Philippians 2:16 kjv
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Philippians 2:16 nkjv
holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Philippians 2:16 niv
as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Philippians 2:16 esv
holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Philippians 2:16 nlt
Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.
Philippians 2 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 9:24 | Run in such a way as to get the prize. | Encourages persistent effort |
| Gal 2:2 | Run, or had run, in vain. | Parallels effort and futility |
| Rom 8:28 | Work for good for those who love God. | God's purpose in labor |
| Phil 1:6 | He who began a good work will complete it. | Divine completion of work |
| 1 Thess 2:1 | Our gospel did not come in vain. | Confirmation of fruitful ministry |
| Heb 3:14 | Become participants in Christ, if you hold firm to the end. | Condition of perseverance |
| 1 Pet 1:13 | Prepare your minds for action. | Mindset for obedience |
| John 6:27 | Labor for the food that endures. | Spiritual over physical labor |
| Col 1:23 | Continue in the faith, established and firm. | Steadfastness in faith |
| Titus 2:13 | Waiting for our blessed hope. | Future hope and endurance |
| 1 John 1:1 | That which was from the beginning. | Importance of foundational truth |
| 2 Tim 4:7-8 | Fought the good fight... awaits me a crown. | Perseverance rewarded |
| Phil 1:27 | Live in a manner worthy of the gospel. | Conduct aligned with faith |
| 1 Cor 15:58 | Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. | Labor with assurance |
| Matt 24:13 | Endure to the end will be saved. | Perseverance leads to salvation |
| Heb 4:14 | Since then we have a great high priest. | Christ's intercession |
| John 17:6, 9 | Revealed your name to those you gave me. | Christ's divine revelation |
| 1 Thess 4:17 | Shall be with the Lord forever. | Assurance of eternal presence |
| Rev 2:10 | Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. | Reward for faithfulness |
| Ps 1:1-3 | Blessed is the man who... his leaves will not wither. | Fruitfulness through abiding |
Philippians 2 verses
Philippians 2 16 Meaning
Holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may have grounds for boasting that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Philippians 2 16 Context
This verse is found within a broader exhortation by Paul in Philippians 2 for unity and humility, mirroring Christ's own selfless example. He encourages the Philippian believers to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (v. 12), understanding that "it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (v. 13). Paul then contrasts such obedience with "grumbling and disputing" (v. 14), highlighting the importance of shining "like lights in the world" (v. 15). Philippians 2:16 serves as Paul's personal motivation and the reason behind his sacrificial ministry and continued endurance, stemming from his deep-seated commitment to the "word of life." The verse connects personal faith and labor with an ultimate eschatological hope—the "day of Christ."
Philippians 2 16 Word analysis
holding fast (ἐπέχοντες - epechontes): Literally "holding onto," "clinging to." Implies a firm grasp and steadfast adherence, not passive.
the word (τὸν λόγον - ton logon): Refers to the Gospel message, the authoritative teaching of God. It's the truth concerning Christ.
of life ( τῆς ζωῆς - tes zoe): The word "life" here refers to eternal, spiritual life, the abundant life that Christ offers.
so that (εἰς τὸ - eis to): Indicates purpose or result. The action of holding fast has a specific outcome in mind.
in the day (ἐν ἡμέρᾳ - en hemera): Refers to a specific future time, the day of Christ's return or judgment.
of Christ (Χριστοῦ - Christou): Denotes possession or association with Christ, highlighting this is a day belonging to or focused on Him.
I may have (ἔχω - echo): To possess, to gain. Paul expresses a hope for a future reality.
boasting (καύχημα - kauchema): A reason to glory, to be proud in a righteous sense, not arrogant. It’s about taking joy in God's work.
that I did not (ὅτι οὐκ - hoti ouk): Introduces the ground of his potential boasting.
run (ἔδραμον - edramon): Refers to striving, exerting oneself vigorously in pursuit of a goal. A common metaphor for Christian life and ministry.
in vain (εἰκῆ - eike): Without effect, to no purpose, in futility.
or (ἢ - e): Connects the two parallel conditions of vain effort.
labor (ἐκοπίασα - ekopiasa): To toil, to be weary through hard work. Emphasizes diligent, strenuous effort.
in vain ( εἰκῆ - eike): Same as above, reinforcing the idea of fruitless exertion.
Holding fast the word of life: This phrase combines the importance of divine truth with its life-giving power. The "word of life" signifies the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which communicates and imparts eternal life. Holding to it means embracing its teachings and allowing them to direct one's life.
Day of Christ: This eschatological reference points to the future revelation of Christ and the ultimate consummation of God's redemptive plan. It is the day of His appearance and final judgment or reward.
Boasting not in vain: Paul’s desire is for his life's work to be validated and vindicated at Christ's return. It’s not about self-glory, but a joy derived from knowing that his service to God and others had eternal significance and was fruitful.
Run or labor in vain: These are two strong metaphors for dedicated effort. "Running" speaks of a dynamic, energetic pursuit, while "laboring" suggests sustained, hard work. Paul desires that none of this invested energy would be rendered ineffective or meaningless in God's ultimate assessment.
Philippians 2 16 Bonus section
The concept of "holding fast" (epechontes) can be compared to clinging to a lifeline or anchoring oneself securely, especially amidst trials and the pervasive ungodliness Paul addresses in verses 14-15. Paul's "boasting" here is not arrogant self-congratulation but a humble confidence rooted in God’s faithfulness to validate genuine labor done in His name. This reflects a spiritual maturity that focuses on God's eternal perspective rather than temporary human approval. The Greek term kauchema often carries the nuance of joyful confidence or pride in something achieved through divine enablement. His commitment is to proclaim the truth with clarity and dedication, ensuring that the message itself—the word of life—remains central and is not undermined by his personal conduct or presentation, thus preventing his effort from being futile.
Philippians 2 16 Commentary
Paul's deeply personal statement in Philippians 2:16 reveals his unwavering focus on the eternal outcome of his ministry. He uses the analogy of athletic contests, common in the Greco-Roman world, to describe the earnest and diligent pursuit of the Christian life and service. His motivation for such effort is to "hold fast the word of life"—the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which offers eternal life. This unwavering commitment is what fuels his tireless labor. The ultimate goal and the source of his "boasting" (in a positive sense of glorious confirmation) will be the affirmation that his earthly striving was not wasted when he stands before Christ in "the day of Christ." This encourages believers to live lives of purpose, faithfulness, and hard work in the Gospel, with the assurance that God sees and will validate their efforts in the end. It calls for a tenacious grip on the truth and a dedicated life, so that one’s labor for God has eternal significance.