Philippians 1:8
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God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Confirmation of Phi 1:7. record--that is, witness. in the bowels of Jesus Christ--"Christ Jesus" is the order in the oldest manuscripts. My yearning love (so the Greek implies) to you is not merely from natural affection, but from devotedness to Christ Jesus. "Not Paul, but Jesus Christ lives in Paul; wherefore Paul is not moved in the bowels (that is, the tender love, Jer 31:20) of Paul, but of Jesus Christ" [BENGEL]. All real spiritual love is but a portion of Christ's love which yearns in all who are united to Him [ALFORD].
Open source ↗He begins with the inscription and benediction (Phi 1:1, Phi 1:2). He gives thanks for the saints at Philippi (Phi 1:3-6). He speaks of his great affection and concern for their spiritual welfare (Phi 1:7, Phi 1:8), his prayers for them (Phi 1:9-11), his care to prevent their offence at his sufferings (Phi 1:12-20), his readiness to glorify Christ by life or death (Phi 1:21-26), and then concludes with a double exhortation to strictness and constancy (Phi 1:27-30).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.
We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us.
For I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me face to face,
I speak the truth in Christ; I am not lying, as confirmed by my conscience in the Holy Spirit.
I am sending back to you him who is my very heart.
Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, a delightful child? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD.
Therefore my heart laments for Moab like a harp, my inmost being for Kir-heres.
Look down from heaven and see, from Your holy and glorious habitation. Where are Your zeal and might? Your yearning and compassion for me are restrained.