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

Paul and Timothy 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

Here, you refers to the the Philippian Christians and is plural in form in the original language that Paul wrote this letter in. 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.

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 plainly. 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 to you, 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 Holy Spirit. 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 continuing it through the work of the Holy Spirit” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὑμῖν

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

ἐπιτελέσει

Here, will perfect it means that God would 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 that 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 may 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. Alternate translation: See UST. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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 here.

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 here.

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)

ὑμῶν

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

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 Christ 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” or see UST. (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 was 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 the previous verse 1:12.

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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 a 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 here 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 represent the activities that Paul did 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 decision 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 this 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

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

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

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

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)

ὑμῶν

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

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 lived, 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 form. 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 this conflict 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”

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 word Therefore 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 ἐξομολογήσηται

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

εἰς δόξαν Θεοῦ Πατρὸς

Here, the word to expresses result. Alternate translation: “with the result that God the Father will be honored” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

Philippians 2:12

ὥστε

The phrase So then shows that 2:5-11 is logically connected to 2:12-18. The phrase So then introduces this section 2:12-18 in which Paul gives practical directions regarding how the Philippian Christians should apply what Paul wrote about in 2:5-11. The phrase So then shows that what follows it is the desired result of what precedes it in 2:5-11. Consider the best word or phrase, in your language, to express the meaning of this phrase. Alternate translation: “Therefore” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ἀγαπητοί μου

Here, the word beloved refers to the Christians in Philippi. Paul uses this word to express how much he loves the Christians in Philippi. Consider the using an equivalent phrase in your language that would express love and affection. Alternate translation: “my dear fellow believers”

ὡς 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. If using the abstract noun salvation would not make sense in your language consider another way to express this idea such as using a verbal form, an adverb, or an adjective to describe God’s saving work. 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 to do good things as those whom God has saved” (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. Consider the best way to express this idea in your language. These words have very similar meanings so you may express them as one idea or translate them as two separate expressions. Consider what would be most clear in your language. Alternate translation: “with awe and reverence for God” or “with deep reverence” (See: Doublet)

Philippians 2:13

ἐνεργῶν

In the original language Paul wrote this letter in, the word working expresses continuous action and highlights 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”

Θεὸς γάρ ἐστιν ὁ ἐνεργῶν ἐν ὑμῖν

The word you is plural and refers to the Philippian believers. 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. Alternate translation: “For God is working in the hearts of each of you” (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)

ἐν ὑμῖν

The phrase in you could refer to: (1) God working individually within the heart of each of the Philippian believers. See UST. (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. (See: When to Keep Information Implicit)

καὶ τὸ θέλειν, καὶ τὸ ἐνεργεῖν, ὑπὲρ τῆς εὐδοκίας

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

πάντα ποιεῖτε χωρὶς γογγυσμῶν καὶ διαλογισμῶν

The phrase Do all things without is a command to all of the Philippian Christians and is in the plural form in the original language that Paul wrote this letter in. If your language has a plural command form, use it here. Alternate translation: “Every one of you, make sure that you do not complain or argue in anything you do”

Philippians 2:15

ἄμεμπτοι καὶ ἀκέραιοι

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 clear in your language. Alternate translation: “completely innocent” (See: Doublet)

τέκνα Θεοῦ

The phrase children of God refers to Christians. This phrase does not refer to biological children. Consider the best way to express this idea in your language. Alternate translation: “God’s spiritual children” or “spiritual children of God”

ἄμωμα

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun blemish with an adjective such as “faultless” or “unstained” or by using a verbal phrase that would express the idea of not doing or participating in evil. Alternate translation: “faultless” or “unstained” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἄμωμα

The phrase without blemish means to be free from flaws or defects. Here, the phrase without blemish specifically means to be free from moral flaws or corruption. Consider using an equivalent phrase from your language that would make sense in this context or use plain language. Alternate translation: “who abstain from all evil” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μέσον γενεᾶς σκολιᾶς καὶ διεστραμμένης

The words crooked and depraved 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 clear in your language. Alternate translation: “among people who are very sinful” (See: Doublet)

ἐν οἷς φαίνεσθε ὡς φωστῆρες ἐν κόσμῳ

Here, the word world refers to the people living in the world. If this would be unclear in your language, consider stating this using an equivalent expression from your language or use plain language. Alternate translation: “among whom you shine as lights before the people of the world, in the midst of an evil generation” or “among whom you shine as lights, as you live in the midst of the crooked and perverse people of this world” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

