Philippians / Chapter 2

Philippians 2

30 verses • SBL Greek New Testament

Translator's Introduction

What This Chapter Is About

Paul appeals for unity and humility in the Philippian church, grounding his appeal in the supreme example of Christ's self-emptying. The Christ Hymn (2:5-11) traces the arc from pre-existent divine equality through incarnation, servanthood, and crucifixion to exaltation and universal lordship. Paul then urges the Philippians to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, commends Timothy and Epaphroditus as models of self-giving service, and prepares to send both to Philippi.

What Makes This Chapter Remarkable

The Christ Hymn (2:5-11) is one of the highest christological passages in the New Testament. Whether Paul composed it, adapted an existing hymn, or quoted early liturgy is debated, but its theology is clear: Christ possessed equality with God, voluntarily emptied himself, took the form of a slave, became human, died on a cross, and was exalted to the highest place with the name above every name. The kenosis ('emptying') of verse 7 has generated centuries of theological reflection on how divinity and humanity relate in Christ. The hymn's climax — 'every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord' — echoes Isaiah 45:23, where every knee bows to YHWH alone, making an implicit identification of Jesus with the God of Israel.

Translation Friction

The precise meaning of kenosis ('he emptied himself,' v. 7) is a perennial theological question. The text does not say of what Christ emptied himself — it says he emptied himself by taking the form of a servant. We render the Greek without resolving the systematic theology. The phrase harpagmon ('something to be grasped/exploited,' v. 6) is one of the most debated words in Pauline studies; we render it as 'something to be exploited' following the majority consensus that Christ did not cling to his divine prerogatives.

Connections

The hymn's language echoes Isaiah's Servant Songs (especially Isaiah 52:13-53:12), where the Servant is exalted after humiliation. The universal confession of verse 11 quotes Isaiah 45:23. The 'form of God' / 'form of a servant' contrast recalls the Adam-Christ typology of Romans 5:12-21 — where Adam grasped at being like God, Christ did the opposite. Epaphroditus's near-death illness connects to 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 and Paul's theology of shared suffering.

Philippians 2:1

Εἴ τις οὖν παράκλησις ἐν Χριστῷ, εἴ τι παραμύθιον ἀγάπης, εἴ τις κοινωνία πνεύματος, εἴ τις σπλάγχνα καὶ οἰκτιρμοί,

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any partnership in the Spirit, any affection and compassion,

KJV If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The fourfold 'if' (ei tis) is not expressing doubt but stating conditions Paul knows to be true — 'since there is encouragement, since there is comfort...' The rhetorical force is: given all that you have experienced in Christ, act accordingly. The word paraklēsis ('encouragement, exhortation, comfort') is the noun form of the verb from which 'Paraclete' derives.
Philippians 2:2

πληρώσατέ μου τὴν χαρὰν ἵνα τὸ αὐτὸ φρονῆτε, τὴν αὐτὴν ἀγάπην ἔχοντες, σύμψυχοι, τὸ ἓν φρονοῦντες,

Fulfil you my delight, that you be likeminded, possessing the same devotion, being of one accord, of one mind.

KJV Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The verb phroneō ('to think, to set one's mind on') appears twice here and is the key verb of Philippians, occurring ten times in the letter. Unity is not uniformity of opinion but a shared orientation of mind and purpose. The compound sympsychoi ('united in soul, of one spirit') appears only here in the New Testament.
Philippians 2:3

μηδὲν κατ' ἐριθείαν μηδὲ κατὰ κενοδοξίαν, ἀλλὰ τῇ ταπεινοφροσύνῃ ἀλλήλους ἡγούμενοι ὑπερέχοντας ἑαυτῶν,

Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as more significant than yourselves.

KJV Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

ταπεινοφροσύνη tapeinophrosynē
"humility" — humility, lowliness of mind, modesty

In Greco-Roman culture, this word described the shameful mindset of slaves. Christianity revolutionized it into the supreme virtue, grounded in Christ's voluntary descent from divine glory to the cross.

Translator Notes

  1. The word kenodoxia ('empty glory, vain conceit') appears only here in the New Testament. The noun tapeinophrosynē ('humility, lowliness of mind') was generally a negative quality in Greco-Roman culture — it meant 'servile-mindedness.' Paul and the early Christians transformed it into a virtue, modeled on Christ's own self-lowering (vv. 5-8).
Philippians 2:4

μὴ τὰ ἑαυτῶν ἕκαστοι σκοποῦντες, ἀλλὰ καὶ τὰ ἑτέρων ἕκαστοι.

Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

KJV Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The verb skopeō ('to look at, to pay attention to, to consider') does not prohibit self-care but redirects primary attention outward. The word 'also' (kai) is important — Paul does not forbid attention to one's own affairs but insists that concern for others must accompany it. This verse provides the ethical principle that the Christ Hymn will illustrate christologically.
Philippians 2:5

τοῦτο φρονεῖτε ἐν ὑμῖν ὃ καὶ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ,

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

KJV Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. This verse introduces the Christ Hymn (vv. 5-11). The verb phroneite ('think, have this mindset') connects back to the call for unity in verse 2. The phrase en hymin can mean 'in you' (individually) or 'among you' (corporately) — both senses are likely intended. Christ's mindset is not merely an external example to imitate but an internal reality for those who are 'in Christ Jesus.'
Philippians 2:6

ὃς ἐν μορφῇ θεοῦ ὑπάρχων οὐχ ἁρπαγμὸν ἡγήσατο τὸ εἶναι ἴσα θεῷ,

Though he existed in the very form of God, he did not consider equality with God something to be grasped for his own advantage.

KJV Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Notes & Key Terms 2 terms

Key Terms

μορφή morphē
"form" — form, nature, essential character, outward appearance that reflects inner reality

Distinguished from schēma ('outward shape, appearance') in verse 8. Morphē denotes the essential nature — Christ existed with the very nature of God before the incarnation.

ἁρπαγμός harpagmos
"something to be exploited" — robbery, seizure, something grasped, something exploited for advantage

One of the most debated words in Pauline studies. The rendering 'something to be exploited' means Christ did not treat his divine equality as a privilege to be used for his own benefit but instead chose self-emptying service.

Translator Notes

  1. The Greek morphē theou ('form of God') does not mean mere appearance but essential character — the outward expression that corresponds to inner reality. Christ's pre-existence in the 'form of God' is an assertion of genuine divinity. The word harpagmon ('something seized, something exploited') is extremely rare and debated. The rendering 'something to be exploited' follows the res rapta interpretation: Christ possessed equality with God but refused to exploit it for his own advantage. The KJV's 'robbery' follows a different interpretation.
Philippians 2:7

ἀλλὰ ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν μορφὴν δούλου λαβών, ἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων γενόμενος·

However, made himself of no reputation, and picked up upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:.

KJV But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

κενόω kenoō
"emptied" — to empty, to make void, to pour out, to make of no account

The verb that gives kenosis theology its name. The KJV paraphrase 'made himself of no reputation' avoids the metaphor; we preserve the literal meaning. The text defines the emptying as taking the servant's form, not as discarding divine nature.

Translator Notes

  1. The verb ekenōsen ('he emptied') is the source of the theological term 'kenosis.' Crucially, the emptying is described not as subtraction (losing divine attributes) but as addition — 'by taking (labōn) the form of a servant.' Christ emptied himself of his prerogatives by adding servanthood to his identity. The 'form of a servant' (morphēn doulou) deliberately contrasts with 'form of God' (morphē theou) in verse 6. The word homoiōma ('likeness') affirms genuine humanity while preserving the distinction that Christ was not merely human.
Philippians 2:8

καὶ σχήματι εὑρεθεὶς ὡς ἄνθρωπος ἐταπείνωσεν ἑαυτὸν γενόμενος ὑπήκοος μέχρι θανάτου, θανάτου δὲ σταυροῦ.

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death — even death on a cross.

KJV And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The word schēma ('outward form, appearance, fashion') differs from morphē in verse 7 — schēma refers to the observable, external presentation. The descent continues: from divine form, to servant form, to human likeness, to humiliation, to obedience, to death, and finally to the most degrading form of death — crucifixion. The phrase 'death on a cross' (thanatou de staurou) is added as a shocking afterthought — the em-dash captures the Greek particle de, which introduces an unexpected intensification. Crucifixion was reserved for slaves and the worst criminals; it was so shameful that Roman citizens were exempt from it.
Philippians 2:9

διὸ καὶ ὁ θεὸς αὐτὸν ὑπερύψωσεν καὶ ἐχαρίσατο αὐτῷ τὸ ὄνομα τὸ ὑπὲρ πᾶν ὄνομα,

Therefore God has highly exalted him and granted him the name that is above every name,

KJV Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The conjunction dio ('therefore, for this reason') marks the turning point of the hymn — the exaltation is God's response to Christ's self-humiliation. The verb hyperypsoō ('to super-exalt, to raise to the highest position') is a compound intensification found only here in the New Testament. The verb echarisato ('graciously gave, granted as a gift') shares the root of charis ('grace'). The 'name above every name' is almost certainly 'Lord' (kyrios) as specified in verse 11, which in the Septuagint translates the divine name YHWH.
Philippians 2:10

ἵνα ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ πᾶν γόνυ κάμψῃ ἐπουρανίων καὶ ἐπιγείων καὶ καταχθονίων

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of matters in heaven, and matters in earth, and things under the world;.

