Philippians 1 21

Philippians 1:21 kjv

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21 nkjv

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21 niv

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21 esv

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21 nlt

For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.

Philippians 1 verses

Philippians 1 21 Meaning

Philippians 1:21 expresses the Apostle Paul's ultimate purpose and perspective on existence. For Paul, the entirety of his earthly life is defined by, lived for, and completely immersed in Christ. Should his life conclude in physical death, he considers it an immeasurable advantage because death ushers him into direct, unhindered presence with Christ, which he deems superior to even the Christ-centered life on earth. This verse encapsulates Paul's single-minded devotion, viewing both life and death as avenues for furthering his relationship with and glorifying Christ.

Philippians 1 21 Context

Philippians chapter 1 finds Paul imprisoned, yet filled with joy and profound spiritual peace. He is writing to the church in Philippi, a congregation he deeply loves and for whom he feels an intense spiritual bond, established during his first missionary journey (Acts 16). The context leading to verse 21 reveals Paul's primary concern: that Christ be honored and proclaimed, whether through his life or death (Phil 1:20). He has been facing uncertainty regarding his trial outcomes, including the possibility of execution. Despite this personal danger, Paul is not anxious but views his imprisonment as an opportunity for the furtherance of the Gospel (Phil 1:12-18). His perspective in verse 21 then sets up the subsequent dilemma (Phil 1:22-26) regarding whether it is more beneficial for him personally to die and be with Christ, or for the Philippians' spiritual progress for him to remain alive and minister among them. The cultural context includes the Roman emphasis on civic duty and Stoic ideas about facing death, but Paul's gain is not Stoic indifference but an intimate personal union with Christ.

Philippians 1 21 Word analysis

• For: This conjunction links Paul's ultimate resolve to glorify Christ (v.20) with the radical basis of his entire existence. It indicates a logical explanation or reason.
• to me: The Greek emoi (ἐμοί), a dative pronoun, emphasizes the personal and subjective nature of this conviction. It's Paul's deepest, most fundamental truth, not a theoretical statement but a lived reality. This highlights the personal appropriation of faith.
• to live: The Greek zēn (ζῆν), an infinitive, means "to be alive," "to exist." In this context, it refers to Paul's physical, present existence on earth, his daily walk and actions. It encompasses the entirety of his earthly ministry and discipleship.
• is Christ: The Greek Christos (Χριστός) refers to Jesus Christ. The "is" implies identity, essence, and purpose. Christ is not just part of Paul's life, nor simply a goal, but He is the very content, meaning, and power of Paul's life. He is the ultimate object of his existence, the center around which all revolves. This stands in stark contrast to living for self, wealth, power, or even for "good causes" apart from Christ.
• and: This conjunction connects two distinct but unified propositions. Life and death, though seemingly opposite, are brought together under the singular banner of Christ.
• to die: The Greek apothanein (ἀποθανεῖν), an infinitive, means "to die," specifically physical death. This term presents the ultimate human transition and the very real possibility Paul faced.
• is gain: The Greek kerdos (κέρδος), meaning "profit," "advantage," or "gain," signifies something beneficial or profitable obtained. This word carries an economic connotation. Paul contrasts any earthly "gain" (which he elsewhere counts as loss, Phil 3:7) with the supreme, ultimate "gain" found in death – immediate and complete union with Christ. This "gain" is not merely the cessation of suffering but a profound advancement in spiritual existence, realizing the ultimate end for which he lives.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• For to me to live is Christ: This phrase encapsulates Paul's single-minded devotion. "To me" stresses the personal appropriation. "To live is Christ" declares that Christ is the central meaning and purpose of his earthly existence. Christ defines his identity, motivates his actions, and sustains him through trials. It means his every breath, thought, word, and deed is submitted to and animated by Christ. This is an active, present reality.
• and to die is gain: This phrase provides the compelling eschatological dimension of Paul's conviction. It shows a radical redefinition of death. Instead of fearing it as an end, Paul views it as a profitable transition, an advance, a superior state of being. The "gain" is the immediate, unhindered presence and intimacy with Christ, which transcends even the best experience of Christ in earthly life. It underscores a confidence in Christ’s victory over death and the glorious hope of eternal life with Him.

Philippians 1 21 Bonus section

The profound unity expressed in Phil 1:21 suggests that Christ cannot be divided from the believer’s experience, whether in this temporal life or in eternal glory. There is no aspect of existence that Paul views as outside Christ's sphere or disconnected from Christ's purpose. This verse also provides a radical alternative to the dominant pagan worldview of the time, which often prioritized earthly pleasures and power, and saw death as either annihilation or an undesirable journey to the underworld. Paul's theology counters this with the superior joy and profound reality of Christ's sovereignty over life and death, presenting an infinitely greater "gain" than anything this world could offer. His commitment reveals a crucified life (Gal 2:20) and a life already "hidden with Christ in God" (Col 3:3), anticipating the full realization of Christ's glory.

Philippians 1 21 Commentary

Philippians 1:21 stands as one of the most potent declarations of Christian identity and purpose in the New Testament. Paul presents a life lived completely for Christ as a seamless continuum into a death that brings further, greater fellowship with Him. The phrase "to live is Christ" signifies that Christ is not merely an external addition to life but its very essence, its sum, its meaning, and its ultimate end. Paul's actions, thoughts, and being are so wholly consumed by Christ that to separate them is to diminish the life itself. His energy, his ministry, his suffering—all find their purpose in the person and work of Christ.

Following this, the complementary phrase "and to die is gain" reveals Paul's deep eschatological hope and his transformed perspective on death. In a world that often fears death, or sees it as a definitive end, Paul perceives it as a gateway to ultimate profit. This "gain" is not a vague bliss or an escape from hardship, but the immediate and perfect communion with Christ Himself, which Paul elsewhere calls "far better" (Phil 1:23). This understanding negates the sting of death (1 Cor 15:55-57), making it not an enemy but a welcome passage to ultimate fulfillment in Christ’s presence. This verse challenges believers to assess what defines their existence and whether death is seen as a dreaded end or a glorious transition to an even deeper experience of Christ.

• Practical usage:
  • Prioritize Christ: Are my daily activities, aspirations, and relationships ultimately pointing to Christ as my life's core?
  • Embrace suffering: When trials come, remember they can be opportunities to manifest Christ's life more profoundly.
  • Face death with hope: Live in a way that death is seen not as loss, but as ultimate gain because it brings complete presence with Christ.