φαίνεσθε ὡς φωστῆρες ἐν κόσμῳ

Here, the word light represents truth and living in a righteous way that points to what is true and good. Light, is often used metaphorically in the Bible to represent truth and 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. If this would not be clear in your language, consider using an equivalent expression from your language that would clearly express the idea behind this phrase. Alternate translation: “you will be examples of God’s goodness and truth in the world” (See: Metaphor)

Philippians 2:16

λόγον ζωῆς ἐπέχοντες

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”

λόγον ζωῆς ἐπέχοντες

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”

λόγον ζωῆς

The phrase word of life refers to the 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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

λόγον

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 figuratively 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 plain language. Alternate translation: “the message” or “the gospel” or “the good news”. (See: Metonymy)

λόγον ζωῆς

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 and gives life. Alternate translation: “the word that is about 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. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

λόγον ζωῆς

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” (See: Active or Passive)

εἰς καύχημα ἐμοὶ εἰς ἡμέραν Χριστοῦ, ὅτι οὐκ εἰς κενὸν ἔδραμον, οὐδὲ εἰς κενὸν ἐκοπίασα

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 he will be able to 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” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

εἰς καύχημα ἐμοὶ

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰς καύχημα ἐμοὶ

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

εἰς ἡμέραν Χριστοῦ,

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

οὐκ εἰς κενὸν ἔδραμον, οὐδὲ εἰς κενὸν ἐκοπίασα

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 theses 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” (See: Parallelism)

οὐκ εἰς κενὸν ἔδραμον

Here, Paul uses the word run metaphorically to mean “work”. Here, Paul specifically means “work for the advancement of the gospel” among the Philippians. Paul uses the word run to bring to the Philippians mind the image of a runner who is running in a race toward a finish line in order to win a prize. If this 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”( See: Metaphor)

εἰς κενὸν…εἰς κενὸν

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the abstract noun vain using an adjectival phrase. Alternate translation: “uselessly” or “with no results” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐδὲ εἰς κενὸν ἐκοπίασα

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 in trying to help you believe in Christ and obey him for nothing” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

εἰς κενὸν ἐκοπίασα

Alternate translation: “work hard for nothing” or “work hard and see no results”

Philippians 2:17

ἀλλ’ εἰ καὶ

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. (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

σπένδομαι ἐπὶ τῇ θυσίᾳ καὶ λειτουργίᾳ τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν

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. The priest poured wine on the sacrifice 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” (See: Symbolic Action)

σπένδομαι

Paul uses the phrase I am being poured out as an offering to figuratively depict his imprisonment and suffering to advance the gospel. Paul probably is also thinking of the fact that he could potentially 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. Alternate translation: See UST. (See: Metaphor)

σπένδομαι

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the abstract noun offering by using a verbal form. Alternate translation: See UST. (See: (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐπὶ τῇ θυσίᾳ καὶ λειτουργίᾳ τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “on your sacrifice and service which you offer because you believe” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐπὶ τῇ θυσίᾳ καὶ λειτουργίᾳ τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν

The words sacrifice and service express a single idea by using two words connected by and which are governed by the word the in the original language Paul wrote this letter. 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” (See: Hendiadys)

χαίρω καὶ συνχαίρω πᾶσιν ὑμῖν

Alternate translation: “I gladly rejoice and I rejoice with you all” (See: Active or Passive)

χαίρω καὶ συνχαίρω πᾶσιν ὑμῖν

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

τὸ…αὐτὸ

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

καὶ ὑμεῖς χαίρετε καὶ συνχαίρετέ μοι

The phrases you also rejoice and rejoice with me are both commands given to the Philippian Christians in the plural form. If your language has a plural command form that would be appropriate to use in this context, consider using it in your translation of these two phrases. Alternate translation: “I urge each of you to rejoice and also to rejoice with me”

Philippians 2:19

ἐλπίζω δὲ ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun hope with a verb form such as “hoping”. Alternate translation: See UST. (See: Abstract Nouns)

