Philippians 4:4
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Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
(Isa 61:10.) alway--even amidst the afflictions now distressing you (Phi 1:28-30). again--as he had already said, "Rejoice" (Phi 3:1). Joy is the predominant feature of the Epistle. I say--Greek, rather, "I will say."
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 ↗4:4-6 rejoice! . . . pray . . . thank him: Cp. 1 Thes 5:16-18; both passages are addressed to persecuted churches; see also Rom 12:12. 4:4 In Paul’s letters, joy and rejoicing are a response to the Good News (see Eph 5:19-20). Joy is not dependent on circumstances; believers find joy in the Lord even in the midst of suffering. • rejoice! See Phil 2:18; 3:1; Rom 12:12, 15; 1 Thes 5:16.
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.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.
But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.
I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!