Philippians 1 7

Philippians 1:7 kjv

Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

Philippians 1:7 nkjv

just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.

Philippians 1:7 niv

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me.

Philippians 1:7 esv

It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

Philippians 1:7 nlt

So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News.

Philippians 1 verses

Philippians 1 7 Meaning

Philippians 1:7 expresses Paul's profound and righteous conviction concerning the Philippian believers. He declares it morally right and fitting for him to harbor such deep affection and unwavering confidence in them, because they are deeply rooted in his heart. This close bond is not merely emotional but grounded in their active partnership with him, particularly through the trials of his imprisonment and his efforts to defend and confirm the gospel. Paul identifies their shared experience of enduring hardships for the sake of Christ and actively supporting his ministry as a direct participation in God's enabling grace.

Philippians 1 7 Context

Philippians 1:7 is embedded within Paul's opening thanksgiving and prayer for the church in Philippi (Phil 1:3-11). After expressing his gratitude for their partnership in the gospel from the very first day (v. 5), he voices his deep conviction that God will complete the good work He began in them (v. 6). Verse 7 serves as an explanation and justification for this unwavering confidence and his profound affection. He views his affection not merely as sentimental, but as righteous and fitting (dikaion), precisely because their commitment to the gospel and their steadfast support for him are evident even in his severe trials. The Philippian church was unique among Paul's congregations in its sustained financial and personal support for his ministry (Phil 4:10-19), including while he was imprisoned. Thus, their "partnership" extended to sharing in the struggles of his missionary endeavors and imprisonment, validating their spiritual authenticity and deepening Paul's love and conviction for them.

Philippians 1 7 Word analysis

• Just as it is right: (Greek: δίκαιόν - dikaion). This term signifies something that is morally correct, equitable, and in conformity with a divine standard or truth. Paul isn't merely stating an opinion, but a righteous and justifiable judgment or mindset regarding them. It suggests that his affection and conviction for the Philippians are well-founded and consistent with God's view.
• for me: This highlights Paul's personal perspective and intense connection, distinguishing it as his deeply held internal state.
• to think this: (Greek: φρονεῖν - phronein). More than a fleeting thought, this denotes a settled inclination, a mindset, a way of feeling and thinking that influences one's disposition and behavior. Paul has a deep-seated conviction about them, particularly concerning his assurance of God's work in their lives (referenced from v. 6) and their spiritual integrity.
• of you all: Paul's comprehensive affection and confidence encompass the entire Philippian church community. This communal aspect underscores the strength of their shared bond.
• because I have you in my heart: (Greek: ἔχειν με ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ ὑμᾶς - echein me en tē kardia hymas). The 'heart' (καρδίᾳ - kardia) in biblical usage is not just the seat of emotion but the center of one's intellect, will, and spiritual being. To have them in his heart means they occupy a place of deep affection, constant thought, and cherished remembrance. It signifies an intimate, vital connection, indicating his enduring love, care, and remembrance of them, even from afar and amidst hardship.
• inasmuch as both in my chains: (Greek: ἐν τε τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου - en te tois desmois mou). 'Chains' (δεσμοῖς - desmois) directly refers to his imprisonment. This clause establishes the specific circumstances under which their partnership manifested. The Philippians' steadfast support and care, even during his period of physical confinement and suffering for the Gospel, demonstrate the depth of their fellowship and grace.
• and in the defense: (Greek: καὶ ἐν τῇ ἀπολογίᾳ - kai en tē apologia). 'Defense' (ἀπολογίᾳ - apologia) means a legal plea, a reasoned vindication, or a formal declaration of one's case. Paul refers to his opportunities to formally articulate and justify the gospel message before Roman authorities.
• and confirmation: (Greek: καὶ βεβαιώσει - kai bebaiōsei). 'Confirmation' (βεβαιώσει - bebaiōsei) implies making something firm, sure, or legally valid. This refers to the validating and establishing effect that Paul's defense had on the gospel, even despite opposition. It highlights the outcome of his apologia, leading to the secure grounding and authentication of the gospel truth.
• of the gospel: The central message of Christ's saving work and Paul's mission. His suffering and legal battles are entirely dedicated to the advancement and authentication of this Good News.
• you all are partakers with me: (Greek: συγκοινωνούς μου πάντας ὑμᾶς ὄντας - sygkoinōnous mou pantas hymas ontas). This powerful word combines syn (with) and koinōnos (sharer, partner, companion). It denotes a deep, active partnership and shared experience. The Philippians are not just spectators but active co-participants in Paul's suffering and labor for the gospel, extending even to his current predicament.
• of grace: (Greek: τῆς χάριτος - tēs charitos). 'Grace' (χάριτος - charitos) is God's undeserved favor, divine enabling power, and spiritual blessing. The Philippians share in the grace that enables Paul to endure chains, defend, and confirm the gospel. Their willingness to participate in his sufferings and ministry is itself an act and a manifestation of divine grace given to them, making them co-recipients of the spiritual strength that empowers ministry and sustains through hardship.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart": This opening phrase establishes the righteous nature of Paul's conviction and affection for the Philippians. His profound personal feeling ("I have you in my heart") is not a mere sentimental attachment but a Spirit-led, morally appropriate mindset ("it is right for me to think this"), reflective of their genuine spiritual state and partnership. It underlines the depth and purity of his bond with them.
• "inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel": This clause provides the compelling evidence and concrete demonstration of the Philippians' partnership. It shows that their fellowship (koinonia) with Paul was active and supportive not just in favorable times, but specifically during his darkest moments – his imprisonment – and in his most vital ministry: standing up for and making firm the truth of the gospel. Their enduring support amidst Paul's trials validates their shared commitment.
• "you all are partakers with me of grace": This is the culmination, explaining what they share. Their active solidarity, both in his suffering and his proactive efforts to advance the gospel, makes them true co-partners in God's enabling and empowering grace. It suggests that participation in gospel ministry, even its hardships, is itself a demonstration and gift of God's divine favor. They share in the divine empowerment that equips and sustains believers for ministry and endurance for Christ's sake.