Τιμόθεον

Timothy is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

κἀγὼ εὐψυχῶ

Here, the word also indicates that there is an ellipsis in the words that follow it. The word also expresses and implies that if Paul was able to send Timothy to the Philippian Christians, that they would be encouraged by news of Paul also. If this would be unclear in your language consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I, as well as you, might be encouraged” or see UST. (See: Ellipsis)

Philippians 2:20

οὐδένα γὰρ ἔχω ἰσόψυχον

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

Philippians 2:21

οἱ πάντες γὰρ τὰ ἑαυτῶν ζητοῦσιν, οὐ τὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here, the words they and their refer to a group of people Paul does not feel he can trust to send to Philippi. If this would be unclear 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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὰ ἑαυτῶν ζητοῦσιν, οὐ τὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Alternate translation: “what they care about and not what Jesus Christ cares about” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Philippians 2:22

ὡς πατρὶ τέκνον

Sons try to follow and imitate their fathers and often want to work alongside their fathers as they work. Paul was not Timothy’s biological father but uses this simile to illustrate how Timothy worked alongside him as a spiritual son so that together they advanced the gospel. (See: Simile)

τὴν δὲ δοκιμὴν αὐτοῦ γινώσκετε

If it would be clearer in your language you could express the idea behind the abstract noun worth with an adjective such as “valuable.” Alternate translation: “But you know how valuable Timothy is” (See: Abstract Nouns)

εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον

Here, the gospel means the work of advancing the gospel. If this would be unclear in your language consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “in gospel work” or “in working to advance the gospel” or “in the work of the gospel” (See: Metonymy)

Philippians 2:24

πέποιθα…ἐν Κυρίῳ, ὅτι καὶ αὐτὸς ταχέως ἐλεύσομαι

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

πέποιθα

The phrase I trust expresses a stronger idea of confidence than the phrase I hope in verse 23. Make sure that your translation reflects this.

ὅτι καὶ αὐτὸς ταχέως ἐλεύσομαι.

Here, the word also expresses that Paul was confident that he would be able to visit the Philippian Christians, in addition to sending Timothy to them. If this would be unclear in your language consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “that I myself, in addition to Timothy, will also come soon” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὅτι καὶ αὐτὸς ταχέως ἐλεύσομαι

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

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)

ἀδελφὸν…μου

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” (See: Metaphor)

συνστρατιώτην

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 for God in the spiritual battle against Satan and evil. If this would be unclear in your language you could express this explicitly or modify the phrase fellow soldier to further explain what Paul means here. Alternate translation: “fellow believer who works and struggles along with us” or “fellow soldier of God” or “fellow warrior of God” (See: Metaphor)

ὑμῶν…ἀπόστολον καὶ λειτουργὸν τῆς χρείας μου

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

Philippians 2:26

ἐπιποθῶν ἦν πάντας ὑμᾶς, καὶ ἀδημονῶν

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

ἐπειδὴ ἐπιποθῶν ἦν πάντας ὑμᾶς, καὶ ἀδημονῶν διότι ἠκούσατε ὅτι ἠσθένησεν

In this verse all three uses of the pronoun he refer to Epaphroditus. If this would be unclear in your language consider clarifying this in your translation. Alternate translation: “seeing that Epaphroditus has been longing to be with you all and is distressed because you heard that he was sick” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Philippians 2:27

καὶ γὰρ ἠσθένησεν παραπλήσιον θανάτῳ, ἀλλὰ ὁ Θεὸς ἠλέησεν αὐτόν, οὐκ αὐτὸν δὲ μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐμέ, ἵνα μὴ λύπην ἐπὶ λύπην σχῶ

Here, the pronoun he refers to Epaphroditus as well as 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” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἠσθένησεν παραπλήσιον θανάτῳ

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun death with an adjective such as “dying”. Alternate translation: “he was sick nearly to the point of dying” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἀλλὰ ὁ Θεὸς ἠλέησεν

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun mercy with an adjective such as “merciful”. Alternate translation: “but God was merciful to him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

λύπην ἐπὶ λύπην

If the expression sorrow upon sorrow would be unclear in your language consider using an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning of this phrase explicitly. Alternate translation: “sorrow added to sorrow” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

λύπην ἐπὶ λύπην

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

σπουδαιοτέρως οὖν ἔπεμψα αὐτὸν, ἵνα ἰδόντες αὐτὸν πάλιν, χαρῆτε κἀγὼ ἀλυπότερος ὦ

