Philippians 4:17
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Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
a gift--Greek, "the gift." Translate, "It is not that I seek after the gift, but I do seek after the fruit that aboundeth to your account"; what I do seek is your spiritual good, in the abounding of fruits of your faith which shall be put down to your account, against the day of reward (Heb 6:10).
Open source ↗Exhortations to several Christian duties, as stedfastness, unanimity, joy, etc. (Phi 4:1-9). The apostle's grateful acknowledgments of the Philippians' kindness to him, with expressions of his own content, and desire of their good (Phi 4:10-19). He concludes the epistle with praise, salutations, and blessing (Phi 4:20-23).
Open source ↗4:17 I don’t say this because I want a gift from you: Paul preferred to support himself (see Acts 18:3; 1 Cor 4:12; 9:3-18; 2 Cor 11:7-11; 12:14-15). • The reward would be a blessing from God.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet the pressing needs of others, so that they will not be unfruitful.
For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples.
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.
I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances.
So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you beforehand and make arrangements for the bountiful gift you had promised. This way, your gift will be prepared generously and not begrudgingly.
As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.
So after I have completed this service and have safely delivered this bounty to them, I will set off to Spain by way of you.
As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!