own” (See: Metaphor)

Philippians 3:13

ἀδελφοί

See how you translated this in Philippians 1:12.

ἐγὼ ἐμαυτὸν οὐ λογίζομαι κατειληφέναι

Receiving spiritual things from Christ is spoken of as if Paul could grasp them with his hands. Alternate translation: “I do not consider that all these things belong to me yet” (See: Metaphor)

τὰ μὲν ὀπίσω ἐπιλανθανόμενος, τοῖς δὲ ἔμπροσθεν ἐπεκτεινόμενος

Like a runner in a race is no longer concerned about the part of the race that is completed but only focuses on what is ahead, Paul speaks of setting aside his religious works of righteousness and only focusing on the race of life that Christ has set before him to complete. Alternate translation: “not caring what I have done in the past; I only work as hard as I can on what is ahead” (See: Metaphor)

Philippians 3:14

κατὰ σκοπὸν διώκω εἰς τὸ βραβεῖον τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

As a runner presses onward to win the race and a prize, Paul presses onward in serving and living in obedience to Christ. Alternate translation: “I do all I can to be like Christ, like a runner racing to the finish line, so that I may belong to him, and God may call me to himself after I die” (See: Metaphor)

τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως

This could mean: (1) Paul speaks of living eternally with God as if God were to call Paul to ascend to heaven as Jesus did. (2) Paul speaks of living eternally with God as if God were to call Paul to ascend to the steps of the podium where winners of races received prizes, as a metaphor for meeting God face to face and receiving eternal life. (See: Metaphor)

Philippians 3:15

ὅσοι…τέλειοι, τοῦτο φρονῶμεν

Paul wants his fellow believers to have the same desires he listed in Philippians 3:8-11. Alternate translation: “I encourage all of us believers who are strong in the faith to think the same way”

καὶ τοῦτο ὁ Θεὸς ὑμῖν ἀποκαλύψει

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

Philippians 3:16

εἰς ὃ ἐφθάσαμεν, τῷ αὐτῷ στοιχεῖν

Paul uses we to include the Philippian believers. Alternate translation: “let us all continue obeying the same truth we have already received” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Philippians 3:17

συνμιμηταί μου γίνεσθε

“Do what I do” or “Live as I live”

ἀδελφοί

See how you translated this in Philippians 1:12.

τοὺς οὕτω περιπατοῦντας, καθὼς ἔχετε τύπον ἡμᾶς

“those who already are living just as I live” or “those who already are doing what I do”

Philippians 3:18

πολλοὶ…περιπατοῦσιν…τοὺς ἐχθροὺς τοῦ σταυροῦ τοῦ Χριστοῦ

These words are Paul’s main thought for this verse.

πολλοὶ…περιπατοῦσιν

A person’s behavior is spoken of as if that person would walk along a path. Alternate translation: “many live” or “many conduct their lives” (See: Metaphor)

οὓς πολλάκις ἔλεγον ὑμῖν, νῦν δὲ καὶ κλαίων, λέγω

Paul interrupts his main thought with these words that describe the “many.” You can move them to the beginning or end of the verse if you need to.

πολλάκις ἔλεγον ὑμῖν

“I have told you many times”

κλαίων, λέγω

“telling you with great sadness”

τοὺς ἐχθροὺς τοῦ σταυροῦ τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here, the cross of Christ refers to Christ’s suffering and death. The enemies are those who say they believe in Jesus but are not willing to suffer or die like Jesus did. Alternate translation: “in a way that shows they are actually against Jesus, who was willing to suffer and die on a cross” (See: Metonymy)

Philippians 3:19

ὧν τὸ τέλος ἀπώλεια

“but someday God will destroy them.” The last thing that happens to them is that God will destroy them.

ὧν ὁ Θεὸς ἡ κοιλία

Here, belly refers to a person’s desires for physical pleasure. Calling it their god means that they want these pleasures more than they want to obey God. Alternate translation: “they desire food and other physical pleasures more than they desire to obey God” (See: Metaphor)

ἡ δόξα ἐν τῇ αἰσχύνῃ αὐτῶν

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

οἱ τὰ ἐπίγεια φρονοῦντες

Here, earthly refers to everything that gives physical pleasure and does not honor God. Alternate translation: “All they think about is what will please themselves rather than what will please God” (See: Metonymy)

Philippians 3:20

By Paul’s use of “our” and “we” here, he includes himself and the believers in Philippi. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

ἡμῶν…τὸ πολίτευμα ἐν οὐρανοῖς ὑπάρχει

This could mean: (1) We are citizens of heaven. (2) Our homeland is heaven. (3) Our true home is heaven.