Here, both occurrences of the pronoun him refer to Epaphroditus. If this would be unclear in your language consider clarifying this in your translation. 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” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

κἀγὼ ἀλυπότερος ὦ

Alternate translation: “and I might be less anxious” or “and I might be less concerned about you”

Philippians 2:29

προσδέχεσθε οὖν αὐτὸν

The word welcome is a command given to the Philippian Christians in the plural form. In the original language that Paul wrote this letter in the word welcome could be translated as “you welcome”. If your language has a plural command form that would be appropriate to use in this context, consider using it in your translation of this word. Alternate translation: “I exhort each of you to welcome” or “each of you welcome” or “all of you welcome” (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)

ἐν Κυρίῳ μετὰ πάσης χαρᾶς

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

ἐντίμους ἔχετε

The phrase hold in honor is a command given to the Philippian Christians in the plural form. In the original language that Paul wrote this letter in the phrase hold in honor could be translated as “you hold in honor”. If your language has a plural command form that would be appropriate to use in this context, consider using it in your translation of this phrase. Alternate translation: “I exhort each of you to hold in honor” or “each of you honor” or “all of you honor”

Philippians 2:30

ὅτι διὰ τὸ ἔργον Χριστοῦ μέχρι θανάτου ἤγγισεν, παραβολευσάμενος τῇ ψυχῇ, ἵνα ἀναπληρώσῃ τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα, τῆς πρός με λειτουργίας

Here, the pronouns he and him refer to Epaphroditus. If this would be unclear in your language consider clarifying this in your translation. 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” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

ἵνα ἀναπληρώσῃ τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα, τῆς πρός με λειτουργίας

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 his needs through Epaphroditus and so Epaphroditus supplied what they could not. 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 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

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. See how you translated this word in Philippians 1:12. (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

χαίρετε ἐν Κυρίῳ

The word rejoice is a command given to the Philippian Christians in the plural form. In the original language that Paul wrote this letter in, the word rejoice could be translated as “you rejoice”. If your language has a plural command form that would be appropriate to use in this context, consider using it in your translation of this word. 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” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-yousingular/01.md)

ὑμῖν δὲ ἀσφαλές

If it would be helpful in your language 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 false” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Philippians 3:2

βλέπετε

All three times that the phrase Beware of occurs in this verse it is a command given to the Philippian Christians in the plural form. If your language has a plural command form that would be appropriate to use in this context, consider using it in your translation of this phrase. Alternate translation: “I exhort each of you to beware of” or “Each of you beware of”

βλέπετε

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

τοὺς κύνας…τοὺς κακοὺς ἐργάτας…τὴν κατατομήν

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 feeling about these Jewish teachers.

τοὺς κύνας

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 derogatory 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. (See: Translate Unknowns)

βλέπετε

See how you translated the phrase beware of earlier in this verse.

κακοὺς ἐργάτας

Here, the phrase evil workers refers to Jewish teachers who were teaching things that were contrary to the gospel.

βλέπετε

See how you translated the phrase beware of earlier in this verse.

τὴν κατατομήν

The word mutilation is a sarcastic way of referring to circumcision and the mutilation is a sarcastic way of referring to those who taught that circumcision was necessary in order to be in right standing with God. At the time Paul wrote this letter it was a common practice for those who practiced false religions to cut themselves in order to try to earn favor from their god. By using the term mutilation, Paul is showing the Philippian believers that those who trust in circumcision, and not solely in Christ, are like pagan false worshipers who 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. Alternate translation: “those who cut themselves” (See: Translate Unknowns)

τὴν κατατομήν

Here, the mutilation refers to the Jewish teachers who were all circumcised and were corrupting the gospel by teaching that it was necessary to be circumcised. (See: Metonymy)

Philippians 3:3

ἡμεῖς γάρ ἐσμεν

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

ἡ περιτομή

Here, the term the circumcision is used metonymously to refer to all true Christians. Here, Paul is using this term in contrast to its normal usage in the Bible. Normally the term the circumcision was used to refer to Jewish males since all Jewish males were circumcised at this time. Here, Paul intentionally uses this term in a way that would have been surprising to his readers. Here, Paul uses this term with a spiritual sense to refer to all Christians, both Jews and non-Jews. Paul uses the term the circumcision here, to refer to the inward, spiritual circumcision that the Holy Spirit performs in the hearts of all true Christians. Paul discusses this spiritual circumcision in Romans 11:21–24. (See: Metonymy)