Philippians 1 7 Bonus section

The word sygkoinōnēous (συγκοινωνούς), translated as "partakers with me," is significant. It implies a true mutuality, not merely passive recipients of Paul's ministry, but active co-sharers and contributors to the Gospel. Their material support and spiritual solidarity meant they were genuinely identified with his work and suffering, sharing in both the burdens and the divine enablement ("grace") to endure them. This highlights a dynamic, interdependent aspect of early Christian community. Paul's emphasis on "you all" (πάντας ὑμᾶς - pantas hymas) signifies the corporate identity and shared spiritual journey of the entire Philippian church. This corporate participation in grace elevates the experience of shared hardship from mere suffering to a divinely empowered privilege.

Philippians 1 7 Commentary

Philippians 1:7 encapsulates Paul's profound spiritual bond with the Philippian believers, asserting that his high regard and deep affection for them are perfectly justifiable. This isn't emotional sentimentality alone but a righteous conviction born from observing their active partnership (koinonia) in the Gospel's mission. Their participation was concretely demonstrated by their unwavering support, even extending to his severe imprisonment and the trials involved in his legal "defense and confirmation of the gospel." They stood with him, praying, financially aiding, and thus metaphorically "sharing in his chains." Consequently, Paul views them as "partakers with him of grace"—meaning their very willingness to endure, support, and stand firm for the Gospel alongside him is a manifestation of God's unmerited favor. They partake in the divine strength and blessing given to those who labor and suffer for Christ. This verse highlights that Christian fellowship is not passive but an active sharing in the burdens, battles, and blessings of God's kingdom, where shared suffering for the Gospel is, paradoxically, a form of shared grace.

• Practical Usage: This verse encourages believers to share actively in each other's ministries and trials, recognizing that such solidarity is a form of mutual participation in God's grace. It teaches us to cherish those who stand by us through adversity, especially in our witness for Christ, seeing their commitment as a gift of grace from God.