Philippians 3:21

ὃς μετασχηματίσει τὸ σῶμα τῆς ταπεινώσεως ἡμῶν

“who will change our weak, earthly body”

σύμμορφον τῷ σώματι τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ

“into a body like his glorious body”

τῷ σώματι τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ, κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν τοῦ δύνασθαι αὐτὸν, καὶ ὑποτάξαι αὑτῷ τὰ πάντα

You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “to his glorious body. He will change our bodies with the same power he uses to control all things” (See: Active or Passive)

Philippians 4

Philippians 4 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“My joy and my crown”

Paul had helped the Philippians become spiritually mature. As a result, Paul rejoiced and God honored him and his work. He considered discipling other Christians and encouraging them to grow spiritually as important to Christian living. (See: spirit, wind, breath and disciple)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Euodia and Syntyche

Apparently, these two women disagreed with each other. Paul was encouraging them to agree. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Philippians 4:1

When Paul says, “my true companion,” The word you is singular. Paul does not say the name of the person. He calls him that to show he worked with Paul to spread the gospel. (See: Forms of You)

Paul continues with some specific instructions to the believers in Philippi on unity and then gives instructions to help them live for the Lord.

ἀδελφοί μου ἀγαπητοὶ καὶ ἐπιπόθητοι

“my fellow believers, I love you and I greatly desire to see you”

ἀδελφοί

See how you translated this in Philippians 1:12.

χαρὰ καὶ στέφανός μου

Paul uses the word joy to mean that the Philippian church is the cause of his happiness. A crown was made of leaves, and a man wore it on his head as a sign of honor after he won an important game. Here the word crown means the Philippian church brought honor to Paul before God. Alternate translation: “since you give me joy because you have believed in Jesus, and you are my reward and honor for my work” (See: Metonymy)

οὕτως στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ, ἀγαπητοί

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

Philippians 4:2

Εὐοδίαν παρακαλῶ, καὶ Συντύχην παρακαλῶ

These are women who were believers and helped Paul in the church at Philippi. Alternate translation: “I beg Euodia, and I beg Syntyche” (See: How to Translate Names)

τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖν ἐν Κυρίῳ

The phrase to think the same means to have the same attitude or opinion. Alternate translation: “to agree with each other because you both believe in the same Lord” (See: Metonymy)

Philippians 4:3

ἐρωτῶ καὶ σέ

Here, you refers to the true companion and is singular. This is the only occurrence of the word you in Philippians that is singular. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)

γνήσιε σύνζυγε

This metaphor is from farming, where two animals would be bound to the same yoke, and so they work together. Alternate translation: “fellow worker” (See: Metaphor)

μετὰ καὶ Κλήμεντος

Clement was a man who was a believer and worker in the church at Philippi. (See: How to Translate Names)

ὧν τὰ ὀνόματα ἐν βίβλῳ ζωῆς

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

Philippians 4:4

χαίρετε ἐν Κυρίῳ

“be happy because of all the Lord has done.” See how you translated this in Philippians 3:1.

Philippians 4:5

ὁ Κύριος ἐγγύς

This could mean: (1) The Lord Jesus is near to the believers in spirit. (2) The day the Lord Jesus will return to the earth is near.

Philippians 4:6

ἐν παντὶ, τῇ προσευχῇ καὶ τῇ δεήσει μετὰ εὐχαριστίας, τὰ αἰτήματα ὑμῶν γνωριζέσθω πρὸς τὸν Θεόν

“whatever happens to you, ask God for everything you need with prayer and thanks”

Philippians 4:7

ἡ εἰρήνη τοῦ Θεοῦ

“the peace that God gives”

ἡ ὑπερέχουσα πάντα νοῦν

“which is more than we can understand”

φρουρήσει τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν καὶ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ

This presents God’s peace as a soldier who protects our hearts and minds from worrying. Alternate translation: “will be like a soldier and guard your hearts and minds in Christ”(See: Personification)

φρουρήσει τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν καὶ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ

Here, hearts is a metonym for a person’s emotions. Alternate translation: “will guard your emotions and thoughts in Christ” or “will protect you in Christ and will keep you from worrying about the troubles of this life” (See: Metonymy)

Philippians 4:8

τὸ λοιπόν

As Paul ends his letter, he gives a summary of how believers should live to have peace with God.

ἀδελφοί

See how you translated this in Philippians 1:12.

ὅσα προσφιλῆ

“whatever things are pleasing”

ὅσα εὔφημα

“whatever thing people admire” or “whatever things people respect”

εἴ τις ἀρετὴ

“if they are morally good”

εἴ τις ἔπαινος

“and if they are things that people praise”

Philippians 4:9

ἃ καὶ ἐμάθετε καὶ παρελάβετε, καὶ ἠκούσατε καὶ εἴδετε, ἐν ἐμοί

“And everything that I have taught and shown you”

Philippians 4:10

Paul begins to thank the Philippians for a gift that they have sent him. He begins in verse 11 to explain that he is thanking them for this gift simply because he is grateful, not because he needs them to give him anything more.