οἱ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ λατρεύοντες

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”

οὐκ ἐν σαρκὶ πεποιθότες

Here, the phrase confidence in the flesh is leaving out some implied words that would need to be supplied in some languages in order to make this idea complete. Paul is leaving out the words “works of the” in this phrase and means having no confidence in the works of the flesh. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words which are implied from the context. Alternate translation: “having no confidence in the works of the flesh” or “not trusting that circumcision will please God” “not trusting that circumcision will earn God’s favor” (See: Ellipsis)

καυχώμενοι ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, καὶ οὐκ ἐν σαρκὶ πεποιθότες

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 a person truly places their confidence in Christ as their only means of earning God’s favor they will not put their confidence in themself or religious acts and conversely if a person puts their confidence in religious rituals and observances they cannot place their full confidence in Christ. Consider the best way to clearly express the coordinate ideas in your language. See UST.

Philippians 3:4

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

Beginning with the phrase if anyone, Paul explains why, if anyone has a reason to be confident in religious works, he does. Beginning with this phrase, and continuing through the end of 3:6, Paul gives his religious credentials and accomplishments in order to make the point that if earning God’s favor should be sought by observing the law then he had reason to boast more than anyone because. However, this is a hypothetical situation and Paul does not think that the Philippian believers should trust in keeping the law but rather in Christ. Paul is using a hypothetical situation to teach the Philippian believers what they should hope. Paul goes on to explain in 3:7–11 that his hope is in Christ and not in the law. Alternate translation: See UST. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Philippians 3:5

περιτομῇ ὀκταήμερος ἐκ γένους Ἰσραήλ φυλῆς Βενιαμείν, Ἑβραῖος ἐξ Ἑβραίων, κατὰ νόμον Φαρισαῖος

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

φυλῆς Βενιαμείν

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. Alternate translation: See UST. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ἑβραῖος ἐξ Ἑβραίων

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. Alternate translation: See UST. (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” (See: When to Keep Information Implicit)

κατὰ νόμον Φαρισαῖος

The phrase according to the law, a Pharisee means that prior to his conversion Paul had been a Pharisee who related to the law of Moses as a Pharisee and therefore strictly obeyed it as well as all of the additional rules that the scribes had added to the law of Moses to try to safeguard it. 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” (See: When to Keep Information Implicit)

Philippians 3:6

κατὰ ζῆλος διώκων τὴν ἐκκλησίαν, κατὰ δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐν νόμῳ γενόμενος ἄμεμπτος

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

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”

τὴν ἐκκλησίαν

Here, church is a collective noun and 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 persecuted the church is that he formerly persecuted anyone who was a Christian. Alternate translation: “persecuting Christians” or “persecuting anyone who was a Christian” (See: INVALID translate/grammar-collectivenouns)

κατὰ δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐν νόμῳ γενόμενος ἄμεμπτος

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. Alternate Translation: “As regards obeying the law, no one could say that I ever disobeyed the law” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Philippians 3:7

ἅτινα ἦν μοι κέρδη, ταῦτα ἥγημαι διὰ τὸν Χριστὸν ζημίαν

This entire verse is Paul’s response to the seven things he listed in 3:5–6 that he once considered to be spiritually and religiously profitable to himself. In this verse Paul contrasts his former way of viewing things as a Pharisee with his new way of viewing things in light of Christ. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

ἅτινα ἦν μοι κέρδη, ταῦτα ἥγημαι διὰ τὸν Χριστὸν ζημίαν

In the original language that Paul wrote this letter in, the words gains and loss were common business terms used for accounting. These terms were used 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” (See: Metaphor)

ἅτινα ἦν μοι κέρδη

Here, the phrase Whatever was profit to me refers specifically to the list of seven things that Paul has just listed in 3:5–6 and to anything else he would have formerly put confidence in before he believed in Christ. Alternate translation: “Whatever things I formerly considered profitable” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ταῦτα ἥγημαι διὰ τὸν Χριστὸν ζημίαν

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun loss by expressing the idea of loss in a verbal phrase such as “worth losing”. Alternate translation: “I consider these things worth losing for the sake of Christ” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Philippians 3:8

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

In this verse, Paul continues the business metaphor which he began in 3:7. (See: Metaphor)