KJV That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Paul quotes Isaiah 45:23, where YHWH declares: 'To me every knee shall bow.' By applying this text to Jesus, Paul makes an extraordinary claim: the homage owed to the God of Israel is now rendered to the crucified and exalted Jesus. The threefold cosmos — heaven, earth, and under the earth (epouraniōn, epigeiōn, katachthoniōn) — encompasses every realm of existence. Nothing is excluded from Christ's lordship.
  2. [TCR Cross-Reference] This verse quotes Isaiah 45:23 — see the TCR rendering of that passage for the Hebrew source text and translation decisions.
Philippians 2:11

καὶ πᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσηται ὅτι κύριος Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς εἰς δόξαν θεοῦ πατρός.

To the glory of god the father, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

KJV And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

κύριος kyrios
"Lord" — lord, master, sir, owner; when applied to God: the LORD (translating YHWH)

The climax of the hymn. In the Septuagint, kyrios regularly translates the divine name YHWH. The confession that Jesus is kyrios therefore identifies the crucified Messiah with the God of Israel.

Translator Notes

  1. The confession kyrios Iesous Christos ('Jesus Christ is Lord') is the earliest Christian creed. In the Roman Empire, the declaration kyrios Kaisar ('Caesar is Lord') was an oath of political allegiance; the Christian confession was therefore both theological and politically subversive. The title kyrios ('Lord'), when applied to Jesus in a context quoting Isaiah 45:23, carries the full weight of the divine name YHWH. Yet this exaltation of Jesus is not competitive with the Father — it is 'to the glory of God the Father,' maintaining the unity of divine purpose.
  2. [TCR Cross-Reference] Quotes Isaiah 45:23. The TCR rendering of that OT passage preserves the Hebrew source text and documents the translation decisions behind it.
Philippians 2:12

Ὥστε, ἀγαπητοί μου, καθὼς πάντοτε ὑπηκούσατε, μὴ ὡς ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ μου μόνον ἀλλὰ νῦν πολλῷ μᾶλλον ἐν τῇ ἀπουσίᾳ μου, μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου τὴν ἑαυτῶν σωτηρίαν κατεργάζεσθε·

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, therefore, my dear, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence.

KJV Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The command katergazesthe ('work out, bring to completion') does not mean 'earn' but 'bring to full expression' — salvation is a reality already given (by God, v. 13) that must be actively lived out in community. The phrase 'fear and trembling' (phobou kai tromou) echoes the Old Testament posture before God's holiness (Psalm 2:11; Isaiah 66:2). Paul's absence makes their obedience more significant — they must mature beyond dependence on his physical presence.
  2. [TCR Cross-Reference] Draws on Psalm 2:11. Consult the TCR rendering of that passage for the underlying Hebrew and the rationale for key translation choices.
  3. [TCR Cross-Reference] Draws on Isaiah 66:2. Consult the TCR rendering of that passage for the underlying Hebrew and the rationale for key translation choices.
Philippians 2:13

θεὸς γάρ ἐστιν ὁ ἐνεργῶν ἐν ὑμῖν καὶ τὸ θέλειν καὶ τὸ ἐνεργεῖν ὑπὲρ τῆς εὐδοκίας.

Indeed, since it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

KJV For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. This verse completes the paradox of verse 12: work out your salvation because God is the one working in you. Human effort and divine agency are not competitors but partners — God produces both the willing (to thelein) and the doing (to energein). The word eudokia ('good pleasure, delight, purpose') indicates that God's work in believers flows from his own joyful purpose, not reluctant obligation.
Philippians 2:14

πάντα ποιεῖτε χωρὶς γογγυσμῶν καὶ διαλογισμῶν,

Do all things without grumbling or arguing,

KJV Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The word gongysmōn ('grumbling, murmuring') echoes Israel's wilderness complaints (Exodus 16:7-12; Numbers 14:27). Paul warns the Philippian church not to repeat Israel's pattern of dissatisfaction with God's provision and leadership. The word dialogismōn ('arguments, disputes, questionings') refers to divisive internal debates.
  2. [TCR Cross-Reference] Echoes Exodus 16:7-12. See the TCR's OT rendering for the Hebrew behind this passage and the translation rationale.
  3. [TCR Cross-Reference] Echoes Numbers 14:27. See the TCR's OT rendering for the Hebrew behind this passage and the translation rationale.
Philippians 2:15

ἵνα γένησθε ἄμεμπτοι καὶ ἀκέραιοι, τέκνα θεοῦ ἄμωμα μέσον γενεᾶς σκολιᾶς καὶ διεστραμμένης, ἐν οἷς φαίνεσθε ὡς φωστῆρες ἐν κόσμῳ,

So you can become blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the present age;.

