Philippians 2 18

Philippians 2:18 kjv

For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

Philippians 2:18 nkjv

For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

Philippians 2:18 niv

So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Philippians 2:18 esv

Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Philippians 2:18 nlt

Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.

Philippians 2 verses

Philippians 2 18 Meaning

This verse calls the Philippian believers to join in Paul's joy, specifically the joy that stems from sacrificial service and the advancement of the gospel, even to the point of death (as expressed in Phil 2:17). It's an exhortation to shared fellowship and spiritual solidarity, embracing joy in circumstances that the world might only meet with sorrow. It highlights that Christian joy is not contingent on comfort but is rooted in Christ's purpose and the believer's participation in His redemptive work.

Philippians 2 18 Context

Philippians 2:18 is found in a section where Paul calls the Philippians to Christ-like humility, self-sacrifice, and unity. Chapters 2:1-4 urge mutual love and humility, drawing directly from the supreme example of Christ (2:5-11), who emptied Himself for humanity. Paul then exhorts the Philippians to "work out their salvation" with diligence, shining as lights in a dark world (2:12-16). Verses 17-18 are deeply personal, as Paul expresses his readiness to be martyred ("poured out as a drink offering") upon the foundation of their faith and sacrifice. His suffering, he insists, is not a cause for their sorrow but for their shared rejoicing, solidifying the theme of joy in suffering that pervades the entire letter. He models the very self-emptying spirit he urged in Christ. This verse serves as a transition, affirming his perspective before introducing his plans to send Timothy and Epaphroditus.

Philippians 2 18 Word analysis

• And (καὶ - kai): A simple conjunction that smoothly continues the thought from the previous verse, linking Paul's sacrificial willingness directly to their required response. It implies continuity and an expected reaction.
• you also (ὑμεῖς - humeis): The pronoun "you" is emphatic in Greek (explicitly stated). It refers to the Philippian community collectively. The "also" (kai) further highlights their shared participation and responsibility alongside Paul in this context of joy, distinguishing them from others who might simply mourn.
• rejoice (συγχαίρετε - sugchairete): This is a crucial Greek verb, formed from syn (with/together) and chairō (to rejoice). It means "to rejoice together with," "to congratulate," or "to share in joy." It is in the imperative mood, making it a command or a strong exhortation for active, communal participation in joy. It's not passive sentiment but an active, willed expression of gladness.
• and (καὶ - kai): Connects the two imperatives, subtly strengthening the request by restatement or providing a slightly different emphasis for the second part.
• rejoice with me (συγχαίρετέ μοι - sugchairete moi): This is essentially a repetition of the first part but explicitly adds the dative pronoun moi ("with me," or "for me"). This clarifies and emphasizes the object of their shared joy: it is directly tied to Paul's state and sacrificial offering described in verse 17. The doubling of the imperative strengthens the call, stressing the active, intentional, and personal nature of their shared joy.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And you also rejoice": This phrase stresses that the Philippians are expected participants in this particular joy. The use of "also" (kai) alongside "you" (humeis) makes it personal and direct to them, setting them apart as fellow laborers and beneficiaries of the gospel Paul proclaims, thus partners in its associated suffering and joy. The imperative "rejoice" signals a definite, intended spiritual response.
• "and rejoice with me": This repetition of the imperative "rejoice," immediately followed by "with me" (moi), intensifies the call and pinpoints the specific nature of the rejoicing. It’s not just general Christian joy but joy in relation to Paul's personal circumstance (his readiness for martyrdom). The syn- prefix in sugchairete already implies "with," but the explicit moi clarifies that this shared joy directly includes Paul and his situation, reinforcing the themes of fellowship and co-suffering/co-rejoicing in Christ.

Philippians 2 18 Bonus section

The communal verb sugchairete highlights an often-understated aspect of Christian life: spiritual interdependence. Just as the church is called to weep with those who weep (Rom 12:15), it is also called to rejoice with fellow believers, especially in significant spiritual moments like Paul's willing sacrifice. This collective rejoicing transcends personal sentiment and becomes an act of corporate worship and solidarity, strengthening the bonds of the faith community. It prevents self-pity or isolation, urging believers to view individual circumstances (even Paul's imprisonment and potential death) through the lens of their collective impact on the kingdom of God. Furthermore, Paul's specific mention of "rejoice with me" indicates a reversal of typical expectations. Instead of the community comforting a suffering Paul, Paul, from prison, exhorts them to a greater, God-centered joy stemming from his suffering. This powerfully showcases the upside-down kingdom values that place ultimate spiritual purpose above temporary earthly distress, drawing the believers into a shared experience of profound gospel impact.

Philippians 2 18 Commentary

Philippians 2:18 is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel, converting what would ordinarily be cause for profound sadness (Paul's impending martyrdom) into an occasion for shared joy. Paul, mirroring Christ's example in Phil 2:5-8, embraces his potential death not as a tragic end but as a "drink offering" upon their "sacrifice and service of faith" (v. 17), thus making it a triumphant fulfillment of his ministry. The double imperative, "rejoice... and rejoice with me," underscores the absolute certainty and the communal aspect of this Christian virtue. It’s not a passive hope but an active, commanded joy rooted in divine perspective: God is working in all circumstances for the glory of Christ and the furtherance of the gospel. This joy bypasses worldly despair, finds its strength in the Lord (Neh 8:10), and ultimately reflects the hope of eternal reward and the vindication of Christ. Practically, this verse challenges believers to shift their focus from immediate difficulties to the ultimate purpose of God, to find solidarity in suffering, and to experience a resilient joy that is not contingent on ease or comfort but on Christ's unfailing love and purpose. It exemplifies spiritual maturity—the ability to find gladness even when deeply engaged in the fellowship of Christ's sufferings, knowing the ultimate victory.