Philippians 1 20

Philippians 1:20 kjv

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

Philippians 1:20 nkjv

according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.

Philippians 1:20 niv

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

Philippians 1:20 esv

as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

Philippians 1:20 nlt

For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.

Philippians 1 verses

Philippians 1 20 Meaning

Philippians 1:20 expresses the Apostle Paul's ultimate desire and unwavering confidence: that in every circumstance, especially those of his imprisonment, he would never be put to shame by abandoning his faith or wavering in his commitment to the Gospel. Instead, he hoped that with utter fearlessness, as had always been his practice, Christ's greatness and glory would be made evident through his physical being, whether he lived to continue his ministry or faced death as a martyr. His overriding passion was for Christ to be magnified above all else.

Philippians 1 20 Context

Philippians chapter 1 reveals Paul's state of mind while imprisoned in Rome, likely facing a capital charge. Despite his confinement (Phil 1:7, 13), he expresses joy and confidence regarding the progress of the Gospel. He assures the Philippians that his imprisonment has actually served to advance the Good News, as it has emboldened other believers to preach Christ fearlessly (Phil 1:12-14). Verse 20 directly follows his discussion of different motives for preaching Christ (some from envy, some from goodwill, Phil 1:15-18). For Paul, the ultimate motivation and goal, regardless of his circumstances or others' intentions, is that Christ would be exalted. He is anticipating the verdict of his trial and weighs his two potential outcomes—life or death—with an overarching concern for Christ's glory. His life, and even his impending death, must be used to declare the greatness of Christ.

Philippians 1 20 Word analysis

• according to: Implies that his ultimate expectation and hope serve as the foundational standard or principle guiding his conduct and prayer. His life is measured by this aim.

• my earnest expectation: Greek apokaradokia (ἀποκαραδοκία). This is a strong, intensive word. It literally means "a stretching forth of the head," or "a straining anticipation." Paul also uses it in Rom 8:19. It conveys an eager, impatient longing and focuses anticipation, indicating a single-minded devotion to one object, with no peripheral vision.

• and hope: Greek elpis (ἐλπίς). This refers to a confident expectation, not a wishful desire. It's the positive conviction that something good will come. Here, it is the secure ground on which his "earnest expectation" stands. His fervent longing is rooted in certainty.

• that I shall not be ashamed: Greek kataischuno (καταισχύνω). To be put to shame, disgraced, confounded, or disappointed. In the Greco-Roman world, "shame" was a powerful social concept. Paul is declaring his certainty that he will not disgrace the Gospel, God, or himself by flinching in the face of suffering or possible death. It implies a public declaration or experience of failure.

• in anything: This stresses the absolute comprehensiveness of his assurance. In no way, by no circumstance, will he shrink back. His resolve is total.

• but that: Introduces the alternative, the antithesis to being ashamed, which is his confident positive outcome.

• with all boldness: Greek parrhesia (παρρησία). This means "freedom of speech," "outspokenness," "courage," "confidence." It implies speaking openly and truthfully, even in challenging or hostile environments. It stands in direct contrast to shame or fear. It is a hallmark of apostolic preaching.

• as always: A reference to Paul's consistent conduct throughout his ministry. He has always proclaimed Christ without fear, despite opposition.

• so now also: Emphasizes the continuity of his commitment. His current imprisonment does not change his long-standing resolve; rather, it provides a new platform for it.

• Christ will be magnified: Greek megalyno (μεγαλύνω). To make great, declare great, make manifest the greatness of something. It does not mean to make Christ actually bigger (He is already infinite), but to make His greatness appear great or to cause others to recognize His greatness and glory. The focus is entirely on Him, not Paul. This is the central purpose.

• in my body: Refers to Paul's physical person, his very life, and experiences. His suffering, his actions, his very being. It signifies that Christ's glory is to be made visible through his human instrument. It implies a practical, tangible manifestation.

• whether by life or by death: Covers all possible outcomes of his imprisonment and trial. It highlights Paul's absolute surrender and dedication. For Paul, both living and dying serve the same ultimate purpose: to make Christ look great. "Life" would mean continued ministry and suffering for the Gospel. "Death" would mean martyrdom, yet still, Christ is glorified through his faithfulness unto the end.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "my earnest expectation and hope, that I shall not be ashamed in anything": This phrase reveals Paul's intense, focused spiritual ambition and deep conviction. It is not just wishful thinking but a confident, strong anticipation that he will maintain integrity and not falter under pressure, upholding the honor of Christ.
  • "but that with all boldness... Christ will be magnified": This is the counterpoint and ultimate goal. Paul’s unashamedness is actively expressed through fearless proclamation, which aims directly at demonstrating Christ's supremacy. Boldness is the means; Christ’s glorification is the end.
  • "in my body, whether by life or by death": This clarifies the complete and personal scope of Paul’s devotion. His physical existence, in every conceivable outcome (living or dying), is wholly dedicated to displaying Christ's preeminence. It shows a radical, comprehensive surrender to Christ's purpose for his being.

Philippians 1 20 Bonus section

Paul's mindset in Phil 1:20 stands in stark contrast to typical human priorities. Most people seek to avoid shame and achieve self-preservation or personal glory. Paul, however, prioritizes Christ's glory above his own reputation or life itself. This radical self-forgetfulness and Christ-centeredness were profound counter-cultural declarations in the honor-shame cultures of his day, and remain so even today. His prayer reflects a full integration of his identity and purpose with the person of Christ, moving beyond mere theological assent to complete existential surrender. This profound desire for Christ to be "magnified" is not about making Christ appear great to oneself, but to cause His greatness to become evident to others through the believer's very existence.

Philippians 1 20 Commentary

Philippians 1:20 is a powerful declaration of Paul's single-minded, Christ-centered focus, especially when facing extreme personal adversity. It unveils the spiritual mindset of a man whose deepest yearning is not for personal comfort, vindication, or escape, but solely for the exaltation of Jesus Christ. Paul's "earnest expectation" is not a casual hope but a visceral, all-consuming anticipation. He anticipates a glorious outcome where his life and fate demonstrate Christ's worthiness and power, rather than shame Christ by any display of weakness or faithlessness. His courage ("all boldness") stems from his desire for Christ's name to be "magnified," to be made visibly great in the eyes of others, no matter the cost. This commitment extends to the entirety of his existence ("in my body") and encompasses every possible outcome of his Roman trial, whether a continuation of his life in ministry or a death as a martyr for the Gospel. For Paul, his physical being is not an end in itself but a vessel through which the Lord Jesus is displayed. This verse thus embodies the ultimate aim of a devoted believer: that Christ alone receives all the glory through our lived experience, both in seasons of flourishing and in times of severe testing.