Philippians 1 3

Philippians 1:3 kjv

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

Philippians 1:3 nkjv

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

Philippians 1:3 niv

I thank my God every time I remember you.

Philippians 1:3 esv

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,

Philippians 1:3 nlt

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.

Philippians 1 verses

Philippians 1 3 Meaning

The Apostle Paul begins his letter to the Philippians with a profound declaration of thanksgiving to God for them. This verse signifies his consistent, heartfelt gratitude whenever they come to mind. His remembrance is not merely nostalgic but is a deep, spiritual recognition of their participation and progress in the Gospel, prompting him to immediately offer thanks to God. It establishes a warm and intimate tone, setting the foundation for the entire epistle centered on joy and fellowship in Christ.

Philippians 1 3 Context

Philippians 1:3 is part of Paul's typical epistolary opening, following the salutation. However, it quickly moves beyond a mere formal greeting to convey deep affection and gratitude. This initial expression of thanks sets the tone for a letter renowned for its themes of joy (despite Paul's imprisonment), unity in the Gospel, perseverance, and humble service. The church in Philippi held a special place in Paul's heart, being the first church established in Europe (Acts 16), and they were consistent supporters of his ministry. This verse emphasizes the spiritual bond and Paul's genuine pastoral care, particularly as he is writing from prison (implied later in the chapter), where thoughts of his co-workers and the churches they founded would have been a significant source of encouragement and prayer.

Philippians 1 3 Word analysis

• I: Paul's personal emphasis, highlighting the genuine and deeply personal nature of his thanksgiving. This isn't a corporate statement, but a direct expression from the Apostle.

• thank: Greek: εὐχαριστῶ (eucharistō). This verb implies a deep and genuine sense of gratitude, not merely polite acknowledgment. In the Christian context, it often refers to spiritual thanksgiving to God, forming the root of "Eucharist," a term for communion, which itself is a act of giving thanks.

• my God: Paul frequently uses this possessive phrase (e.g., Rom 1:8, Phil 4:19). It signifies a deeply personal and covenantal relationship with the one true God whom he serves and whose Gospel he proclaims. It distinguishes Him from the pagan deities prevalent in the Roman world.

• upon: Greek: ἐπὶ (epi). Here, it denotes the basis or occasion for his thanksgiving. His gratitude is contingent upon, or immediately follows, his remembrance of them.

• every: Greek: πᾶς (pas). This word denotes totality, emphasizing the consistent and complete nature of his remembrance and accompanying thankfulness. It means not some but all his remembrances elicit gratitude.

• remembrance: Greek: μνεία (mneia). This is more than a casual recall of memory. In context, particularly when paired with Paul's subsequent mention of prayer (Phi 1:4), it indicates a deliberate, prayerful recollection of the Philippian believers. This "remembrance" likely involves recalling their faith, love, fellowship, and God's work among them.

• of you: Refers directly to the Philippian Christians, the community of believers whom Paul founded and dearly loves. It underscores the specific and communal nature of his thanksgiving, focusing on their collective identity as the body of Christ in Philippi.

• "I thank my God": This phrase encapsulates the vertical orientation of Paul's gratitude—it is directed towards God, not the Philippians directly, indicating that the Philippians' qualities or actions are ultimately attributed to God's work within them.

• "upon every remembrance of you": This grouping highlights the consistent and deeply interwoven nature of his prayer life with his affectionate thoughts of the Philippians. Every time they cross his mind, it leads to thanks. This connection between memory and immediate gratitude speaks to the profound positive impact they had on Paul's spiritual journey and encourages similar spiritual patterns in believers.

Philippians 1 3 Bonus section

Paul's thanksgiving here sets a template for how believers should view and interact with one another in the body of Christ. It encourages a proactive mindset of gratitude, focusing on God's work in others rather than on their perceived shortcomings or failures. This fosters unity and joy within the Christian community, reflecting the very nature of the Philippian letter. It's also an indicator of spiritual health, as consistent gratitude to God for others often accompanies a robust prayer life and deep love for God's people.

Philippians 1 3 Commentary

Philippians 1:3 succinctly opens the epistle, immediately immersing the reader in the overflow of Paul's heart. It's not a generic opening but a testament to the Apostle's authentic and deep spiritual connection with the Philippian believers. His "thanksgiving" (eucharistō) to "my God" underscores a worshipful posture where his gratitude is firmly rooted in his relationship with the Almighty. The consistency conveyed by "upon every remembrance" indicates that this thankfulness isn't occasional but a pervasive spiritual reality. For Paul, the Philippians were not merely an evangelistic project but beloved partners in the Gospel (Phil 1:5), whose very memory stirred him to express praise to God. This verse teaches us that Christian fellowship and the visible fruit of faith in others should be consistent triggers for heartfelt prayer and thanksgiving, acknowledging God as the source of all good.