ἡγοῦμαι

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

ζημίαν

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

καὶ ἡγοῦμαι πάντα ζημίαν εἶναι, διὰ τὸ ὑπερέχον τῆς γνώσεως Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου μου

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

διὰ τὸ ὑπερέχον τῆς γνώσεως Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου μου

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

γνώσεως Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου μου

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

ἐζημιώθην

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

ἡγοῦμαι

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

σκύβαλα

During Paul’s time this word was used to refer to excrement and that which was considered worthless and worthy of being thrown out. In the original language that Paul wrote this letter in 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” (See: Translate Unknowns)

κερδήσω

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

ἵνα Χριστὸν κερδήσω

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” (See: Connect — Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

Philippians 3:9

καὶ εὑρεθῶ ἐν αὐτῷ

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the passive verbal phrase be found with an active form and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “and God might find me in him” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀλλὰ τὴν διὰ πίστεως Χριστοῦ

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πίστεως Χριστοῦ

In the original language that Paul wrote this letter in the phrase faith in Christ could mean: (1) faith in the person and work of Christ. This phrase would then be translated as faith in Christ as the ULT translates it. (2) the faithfulness of Christ. Alternate translation: “the faithfulness of Christ”

ἐπὶ τῇ πίστει

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

Philippians 3:10

τοῦ γνῶναι αὐτὸν, καὶ τὴν δύναμιν τῆς ἀναστάσεως αὐτοῦ, καὶ κοινωνίαν παθημάτων αὐτοῦ, συμμορφιζόμενος τῷ θανάτῳ αὐτοῦ

All occurrences of the pronouns him and his in this verse refer to Christ. If it would be clearer in your language you can translate one or more of these pronouns with the name. Alternate translation: “to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

καὶ

The first occurrence of the word and indicates that what follows is the first aspect of knowing Christ that Paul introduces in explanation of how specifically he wants to know Christ. (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

τοῦ γνῶναι αὐτὸν, καὶ τὴν δύναμιν τῆς ἀναστάσεως αὐτοῦ, καὶ κοινωνίαν παθημάτων αὐτοῦ

In the original language that Paul wrote this letter in, 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.

τοῦ γνῶναι αὐτὸν

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

καὶ

The second occurrence of the word and indicates that what follows is the second aspect of knowing Christ that Paul introduces in explanation of how specifically he wants to know Christ. (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

κοινωνίαν παθημάτων αὐτοῦ

Alternate translation: “participate in his sufferings”

συμμορφιζόμενος τῷ θανάτῳ αὐτοῦ

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” or see UST (See: Active or Passive)

Philippians 3:11

τὴν ἐξανάστασιν τὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν

Alternate translation: “the resurrection from the dead”

Philippians 3:12

οὐχ ὅτι ἤδη ἔλαβον

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 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 died and received his reward from God. Alternate translation: “Not that I have finished my work and received my reward from God” (See: When to Keep Information Implicit)

ἤδη ἔλαβον

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the verbal phrase received it with an active form. Alternate translation: “have taken hold of it” (See: Active or Passive)

ἤδη τετελείωμαι

Here, the word perfect, in the original language that Paul wrote this letter in, 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” (See: When to Keep Information Implicit)

ἤδη τετελείωμαι

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the verbal 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” (See: Active or Passive)

εἰ καὶ

Here, the phrase if also could be: (1) connected with the phrase I might grasp as it is rendered in the ULT and UST. Alternate translation: See UST. (2) an intensive phrase which modifies the phrase pursuing it. Alternate translation: “if indeed”. You may also choose to leave this phrase untranslated in your translation.

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)

Philippians 3:13

ἀδελφοί

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

ἐγὼ ἐμαυτὸν οὐ λογίζομαι κατειληφέναι

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 him. You may choose to state this in your translation as the UST does or you may leave it ambiguous as the ULT does. (See: When to Keep Information Implicit)

ἓν δέ

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 I do one thing” (See: Ellipsis)

τὰ μὲν ὀπίσω ἐπιλανθανόμενος, τοῖς δὲ ἔμπροσθεν ἐπεκτεινόμενος

In the phrase forgetting what is behind and straining for what is ahead Paul is using the imagery of a runner who is running in a race against other runners for the purpose of winning the 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 or you may state this in plain language without using a metaphor 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 that is in front of me” or “like a runner, I have one focus, and therefore I do not look backward as I run but only forward as I strain with all my might so that I will reach the finish line” (See: Metaphor)

