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 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Php 4:4 | Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. | Encourages steadfast joy in Christ. |
| Rom 12:12 | Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, devoted to prayer. | Links rejoicing to hope and perseverance. |
| 1 Thes 5:16 | Rejoice always, | A strong, unqualified command to rejoice. |
| Ps 16:11 | You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. | Points to joy found in God's presence. |
| Neh 8:10 | For the joy of the Lord is your strength. | Connects divine joy to inner strength. |
| Gal 5:22 | But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, | Identifies joy as a fruit of the Spirit. |
| Hab 3:17-18 | Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines... yet I will rejoice in the Lord. | Illustrates rejoicing despite hardship. |
| Ps 37:4 | Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. | Links delight in God to receiving His blessings. |
| Lk 10:20 | Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. | Differentiates true rejoicing from fleeting experiences. |
| John 16:22 | So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. | Promises lasting joy through Christ's presence. |
| Acts 16:25 | About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. | Shows Paul and Silas rejoicing through worship in suffering. |
| 2 Cor 6:10 | as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing all things. | Contrasts suffering with ongoing rejoicing. |
| 1 Pet 1:8 | Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and flaming joy, | Describes rejoicing through faith in an unseen Christ. |
| Ps 4:7 | You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. | Compares divine joy to worldly abundance. |
| Isa 29:19 | The meek shall increase their gladness in the Lord, and the poor among men shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. | Links meekness and poverty with joy in God. |
| Matt 13:44 | The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then, in his joy, he went and sold all that he had and bought that field. | Portrays finding the Kingdom as a cause for great joy. |
| Phil 4:4 | Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. | Repeat of the verse for emphasis. |
| Phil 2:18 | Likewise you also must be cheerful and rejoice; and I say it again, rejoice. | Echoes the sentiment of rejoicing in Philippians. |
| James 1:2 | Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, | Commands believers to count trials as joy. |
| Ps 100:1-2 | Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! | Encourages joyful service and worship. |
Philippians 2 verses
Philippians 2 18 Meaning
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. (Philippians 4:4 ESV) is a directive from the Apostle Paul, urging believers to maintain a state of consistent joy rooted in their relationship with Christ. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but on an internal reality.
Philippians 2 18 Context
This verse is found in the closing chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippian church. The Philippian believers were facing persecution and division, and Paul wrote this letter to encourage them to stand firm in their faith, live in unity, and have a Christ-like attitude. Chapter 4 continues this theme of encouragement, offering practical advice on Christian living. This specific verse, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice," serves as a powerful exhortation to maintain joy despite challenging circumstances. It emphasizes that this joy is not superficial but deeply rooted in the believer's relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2 18 Word Analysis
- Rejoice (Chairete - χαίρετε): This is the present active imperative second person plural of the verb "chairein" (χαίρειν). It means to rejoice, be glad, exult, take delight. The imperative mood signifies a command. The present tense suggests an ongoing action, not a one-time event. It implies a continuous state of being or a habit of expressing joy.
- in the Lord (en Kyrio - ἐν Κυρίῳ): "En" (ἐν) is a preposition that can mean "in," "on," "at," or "by." Here, it indicates the sphere or source of the rejoicing. The joy is not superficial or situational but comes from being in union with and dependent upon the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Always (Panta): This adverb means "always," "every," "all." It emphasizes the unceasing nature of the command. There are no exceptions to this directive.
- again (Palin - πάλιν): This adverb means "again" or "once more." Paul's repetition of the command underscores its immense importance and the urgency he felt for the Philippians to embrace this attitude. It’s a reinforcement of the previous exhortation.
- I will say (Ero - ἐρῶ): This is the first-person singular future active indicative of the verb "erein" (ἐρεῖν), which means "to say" or "to speak." Paul is stating his intention to reiterate the command for emphasis.
Word Group Analysis:
- Rejoice in the Lord: This phrase highlights the fundamental truth that true, abiding joy is found in one's relationship with God, not in external blessings or pleasant circumstances. It is a joy that originates from God Himself and is sustained by Him.
- Always... again I will say, rejoice: The repetition stresses the non-negotiable, persistent nature of Christian joy. It's not a feeling that comes and goes but a spiritual discipline and a deliberate choice to focus on God regardless of the surrounding situation.
Philippians 2 18 Bonus Section
The imperative to "rejoice" (chairete) can also carry the greeting of "grace to you" or "farewell" in common usage, similar to the Latin "Salve" or "Vale." However, in this context, coupled with the emphatic repetition and the preceding emphasis on the mind of Christ and unity (Philippians 2:1-11), it is undoubtedly a strong exhortation to active, perpetual gladness and a thankful spirit focused on the Lord. This dual meaning might subtly suggest that even our greetings and overall demeanor should be infused with Christ's grace and joy.
Philippians 2 18 Commentary
Paul's instruction to "rejoice always" is a profound declaration that transcends emotional states or circumstances. It's a divine mandate, rooted in the believer's identity in Christ. This joy is not a result of favorable conditions but an outflow of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit within. Paul himself exemplified this, singing praises in a Philippian prison (Acts 16:25). This persistent rejoicing is an act of faith, a declaration that God's faithfulness and redemptive work are sovereign over all trials. It requires a conscious turning of one's focus from the temporary difficulties to the eternal reality of Christ. This repeated command serves as a crucial reminder for believers facing adversity; their joy is an unassailable possession in the Lord, meant to be continuously expressed.