KJV That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The phrase 'crooked and twisted generation' (geneas skolias kai diestrammenēs) quotes Deuteronomy 32:5 from the Song of Moses, where it describes faithless Israel. Paul applies it to the surrounding pagan culture. The word phōstēres ('lights, luminaries, stars') is used in the Septuagint of Genesis 1:14-16 for the celestial bodies — believers are like stars set against the darkness of a corrupt world.
  2. [TCR Cross-Reference] This verse quotes Deuteronomy 32:5 — see the TCR rendering of that passage for the Hebrew source text and translation decisions.
  3. [TCR Cross-Reference] This verse quotes Genesis 1:14-16 — see the TCR rendering of that passage for the Hebrew source text and translation decisions.
Philippians 2:16

λόγον ζωῆς ἐπέχοντες, εἰς καύχημα ἐμοὶ εἰς ἡμέραν Χριστοῦ, ὅτι οὐκ εἰς κενὸν ἔδραμον οὐδὲ εἰς κενὸν ἐκοπίασα.

as you hold firmly to the word of life. Then on the day of Christ I will be able to rejoice, knowing that my effort and hard work were not wasted.

KJV Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The verb epechō can mean either 'hold fast' (retain) or 'hold forth' (offer). Both senses may be intended — the Philippians cling to the gospel and display it to the world. Paul's running and laboring metaphors draw from athletics and manual work. His boast (kauchēma) on the day of Christ will be the Philippians themselves — their faithfulness will validate his ministry.
Philippians 2:17

ἀλλ' εἰ καὶ σπένδομαι ἐπὶ τῇ θυσίᾳ καὶ λειτουργίᾳ τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν, χαίρω καὶ συγχαίρω πᾶσιν ὑμῖν·

But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.

KJV Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The verb spendomai ('I am being poured out as a libation') is a sacrificial term — Paul pictures his life (or death) as a drink offering poured over the Philippians' faith, which is itself the main sacrifice. The imagery is drawn from Old Testament sacrificial practice where wine was poured as a libation alongside the primary offering (Numbers 15:5-10). Even contemplating martyrdom, Paul rejoices.
  2. [TCR Cross-Reference] Draws on Numbers 15:5-10. Consult the TCR rendering of that passage for the underlying Hebrew and the rationale for key translation choices.
Philippians 2:18

τὸ δὲ αὐτὸ καὶ ὑμεῖς χαίρετε καὶ συγχαίρετέ μοι.

In the same way you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

KJV For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Paul commands mutual rejoicing — even in the face of his possible death. The imperative chairete ('rejoice!') is a command, not merely a wish. Joy in Philippians is not dependent on circumstances but on the shared reality of being in Christ.
Philippians 2:19

Ἐλπίζω δὲ ἐν κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ Τιμόθεον ταχέως πέμψαι ὑμῖν, ἵνα κἀγὼ εὐψυχῶ γνοὺς τὰ περὶ ὑμῶν.

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be encouraged by learning how you are.

KJV But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The rare verb eupsycheō ('to be encouraged, to be heartened') appears only here in the New Testament. Paul's concern for the Philippians is not one-directional — he needs news of them as much as they need Timothy's visit. The phrase 'in the Lord Jesus' frames even travel plans within the sphere of Christ's lordship.
Philippians 2:20

οὐδένα γὰρ ἔχω ἰσόψυχον ὅστις γνησίως τὰ περὶ ὑμῶν μεριμνήσει·

For I have no one like-minded who will genuinely care about your welfare.

KJV For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The adjective isopsychon ('like-souled, kindred in spirit') appears only here in the New Testament. Timothy is uniquely aligned with Paul's pastoral heart. The adverb gnēsiōs ('genuinely, sincerely') comes from gnēsios ('legitimate, born in wedlock') — Timothy's care for the Philippians is not performative but authentic.
Philippians 2:21

οἱ πάντες γὰρ τὰ ἑαυτῶν ζητοῦσιν, οὐ τὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ.