Philippians 4:11

αὐτάρκης εἶναι

“to be satisfied” or “to be happy”

ἐν οἷς εἰμι

“no matter what my situation is”

Philippians 4:12

οἶδα καὶ ταπεινοῦσθαι, οἶδα καὶ περισσεύειν

Paul knows how to live happily having either no possessions or many possessions. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

χορτάζεσθαι καὶ πεινᾶν, καὶ περισσεύειν καὶ ὑστερεῖσθαι

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them to emphasize that he has learned how to be content in any situation. (See: Parallelism)

χορτάζεσθαι καὶ πεινᾶν

This phrase is a merism. Paul refers to both extremes to say that he is comfortable with any amount of food. Alternate translation: “no matter what amount of food I have” (See: Merism)

περισσεύειν καὶ ὑστερεῖσθαι

This phrase is a merism. Paul refers to both extremes to say that he is comfortable with any amount of possessions. Alternate translation: “no matter what amount of things I have” (See: Merism)

Philippians 4:13

πάντα ἰσχύω ἐν τῷ ἐνδυναμοῦντί με

“I can do all things because Christ gives me strength”

Philippians 4:14

Paul continues explaining that he is thanking the Philippians for their gift to him simply because he is grateful, not because he needs them to give him anything more (see Philippians 3:11).

μου τῇ θλίψει

Paul speaks of his hardships as if they were a place that he was in. Alternate translation: “when things became difficult” (See: Metaphor)

Philippians 4:15

ἀρχῇ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου

Paul refers to the gospel here as meaning his preaching of the gospel. (See: Metonymy)

οὐδεμία μοι ἐκκλησία ἐκοινώνησεν εἰς λόγον δόσεως καὶ λήμψεως, εἰ μὴ ὑμεῖς μόνοι

You can state this in the positive. Alternate translation: “you were the only church that sent me money or helped me” (See: Double Negatives)

Philippians 4:17

οὐχ ὅτι ἐπιζητῶ τὸ δόμα

Paul is explaining that his reason for writing about gifts is not that he hopes that they will give him more gifts. Alternate Translation: “My reason for writing this is not that I want you to give me more”

ἐπιζητῶ τὸν καρπὸν τὸν πλεονάζοντα εἰς λόγον ὑμῶν

Paul explains his reason for writing about gifts. Here, fruit that increases to your account is a metaphor for either: (1) It refers to more good deeds that can be recorded for the Philippians. Alternate translation: “Rather I want God to recognize the increasing good deeds that you do” (2) It refers to more blessings for the good things that the Philippians do. Alternate translation: “Rather I want God to bless you more because of the good deeds that you do”(See: Metaphor)

Philippians 4:18

Paul finishes thanking the Philippians for their gift (see Philippians 3:11) and assures them that God will take care of them.

ἀπέχω…πάντα

This could mean: (1) Paul has received everything that the Philippians sent. (2) Paul is using humor to continue the business metaphor from Philippians 3:8 and saying that this part of the letter is a receipt for commercial goods that Epaphroditus delivered.

περισσεύω

Paul means that he has plenty of the things that he needs for himself. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὀσμὴν εὐωδίας, θυσίαν δεκτήν, εὐάρεστον τῷ Θεῷ

Paul speaks of the gift from the Philippian church as if it were a sacrifice offered to God on an altar. Paul implies that the church’s gift is very pleasing to God, like the sacrifices that the priests burned, which had a smell that pleased God. Alternate translation: “I assure you these gifts are very pleasing to God, like an acceptable sacrifice” (See: Metaphor)

Philippians 4:19

πληρώσει πᾶσαν χρείαν ὑμῶν

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” (See: Idiom)

κατὰ τὸ πλοῦτος αὐτοῦ ἐν δόξῃ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

“from his glorious riches that he gives through Christ Jesus”

Philippians 4:20

τῷ δὲ Θεῷ…ἡμῶν

The word Now marks the closing prayer and the end of this section of the letter.

Philippians 4:21

οἱ…ἀδελφοί

This refers to those people who were either ministering with or to Paul.

ἀδελφοί

See how you translated this in Philippians 1:12.

Philippians 4:22

μάλιστα…οἱ ἐκ τῆς Καίσαρος οἰκίας

This refers to servants who worked in Caesar’s palace. “especially the fellow believers who work in the palace of Caesar”

Philippians 4:23

μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν

Paul refers to the believers by using the word spirit, which is what enables humans to relate to God. Alternate translation: “be with you” (See: Synecdoche)