Philippians 2 12

Philippians 2:12 kjv

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Philippians 2:12 nkjv

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

Philippians 2:12 niv

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed?not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence?continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,

Philippians 2:12 esv

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

Philippians 2:12 nlt

Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.

Philippians 2 verses

Philippians 2 12 Meaning

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Philippians 2 12 Context

In Philippians 2:12, Paul is continuing his exhortation to the believers in Philippi, following his example of Christ’s humility in the preceding verses (Phil 2:5-11). The chapter emphasizes unity, humility, and the mind of Christ. The audience is instructed to live out their faith practically and actively, a theme that underpins the entire letter. Historically, the church in Philippi faced external pressures and internal divisions. Paul's message here encourages them to maintain unity and integrity by diligently pursuing spiritual maturity and righteous living, all while acknowledging their dependence on God's power.

Philippians 2 12 Word Analysis

• "Work out":

  • Greek: katergazesthe (κατεργαζεσθε).
  • Meaning: To accomplish, to effect, to work out thoroughly, to bring to completion, to produce. It's an imperative, a command.
  • Significance: This is not an effortless endeavor; it implies active, diligent effort. It's about bringing something that has begun to full completion through persistent work.

• "your own":

  • Greek: heautōn (ἑαυτῶν).
  • Meaning: Belonging to yourselves.
  • Significance: This highlights personal responsibility. While salvation is a gift from God, its ongoing outworking is a personal duty.

• "salvation":

  • Greek: sōtērias (σωτηρίας).
  • Meaning: Deliverance, safety, preservation, rescue, completeness of well-being. In the New Testament, it encompasses past deliverance from sin's penalty, present deliverance from sin's power, and future deliverance from sin's presence.
  • Significance: This refers to the entire process of salvation, not just the initial act of faith, but the progressive sanctification and eventual glorification.

• "with":

  • Greek: meta (μετὰ).
  • Meaning: With, along with.
  • Significance: Indicates accompaniment or the manner in which something is done.

• "fear":

  • Greek: phobou (φόβου).
  • Meaning: Fear, dread, reverence, awe. It's not a crippling terror, but a respectful awe and apprehension of God's holiness and power, and the serious consequences of disobedience.
  • Significance: This denotes a reverential attitude towards God and His judgment.

• "and":

  • Greek: kai (καὶ).
  • Meaning: And, even.
  • Significance: Connects "fear" and "trembling."

• "trembling":

  • Greek: tromou (τρόμου).
  • Meaning: Trembling, quaking, terror, fear. It signifies an earnest, anxious seriousness and deep respect.
  • Significance: Reinforces the gravity of the task and the mindset required. It emphasizes a holy fear mixed with trembling anticipation of God's perfect work and the believer's own responsibility.

• Phrase Analysis: "work out your own salvation"

  • This phrase has been sometimes misinterpreted as implying salvation can be earned by human effort. However, understanding the Greek katergazomai alongside the broader biblical teaching on salvation highlights that it means to diligently engage in the process of sanctification and spiritual growth that God has provided. It is the fruit of salvation being realized in daily life, not the foundation. It’s like tending a garden that God has planted and fertilized; the gardener’s work is essential for bringing the harvest, but it's God who enables growth.

• Phrase Analysis: "with fear and trembling"

  • This speaks to the appropriate attitude of a creature before a holy God, recognizing both God's sovereignty and the believer's dependence. It's not about debilitating fear, but a sober recognition of the importance of the task and a sincere desire to please God, acknowledging the real possibility of failing or falling short without His continued grace. This mirrors the reaction of individuals in scripture when encountering God’s presence or when entrusted with significant responsibilities.

Philippians 2 12 Bonus Section

The concept of "working out your salvation" is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, presented as a collaborative effort. God initiates salvation (Philippians 2:13), provides the means (Ephesians 2:8-10), and empowers believers by His Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 25). Believers, in turn, are called to respond with active participation, perseverance, and submission to God's will, recognizing that true efficacy comes from Him. This is essential for distinguishing genuine faith from mere intellectual assent or passive religious observance. The phrase "fear and trembling" does not suggest a crippling anxiety, but rather a holy respect and earnest diligence that acknowledges the solemnity and grandeur of God's saving work and one's responsibility in it, much like Elisha's trembling in 2 Kings 5:11 when Naaman refused the prophet's command to wash, showing concern for God's honor.

Philippians 2 12 Commentary

Paul commands believers to actively engage in the process of sanctification, the ongoing transformation into the likeness of Christ. This is not a call to earn salvation through works, but to diligently cultivate the spiritual life that God has initiated by grace. It means actively pursuing obedience, striving against sin, and deepening one's walk with God. This effort should be undertaken with a profound reverence and awe for God, recognizing His holiness and the seriousness of spiritual life, accompanied by a deep awareness of human frailty and dependence on God’s enabling power. It's a synergy between God's power and human responsibility. For practical application, this means prayer, studying God's Word, living in community, resisting temptation, and bearing fruit through good works.