Philippians 4
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Therefore, my - beloved - Because ye have this armor, and those enemies, and God for your support, see that ye stand fast in him. This verse most unquestionably belongs to the preceding chapter.
Open source ↗EXHORTATIONS: THANKS FOR THE SUPPLY FROM PHILIPPI: GREETING; AND CLOSING BENEDICTION. (Phi. 4:1-23) "Wherefore"; since we have such a glorious hope (Phi 3:20-21). dearly beloved--repeated again at the close of the verse, implying that his great love to them should be a motive to their obedience. longed for--"yearned after" in your absence (Phi 1:8). crown--in the day of the Lord (Phi 2:16; Th1 2:19). so--as I have admonished you. stand fast-- (Phi 1:27).
Open source ↗Therefore, my brethren,.... Not in a natural but spiritual relation; having the same Father, being of the same family, and household of faith: seeing that on the one hand there were false teachers, who stand described by various characters in the preceding chapter, by whom they were in danger of being carried away from the simplicity of the Gospel; and on the other hand, such were the conduct and conversation of the apostle, and other true believers, and such were their expectations of Christ from heaven, and of happiness from him as there expressed; therefore he exhorts to steadfastness in him, and that under the most tender, affectionate, and endearing appellations; given in the uprightness of his soul, without any manner of flattery, to signify his strong affection for them, and to engage them to attend the more to what he was about to exhort them to; and which arose from pure love to them, an hearty concern for their good, and the honour of Christ Jesus: dearly beloved: as belonging to Christ, interested in him, members of him, redeemed by him, and bearing his image; and as his brethren, and so not loved with a carnal, but spiritual love: and longed for; to see them, converse with them, and impart some spiritual gift to them; being the excellent in the earth, as other saints, towards whom was his desire, and with whom was all his delight. These epithets are joined with the word "brethren", in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions, and read thus, "my dearly beloved, and longed for brethren"; and in the Ethiopic version, "our beloved brethren": to which are added, my joy and crown; they were matter of joy to him, as he had reason to hope well of them; yea, to be confident that the good work was begun, and would be carried on in them; and that they had hithert…
Open source ↗The apostle begins the chapter with exhortations to divers Christian duties. I. To stedfastness in our Christian profession, Phi 4:1. It is inferred from the close of the foregoing chapter: Therefore stand fast, etc. Seeing our conversation is in heaven, and we look for the Saviour to come thence and fetch us thither, therefore let us stand fast. Note, The believing hope and prospect of eternal life should engage us to be steady, even, and constant, in our Christian course. Observe here, 1. The compellations are very endearing: My brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown; and again, My dearly beloved. Thus he expresses the pleasure he took in them, the kindness he had for them, to convey his exhortations to them with so much the greater advantage. He looked upon them as his brethren, though he was a great apostle. All we are brethren. There is difference of gifts, graces, and attainments, yet, being renewed by the same Spirit, after the same image, we are brethren; as the children of the same parents, though of different ages, statures, and complexions. Being brethren, (1.) He loved them, and loved them dearly: Dearly beloved; and again, My dearly beloved. Warm affections become ministers and Christians towards one another. Brotherly love must always go along with brotherly relation. (2.) He loved them and longed for them, longed to see them and hear from them, longed for their welfare and was earnestly desirous of it. I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ, Phi 1:8. (3.) He loved them and rejoiced in them. They were his joy; he had no greater joy than to hear of their spiritual health and prosperity. I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in the truth, Jo2 1:4; Jo3 1:4. (4.) he loved them and gloried in them. They were his…
Open source ↗4:1 stay true to the Lord (literally stand in the Lord): Cp. 1:27. • Their continuing faithfulness to Christ was a deep source of joy to Paul and the crown for his hard work (see 1 Thes 2:19-20).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
ὥστε (hṓste, G5620) — so too, i.e. thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow) μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἀγαπητός (agapētós, G27) — beloved καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐπιπόθητος (epipóthētos, G1973) — yearned upon, i.e. greatly loved χαρά (chará, G5479) — cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight στέφανος (stéphanos, G4735) — a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor… οὕτω (hoútō, G3779) — in this way (referring to what precedes or follows) στήκω (stḗkō, G4739) — to be stationary, i.e. (figuratively) to persevere ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful…
Open source ↗παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) Εὐοδία (Euodía, G2136) — fine travelling; Euodia, a Christian woman καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Συντύχη (Syntýchē, G4941) — an accident; Syntyche, a Christian female φρονέω (phronéō, G5426) — to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐρωτάω (erōtáō, G2065) — to interrogate; by implication, to request σέ (sé, G4571) — thee γνήσιος (gnḗsios, G1103) — legitimate (of birth), i.e. genuine σύζυγος (sýzygos, G4805) — co-yoked, i.e. (figuratively) as noun, a colleague; probably rather as a proper name;… συλλαμβάνω (syllambánō, G4815) — to clasp, i.e. seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ὅστις (hóstis, G3748) — which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same συναθλέω (synathléō, G4866) — to wrestle in company with, i.e. (figuratively) to seek jointly μοί (moí, G3427) — to me ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. εὐαγγέλιον (euangélion, G2098) — a good message, i.e. the gospel μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… Κλήμης (Klḗmēs, G2815) — merciful; Clemes (i.e. Clemens), a Christian
