Philippians 1 8

Philippians 1:8 kjv

For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:8 nkjv

For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:8 niv

God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:8 esv

For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:8 nlt

God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1 verses

Philippians 1 8 Meaning

Philippians 1:8 reveals the profound and authentic depth of the Apostle Paul's affection for the believers in Philippi. He invokes God Himself as the witness to the truth of his intense yearning and passionate love for them. This longing is not merely human sentiment but originates from, is characterized by, and rooted "in the bowels," that is, in the very deepest affections and visceral compassion that defines Jesus Christ Himself. Paul's love for them is a Christ-like love, filled with the Spirit's empathy and profound care, echoing the Savior's own tenderness.

Philippians 1 8 Context

Philippians 1:8 stands within Paul's deeply personal and affectionate opening to his letter to the Philippian church. In verses 3-7, Paul expresses thanksgiving for their partnership in the gospel "from the first day until now," and confidence in God to complete the good work He began in them. He considers them very special, holding them in his heart, especially considering their loyalty and support even during his imprisonment. This verse directly follows Paul's declaration that it is "right" for him to feel such a deep affection for them (Phl 1:7), precisely because they shared in his grace—both in his imprisonment and in his defense and confirmation of the gospel. Therefore, his strong assertion in verse 8, calling God as witness, emphasizes the absolute genuineness and profound nature of the love he has for them, affirming its divine origin and Christ-centered character against any possible doubt or misunderstanding. It sets the stage for his forthcoming exhortations which are rooted in this foundational love.

Philippians 1 8 Word analysis

• For (Greek: gar - γάρ): This conjunction indicates a reason or explanation. It links Paul's preceding statements about holding them in his heart and their participation in grace directly to the intensity of his affection for them.
• God (Greek: Theos - θεός): Refers to the sovereign, ultimate divine being. Paul invokes God Himself as the highest possible authority to attest to his sincerity. This elevates the truth of his statement beyond mere human assertion.
• is my record / is my witness (Greek: martys - μάρτυς): This powerful term means witness. Paul is making a solemn, divinely attested affirmation, as if taking an oath before God. It emphasizes the absolute veracity and depth of his claim. He's not just saying "I long," but "God Himself testifies to my longing."
• how greatly (Greek: hos epipotho - ὡς ἐπιποθῶ): The combination "hos" (how) with "epipotho" (to long for intensely) emphasizes the sheer measure and intensity of Paul's yearning. It’s not a mild preference but an overwhelming desire.
• I long after (Greek: epipotho - ἐπιποθῶ): This verb denotes an intense yearning, a deep longing, often with a sense of absence or desire for reunion. It expresses strong affection and eager desire.
• you all (Greek: hymas pantas - ὑμᾶς πάντας): The inclusion of "all" signifies inclusivity and underscores that Paul's affection extends to every believer in Philippi without partiality or exclusion. This highlights his holistic pastoral heart.
• in the bowels of (Greek: en splagchnois - ἐν σπλάγχνοις): This is one of the most significant terms. "Splagchna" literally refers to the inner organs (e.g., heart, liver, intestines), which in ancient thought (Hebrew and Greek alike) were considered the seat of profound emotions like pity, compassion, love, and yearning. It conveys a deep, visceral, gut-level feeling, far deeper than mere intellectual assent. It implies heartfelt empathy and tenderness.
• Jesus Christ (Greek: Iēsou Christou - Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ): This is the ultimate sphere, source, and character of Paul's longing. It signifies that Paul's love is not merely his own natural human emotion, but it is a Christ-shaped love; it flows from Christ's Spirit, aligns with Christ's compassion, and reflects the very character of Jesus Himself.

Words-group by Words-group Analysis:

• "For God is my record": This phrase serves as a solemn, divine validation of Paul's declaration. It is Paul calling God to witness his deepest, innermost sincerity, placing his heartfelt emotion under divine oath. This adds immense weight and trustworthiness to his subsequent statement.
• "how greatly I long after you all": This segment highlights the sheer intensity and breadth of Paul's affection. "Greatly" conveys a yearning that consumes him, while "you all" confirms his pastoral love for the entire community, without exception. This isn't a casual fondness but a profound, personal yearning.
• "in the bowels of Jesus Christ": This is a powerful and unique Christological expression of Paul's love. It means his affection is empowered by, filled with, and mirrors the profound, empathetic, and sacrificial love that is inherent in Jesus Christ Himself. It's not Paul's love alone, but Christ's love flowing through Paul's spirit, demonstrating the very heart of the Savior for His people.

Philippians 1 8 Bonus section

The concept of "splagchna" being the "bowels of Jesus Christ" points to a profound union between Paul and Christ. It implies that Paul's emotional life has become so fully immersed and transformed by his union with Christ that the very "bowels of compassion" of Christ flow through him. This isn't mere imitation but a participation in the very being of Christ through the Holy Spirit. This aligns with Paul's constant theme of "in Christ," emphasizing that all authentic spiritual life and experience originates from and finds its meaning within union with the risen Lord. Paul’s deepest affection for the Philippians is therefore a living testament to Christ's own love for them, active through His servant. This connection is fundamental to understanding Paul's pastoral heart and his subsequent appeals for unity and Christ-like humility in the letter.

Philippians 1 8 Commentary

Philippians 1:8 unveils the very essence of apostolic love, showcasing Paul's profound and unshakeable affection for the Philippian believers. By declaring "God is my record," Paul elevates his statement beyond mere personal sentiment to a divinely attested truth. This serves to establish the absolute veracity of his next claim: his "great" longing for "you all." This "longing" is not a superficial emotion but a deep, earnest yearning. The phrase "in the bowels of Jesus Christ" is crucial. "Bowels" (splagchna) denotes the deepest seat of emotions, signifying a gut-level, compassionate, and tender affection. This implies that Paul's love is not just his own human love, but one infused with, shaped by, and flowing from the very compassion and tender mercy of Jesus Christ. Paul's own affections mirror Christ's, demonstrating a remarkable identification with the Savior's heart for His people. This verse teaches us that genuine Christian love is validated by God, intensely felt for all believers, and most profoundly, flows from and embodies the very compassion of Christ Himself.

• Practical Example: When we pray for someone, our yearning for their spiritual welfare should not be a duty, but flow from a Christ-like compassion for them, validated by our honest desire before God. When serving, our actions should stem from a heartfelt care mirroring Christ’s for humanity, rather than personal gain or recognition.