Philippians 3:14

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

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 of receiving God’s reward which he gives to all those who obey his upward call in Christ Jesus” (See: Metaphor)

σκοπὸν…εἰς τὸ βραβεῖον τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ

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

τὸ βραβεῖον τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ

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” (See: When to Keep Information Implicit)

τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ

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” or see UST. (See: When to Keep Information Implicit)

διώκω…ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

The phrase in Christ Jesus could be: (1) modifying the phrase the upward calling of God. Alternate translation: “the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus” or “the upward calling of God through Christ Jesus” (2) modifying the phrase I press on. Alternate translation: “I press on in Christ Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Philippians 3:15

οὖν

The word Therefore indicates that Paul is transitioning from teaching the Philippians using his personal experience in Philippians 3:4-14 to exhorting them in Philippians 3:15-17. (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

ὅσοι

The phrase as many as are is leaving out some words that are needed in many languages to be completely understandable. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “as many of you as are” or “all of you who are” (See: Ellipsis)

ὅσοι…τέλειοι

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

καὶ τοῦτο ὁ Θεὸς ὑμῖν ἀποκαλύψει

Alternate translation: “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

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 truth we have already received” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

εἰς ὃ ἐφθάσαμεν, τῷ αὐτῷ στοιχεῖν

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

συνμιμηταί μου γίνεσθε

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

γίνεσθε

The word Become is a command given to the Philippian Christians in the plural form. In the original language that Paul wrote this letter in, the word Become could be translated as “you become”. If your language has a plural command form that would be appropriate to use in this context, consider using it in your translation of this word. Alternate translation: “I exhort each of you to become” or “Each of you become” or “I command each of you to become” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-yousingular/01.md)

ἀδελφοί

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

σκοπεῖτε

In the original language that Paul wrote this letter in, the phrase watch closely is a command given to the Philippian Christians in the plural form. If your language has a plural command form that would be appropriate to use in this context, consider using it in your translation of this word. 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” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-yousingular/01.md)

τοὺς οὕτω περιπατοῦντας, καθὼς ἔχετε τύπον ἡμᾶς

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 imitate us”

Philippians 3:18

πολλοὶ γὰρ περιπατοῦσιν, οὓς πολλάκις ἔλεγον ὑμῖν

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 this would be unclear in your language consider stating this in plain language. Alternate translation: “For many live—about whom I have often told you” or “For many conduct their lives—about whom I have often told you” (See: Metonymy)

πολλοὶ γὰρ

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” (See: Ellipsis)

κλαίων, λέγω

Alternate translation: “telling you with great sadness”

τοὺς ἐχθροὺς τοῦ σταυροῦ τοῦ Χριστοῦ

Paul is figuratively 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 oppose those who share it 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” (See: Metonymy)

Philippians 3:19

ὧν τὸ τέλος ἀπώλεια

Alternate translation: “God will destroy these people in the future” or “In the future there will come a day when God will destroy these people”.

ὧν ὁ Θεὸς ἡ κοιλία

Here, Paul uses belly figuratively 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 this is not clear in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or you can use plain language. Alternate translation: “who serve their desire for food and other pleasures rather than God” or “who obey their physical appetites instead of God” or “who love pleasure more than they love God” (See: Synecdoche)

ἡ δόξα ἐν τῇ αἰσχύνῃ αὐτῶν

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” (See: Metonymy)

οἱ τὰ ἐπίγεια φρονοῦντες

Here, earthly refers to all the things that pertain to everyday living on earth. The implied contrast that Paul is making here, is between earthly things and spiritual things. Alternate translation: “All they think about is earthly things instead of the things of God” (See: Metonymy)

Philippians 3:20

ἡμῶν…ἀπεκδεχόμεθα

Here, when Paul uses our and we he is referring to himself and the believers in Philippi. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

πολίτευμα

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun citizenship with a concrete noun such as “citizen.” Alternate translation: see UST. (See: Abstract Nouns)

Philippians 3:21

δύνασθαι

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun power with an adjective such as “powerful”. Alternate translation: See UST. (See: Abstract Nouns)

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)

Philippians 3

Philippians 3:21

τῷ σώματι τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ

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