For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

KJV For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. This stark assessment — 'all seek their own' — echoes the warning of verse 4 and contrasts with the Christ of the hymn who sought others' interests above his own. The 'all' is likely hyperbolic, referring to those currently available as potential envoys rather than every believer everywhere.
Philippians 2:22

τὴν δὲ δοκιμὴν αὐτοῦ γινώσκετε, ὅτι ὡς πατρὶ τέκνον σὺν ἐμοὶ ἐδούλευσεν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον.

But you know Timothy's proven character, that as a child with a father he has served with me in the gospel.

KJV But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The word dokimē ('proven character, tested quality') means worth demonstrated through testing — Timothy is not untried. Paul starts to say 'as a son serves a father' but corrects the image to 'as a child with a father he served with me' — changing the hierarchical metaphor to one of partnership. Timothy is not Paul's subordinate but his co-laborer.
Philippians 2:23

τοῦτον μὲν οὖν ἐλπίζω πέμψαι ὡς ἂν ἀφίδω τὰ περὶ ἐμὲ ἐξαυτῆς·

I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how things will go with me,

KJV Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Paul will send Timothy once his own situation becomes clearer — presumably the outcome of his trial. The verb aphidō ('to see from a distance, to perceive clearly') suggests Paul is waiting for clarity about his case before sending his most trusted associate away.
Philippians 2:24

πέποιθα δὲ ἐν κυρίῳ ὅτι καὶ αὐτὸς ταχέως ἐλεύσομαι.

However, I trust in the Lord that I also myself will come shortly.

KJV But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Paul's confidence in his own visit is grounded 'in the Lord' — not in legal optimism but in trust in Christ's sovereign purposes. This hope of release aligns with his expectation in 1:25 that he will remain for the Philippians' benefit.
Philippians 2:25

ἀναγκαῖον δὲ ἡγησάμην Ἐπαφρόδιτον τὸν ἀδελφὸν καὶ συνεργὸν καὶ συστρατιώτην μου, ὑμῶν δὲ ἀπόστολον καὶ λειτουργὸν τῆς χρείας μου, πέμψαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς,

But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus — my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need —

KJV Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Paul introduces Epaphroditus with five titles arranged in two groups: three from Paul's perspective (brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier) and two from the Philippians' perspective (their apostolon — 'sent one, messenger' — and minister to Paul's need). The military metaphor systratiotēs ('fellow soldier') frames gospel ministry as warfare.
Philippians 2:26

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

Since he longed following you all, and was full of heaviness, because that you had listened to that he had been sick.

KJV For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The verb adēmoneō ('to be distressed, troubled, anxious') is the same word used of Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:37). Epaphroditus's distress is not about his own illness but about the Philippians' worry — he is upset that they are upset. This other-centered concern exemplifies the mindset Paul commended in verses 3-4.
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.

Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.

KJV For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The phrase paraplēsion thanatō ('near to death, close to dying') indicates a life-threatening illness. Paul's candor is striking — he does not attribute the healing to his own prayers or apostolic power but simply to God's mercy (eleēsen). The phrase 'sorrow upon sorrow' (lypēn epi lypēn) suggests Paul already carries grief (perhaps from imprisonment) and would have been overwhelmed by Epaphroditus's death.
Philippians 2:28

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

I am the more eager to send him, therefore, so that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less anxious.

KJV I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The comparative spoudaioterōs ('more eagerly, with greater urgency') and alypoteros ('less sorrowful, less anxious') show Paul's pastoral sensitivity — he acts swiftly to relieve both the Philippians' worry and his own. The so-called 'epistolary aorist' (epempsa, 'I sent') refers to the sending that will take place when the letter arrives.
Philippians 2:29

προσδέχεσθε οὖν αὐτὸν ἐν κυρίῳ μετὰ πάσης χαρᾶς, καὶ τοὺς τοιούτους ἐντίμους ἔχετε,

So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and hold people like him in honor,

KJV Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The imperative prosdechesthe ('receive, welcome') suggests that Epaphroditus might need an advocate — perhaps some in Philippi questioned why he returned without completing his mission to Paul. Paul preemptively defends him and commands the church to honor him.
Philippians 2:30

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

On account of the fact that for the labor of Christ he was nigh to passing, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

KJV Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The verb paraboleusamenos ('having risked, having gambled') is a gambling term — Epaphroditus wagered his life on Christ's work. The phrase 'what was lacking in your service' (to hymōn hysterēma tēs leitourgias) is not a criticism of the Philippians but acknowledges that their physical distance prevented personal service to Paul; Epaphroditus bridged that gap at the cost of his own health.
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