Open source ↗χαίρω (chaírō, G5463) — to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… πάντοτε (pántote, G3842) — every when, i.e. at all times πάλιν (pálin, G3825) — (adverbially) anew, i.e. (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally)… ἐρέω (eréō, G2046) — an alternate for G2036 (ἔπω) in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. speak or say
Open source ↗γινώσκω (ginṓskō, G1097) — to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you ἐπιεικής (epieikḗs, G1933) — appropriate, i.e. (by implication) mild πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… ἐγγύς (engýs, G1451) — akin to the base of G43 (ἀγκάλη)); near (literally or figuratively, of place or time)
Open source ↗μεριμνάω (merimnáō, G3309) — to be anxious about μηδείς (mēdeís, G3367) — not even one (man, woman, thing) ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole προσευχή (proseuchḗ, G4335) — prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δέησις (déēsis, G1162) — a petition μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… εὐχαριστία (eucharistía, G2169) — gratitude; actively, grateful language (to God, as an act of worship) γνωρίζω (gnōrízō, G1107) — to make known; subjectively, to know ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you αἴτημα (aítēma, G155) — a thing asked or (abstractly) an asking πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἰρήνη (eirḗnē, G1515) — peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ὑπερέχω (hyperéchō, G5242) — to hold oneself above, i.e. (figuratively) to excel; participle (as adjective, or neuter… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole νοῦς (noûs, G3563) — the intellect, i.e. mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication,… φρουρέω (phrouréō, G5432) — to be a watcher in advance, i.e. to mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at gates);… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you καρδία (kardía, G2588) — the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the… νόημα (nóēma, G3540) — a perception, i.e. purpose, or (by implication) the intellect, disposition, itself ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites
Open source ↗λοιπόν (loipón, G3063) — something remaining (adverbially) ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ὅσος (hósos, G3745) — as (much, great, long, etc.) as ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ἀληθής (alēthḗs, G227) — true (as not concealing) σεμνός (semnós, G4586) — venerable, i.e. honorable δίκαιος (díkaios, G1342) — equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively) ἁγνός (hagnós, G53) — properly, clean, i.e. (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect προσφιλής (prosphilḗs, G4375) — friendly towards, i.e. acceptable εὔφημος (eúphēmos, G2163) — well spoken of, i.e. reputable εἴ τις (eí tis, G1536) — if any ἀρέτη (arétē, G703) — properly, manliness (valor), i.e. excellence (intrinsic or attributed) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἔπαινος (épainos, G1868) — laudation; concretely, a commendable thing
Open source ↗ταῦτα (taûta, G5023) — these things ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that μανθάνω (manthánō, G3129) — to learn (in any way) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… παραλαμβάνω (paralambánō, G3880) — to receive near, i.e. associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or… ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἐμοί (emoí, G1698) — to me πράσσω (prássō, G4238) — to "practise", i.e. perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from G4160 (ποιέω),… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very εἰρήνη (eirḗnē, G1515) — peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity ἔσομαι (ésomai, G2071) — will be μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. χαίρω (chaírō, G5463) — to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… μεγάλως (megálōs, G3171) — much ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἤδη (ḗdē, G2235) — even now ποτέ (poté, G4218) — indefinite adverb, at some time, ever φρονέω (phronéō, G5426) — to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to… ἀναθάλλω (anathállō, G330) — to revive ὑπέρ (hypér, G5228) — "over", i.e. (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the… ἐμοῦ (emoû, G1700) — of me ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Open source ↗οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… ὑστέρησις (hystérēsis, G5304) — a falling short, i.e. (specially), penury γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473) μανθάνω (manthánō, G3129) — to learn (in any way) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that εἰμί (eimí, G1510) — I exist (used only when emphatic) εἶναι (eînai, G1511) — to exist αὐτάρκης (autárkēs, G842) — self-complacent, i.e. contented
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ταπεινόω (tapeinóō, G5013) — to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… περισσεύω (perisseúō, G4052) — to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole μυέω (myéō, G3453) — to initiate, i.e. (by implication) to teach χορτάζω (chortázō, G5526) — to fodder, i.e. (generally) to gorge (supply food in abundance) πεινάω (peináō, G3983) — "pine"); to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave ὑστερέω (hysteréō, G5302) — to be later, i.e. (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)
Open source ↗ἰσχύω (ischýō, G2480) — to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively) πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἐνδυναμόω (endynamóō, G1743) — to empower μέ (mé, G3165) — me
Open source ↗πλήν (plḗn, G4133) — moreover (besides), i.e. albeit, save that, rather, yet καλῶς (kalōs, G2573) — well (usually morally) ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) συγκοινωνέω (synkoinōnéō, G4790) — to share in company with, i.e. co-participate in μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me θλῖψις (thlîpsis, G2347) — pressure (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending side by side for the faith of the gospel,
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.
Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!
as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.
So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples.
For he has been longing for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.