Philippians 1 22

Philippians 1:22 kjv

But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

Philippians 1:22 nkjv

But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.

Philippians 1:22 niv

If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!

Philippians 1:22 esv

If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.

Philippians 1:22 nlt

But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don't know which is better.

Philippians 1 verses

Philippians 1 22 Meaning

Philippians 1:22 reveals the apostle Paul's deep spiritual dilemma: he is torn between continuing his earthly life of ministry for Christ and dying to be immediately present with Christ. Both options are profoundly desirable and honorable to God. To live, for Paul, means bearing "fruitful labor" in advancing the Gospel and ministering to the believers; to die, as stated in the preceding verse (1:21), is "gain" because it means being with Christ. Paul's uncertainty stems from weighing these two ultimate goods, driven by his love for the Philippians and his fervent devotion to Christ.

Philippians 1 22 Context

Philippians chapter 1 centers on Paul's perspective from imprisonment. Far from being dejected, he rejoices that his confinement has advanced the Gospel. He commends the Philippians for their partnership in the Gospel, even while suffering for Christ. Verses 12-26 detail his outlook, establishing that his life's aim, whether living or dying, is Christ. Verse 22 follows directly from his statement in verse 21, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." It elaborates on what "to live" means for him in practical terms – not personal comfort or gain, but active, spiritual labor that bears fruit for God's kingdom. Historically, Paul was likely imprisoned in Rome, facing the possibility of execution, which highlights the sincerity and gravity of his dilemma. His love for the Philippian church, a key theme in the letter, further fuels his preference to remain for their sake. This contrasts sharply with Stoic detachment from life and death; Paul's "dilemma" is deeply personal and driven by fervent love and mission, not indifference.

Philippians 1 22 Word analysis

• If I am to live on (εἰ δὲ τὸ ζῆν, ei de to zēn): "If" (εἰ - ei) indicates a conditional or a potential continuation. "To live on" (τὸ ζῆν - to zēn, the infinitive of ζάω - zaō, meaning "to live") refers to the continuation of physical, earthly existence. It signifies prolonged life in the mortal body.
• in the flesh (ἐν σαρκί, en sarki): "In the flesh" (σάρξ - sarx, often translated as "flesh") here refers to the physical human body and its present earthly condition, not necessarily the sinful nature often associated with "flesh" in other Pauline contexts (e.g., Rom 7:5). It defines the realm of Paul's potential continued physical life and ministry.
• this will mean (τοῦτό μοι καρπὸς ἔργου, touto moi karpos ergou): Literally "this is to me fruit of work" or "this means fruit of labor." "This" (τοῦτο - touto) points back to living in the flesh. "Means" or "is for me" (μοί - moi, dative pronoun) indicates his personal experience or interpretation of living.
• fruitful labor (καρπὸς ἔργου, karpos ergou): This is a key phrase. "Fruit" (καρπός - karpos) denotes outcome, produce, or result, echoing Old Testament concepts of productivity and New Testament ideas of spiritual fruit (e.g., fruit of the Spirit, Jn 15:16). "Labor" or "work" (ἔργον - ergon) refers to active, purposeful endeavor. Together, it signifies productive spiritual ministry that yields eternal results, such as the salvation of souls, spiritual growth, and strengthening of the Church.
• and I do not know which to choose (καὶ τί αἱρήσομαι οὐ γνωρίζω, kai ti hairēsomai ou gnōrizō): "And" (καὶ - kai) introduces his admission. "I do not know" (οὐ γνωρίζω - ou gnōrizō) indicates uncertainty, a genuine personal indecision; not confusion but a profound weighing of two excellent options. "Which to choose" (τί αἱρήσομαι - ti hairēsomai, future tense of αἱρέω - hairéō) expresses his struggle with making a definite preference.

• Words-group by words-group analysis
• "If I am to live on in the flesh": This phrase sets the hypothetical condition of continued earthly existence. It highlights that Paul's consideration of life isn't about mere survival or personal comfort, but about how his physical presence contributes to Christ's purposes in the world.
• "this will mean fruitful labor for me": This expresses Paul's motivation for continued life. His purpose for living is intrinsically tied to producing spiritual "fruit" through his ministry. His life's value is measured by its spiritual output for the kingdom of God, demonstrating his profound selflessness and dedication to Christ and His Church. It underscores the active, productive nature of the Christian life in service.
• "and I do not know which to choose": This reveals Paul's honest spiritual dilemma. It's a tension not between good and evil, but between two supremely good desires: immediate union with Christ through death, or continued sacrificial service to Christ's people through life. His uncertainty underscores the profundity of both options and his genuine commitment to prioritizing God's will and the welfare of others above his personal desire for release.

Philippians 1 22 Bonus section

Paul's inner debate in this verse highlights a central paradox for Christians: how to balance an earnest longing for Christ's return or death with an unwavering commitment to present ministry and mission. It underscores that Christian life is meant to be a period of productivity for the Kingdom, not passive waiting. The "fruitful labor" is not for personal merit but a natural outflow of a life transformed by Christ and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. This verse further emphasizes Paul's characteristic selflessness; his thoughts immediately turn to how his life (or death) would benefit others rather than himself. His decision to postpone personal gain for the sake of corporate spiritual advancement serves as a powerful model of apostolic responsibility and love. This profound wrestling also reflects the human aspect of biblical figures, demonstrating that spiritual giants, though deeply connected to God, experience genuine personal tension in discerning His will amidst multiple righteous paths.

Philippians 1 22 Commentary

Philippians 1:22 is a profound glimpse into the apostle Paul's heart and priorities. It unveils a spiritual maturity that counts personal preference as secondary to Christ's kingdom and the well-being of others. Paul's "dilemma" isn't one of confusion but a deep, Spirit-led grappling between two Christ-honoring paths. "Fruitful labor" for Paul meant tirelessly preaching the Gospel, establishing churches, discipling believers, and suffering for Christ's name. His continued existence was valuable only insofar as it bore such spiritual fruit. This challenges believers to view their lives not as their own, but as instruments for Christ's purposes, continually asking, "How can my life here and now be fruitful for the Lord?" It also showcases the unique Christian perspective on death, seeing it as a "gain" rather than an end, due to the promise of immediate presence with Christ. Ultimately, Paul's resolution, articulated in the verses following, shows his willingness to forgo his personal "gain" for the greater good of the Philippian believers, exemplifying true sacrificial love and Christ-likeness.