Philippians 2 17

Philippians 2:17 kjv

Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

Philippians 2:17 nkjv

Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

Philippians 2:17 niv

But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.

Philippians 2:17 esv

Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

Philippians 2:17 nlt

But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy.

Philippians 2 verses

Philippians 2 17 Meaning

Philippians 2:17 reveals the apostle Paul's readiness to joyfully sacrifice his very life, even to the point of martyrdom, viewing it as a libation poured out upon the spiritual service and faithful devotion of the Philippian believers. His suffering, imprisonment, or death would not be a cause for sorrow but rather a celebratory act that complements and intensifies their ongoing spiritual worship to God, uniting him with them in a shared joy and gospel partnership.

Philippians 2 17 Context

Philippians 2:17 sits within Paul's fervent exhortation to humility and selflessness, anchored by the ultimate example of Christ (Phil 2:1-11). After depicting Christ's cosmic humility from deity to death on a cross, Paul calls believers to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil 2:12), encouraging them to "do all things without grumbling or disputing" (Phil 2:14) and "shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life" (Phil 2:15-16).

Within this framework, verse 17 shows Paul living out the very principles he preaches. He portrays himself as ready to emulate Christ's sacrificial love. His willingness to be "poured out as a drink offering" directly contrasts with self-centered ambition and embodies the call to consider others better than oneself. This willingness is not given grudgingly but with joy, serving as a powerful example to the Philippians as they continue their own "sacrifice and service of faith." His potential suffering or martyrdom is thus woven into the tapestry of their collective devotion, demonstrating profound solidarity in the gospel ministry despite his imprisonment.

Philippians 2 17 Word analysis

• But (ἀλλὰ - alla): This conjunctive particle often introduces a strong contrast or transition. Here, it marks a shift from Paul's encouragement to the Philippians in the preceding verses (Phil 2:12-16) to his personal example of commitment, implying "even if" or "nevertheless."

• if (εἰ - ei): This conditional particle introduces a real possibility or a supposition for the sake of argument, rather than implying doubt. Paul anticipates this as a tangible, potential outcome for his ministry.

• I am being poured out (σπένδομαι - spendomai): From the verb spendō. This is a crucial metaphorical term, literally meaning "to pour out a libation" or "to make a drink offering." In ancient religious practices (both Jewish and pagan), a liquid (wine, water, oil) was poured out on an altar or ground as an act of worship or dedication. Paul is likening his life, particularly his potential martyrdom, to this sacred act. It signifies a complete, irrevocable, and costly giving of oneself to God. The present tense indicates an ongoing or imminent state, reflecting his constant readiness.

• as a drink offering (ἐπὶ τῇ θυσίᾳ καὶ λειτουργίᾳ τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν - epi tē thysia kai leitourgia tēs pisteōs hymōn):

  • upon (ἐπὶ - epi): This preposition means "upon," "on," or "over." Paul sees his life-offering not as a replacement for theirs, but as something laid on top of or added to their spiritual acts, like a wine offering completing an animal sacrifice in the Old Testament. It signifies enhancement or culmination.
  • the sacrifice (τῇ θυσίᾳ - tē thysia): This refers to their active faith expressed through obedient lives and acts of service, which are seen as spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God (Rom 12:1).
  • and service (καὶ λειτουργίᾳ - kai leitourgia): This term originally denoted public service or civic duty, but in a religious context, it refers to priestly ministry, spiritual worship, or sacred duty rendered to God. It encapsulates the Philippians' dedicated ministry, evangelism, and material support for Paul and the gospel (Phil 4:18 describes their financial gift as thysia). This leitourgia springs from their faith.
  • of your faith (τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν - tēs pisteōs hymōn): This dative of origin or association indicates that the "sacrifice and service" are characteristic of, caused by, or proceed from their faith. It is their active, demonstrated trust in God that constitutes these offerings.

• I am glad (χαίρω - chairō) and rejoice with all of you (συγχαίρω πᾶσιν ὑμῖν - sygchairō pasin hymin):

  • I am glad (χαίρω - chairō): Paul expresses deep personal joy in the prospect of offering his life. This joy is not merely resignation but an active delight in his participation in God's redemptive plan.
  • and rejoice with all of you (συγχαίρω πᾶσιν ὑμῖν - sygchairō pasin hymin): The prefix syn- (συν-) means "with." Paul explicitly shares his joy with them, emphasizing the communal aspect of their faith and ministry. His potential martyrdom would be a source of shared gladness, as it testifies to the power of the gospel and strengthens their collective resolve and faithfulness. It underscores his selfless commitment to their spiritual well-being.

Philippians 2 17 Bonus section

• The metaphor of a "drink offering" (spendomai) was familiar from Old Testament sacrificial laws (e.g., Num 15:5-10) where wine was poured out alongside other offerings. This meant that Paul’s sacrifice would not be unique in concept but fulfilled on a deeply personal and New Covenant spiritual level, resonating with a sacrificial mindset known to both Jewish and Roman converts.
• Paul's choice of "pour out" and "upon" subtly elevates the Philippians' faith: their faithful service (their thysia and leitourgia) is foundational and already pleasing to God, and Paul's life-giving becomes an enhancement, not the sole sacrifice. He considers their faithful walk so significant that his life could be offered as an accompaniment to it.
• The profound joy Paul expresses despite facing death reflects an eschatological hope and a deep understanding of Christ's triumph. It serves as an antithesis to worldly despair in suffering and death, aligning with the "paradox of the gospel" where weakness reveals God's strength. This communal joy underscores the strong spiritual and emotional bond between Paul and the Philippian church.

Philippians 2 17 Commentary

Philippians 2:17 is a profound statement of self-sacrificial love and spiritual partnership. Paul envisions his impending death, or perhaps his ongoing suffering in ministry, not as a tragic end but as a sacred "drink offering" (libation). This is an ancient image of pouring out a costly liquid in an act of worship or dedication. For Paul, his life—his very being—is the libation. This offering is "upon the sacrifice and service of your faith," meaning his personal sacrifice is an added layer, a rich completion, or a spiritual garnish to the already acceptable offerings of the Philippians' faithful lives, evangelistic endeavors, and generous support.

Crucially, Paul does not anticipate this with sorrow but with intense, shared joy. He states, "I am glad and rejoice with all of you." This joy transcends personal suffering and anticipates the spiritual flourishing that such a sacrifice would bring to the church. It is a joy rooted in Christ's own self-giving example (Phil 2:5-8) and a reflection of the unbreakable bond of fellowship he shares with the Philippians. It demonstrates a selfless leader whose ultimate concern is the strengthening and encouragement of the believers, finding his own fulfillment in their spiritual vitality. Paul transforms suffering and death into an act of worship, testifying to the powerful reality of Christ in his life.