Philippians 2 19

Philippians 2:19 kjv

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

Philippians 2:19 nkjv

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.

Philippians 2:19 niv

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.

Philippians 2:19 esv

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.

Philippians 2:19 nlt

If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit. Then he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along.

Philippians 2 verses

Philippians 2 19 Meaning

In Philippians 2:19, the Apostle Paul expresses his earnest desire and confident expectation, rooted in his faith in Christ, to send his trusted companion, Timothy, to the Philippian church. The primary purpose for this swift dispatch is twofold: for Timothy to assess the Philippians' spiritual and practical well-being, and for Paul himself to be encouraged and relieved from anxiety upon receiving a faithful report regarding their "state." This verse highlights Paul's deep pastoral concern, the value he placed on his fellow workers like Timothy, and the reciprocal nature of encouragement within the early Christian community, where the health and steadfastness of the church brought joy and strength to its leaders.

Philippians 2 19 Context

Philippians chapter 2 is a profound exposition of Christ's humility and Paul's fervent call for believers to embody a similar spirit. Starting with an exhortation to unity, humility, and looking out for others' interests (Php 2:1-4), Paul presents the ultimate example in Jesus Christ, who, though divine, emptied Himself and became obedient even to death on a cross (Php 2:5-11). Following this, Paul charges the Philippians to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Php 2:12-18), doing all things without grumbling or disputing, shining as lights in the world.

Against this backdrop, Paul then introduces practical examples of Christ-like selflessness and genuine concern through the figures of Timothy (Php 2:19-24) and Epaphroditus (Php 2:25-30). He has just urged the Philippians to put the interests of others before their own; now, he demonstrates this principle through his actions and his companions. Paul, despite his own imprisonment and potential for personal discouragement, prioritizes the spiritual well-being of the Philippians. Sending Timothy, a most trusted and valued helper, reflects Paul's application of his own teaching. The Philippian church, a beloved Roman colony established by Paul, faced external persecution and internal potential for disunity (as alluded to in chapter 4). Paul's sending of Timothy shows his consistent pastoral care and genuine love for them, highlighting the need for reliable communication and mutual encouragement among the scattered churches in the ancient world.

Philippians 2 19 Word analysis

• But (Δέ - De): This conjunctive particle serves as a transition, linking Paul's practical actions of sending Timothy to the theological exhortations and examples of Christ's humility in the preceding verses. It indicates a natural outflow of the principles Paul just articulated.
• I hope (Ἐλπίζω - Elpizō): In New Testament usage, "hope" is not a mere wish or optimistic feeling, but a confident and steadfast expectation rooted in God's faithfulness and promises. Paul's hope "in the Lord Jesus" signifies his reliance on divine will and provision for this plan to materialize.
• in the Lord (ἐν Κυρίῳ - en Kyriō): This common Pauline phrase establishes the spiritual sphere in which the action or hope exists. It means that Paul's desire to send Timothy is not simply a human plan, but one initiated, empowered, and directed by the indwelling Christ and aligned with His will.
• Jesus (Ἰησοῦ - Iēsou): Identifies "the Lord" as the specific person of Jesus Christ, further solidifying the divine backing and spiritual nature of Paul's intention.
• to send (πέμψαι - pempsai): A straightforward term meaning "to dispatch" or "to send forth." It is a deliberate action of an authoritative figure commissioning an emissary.
• Timothy (Τιμόθεον - Timotheon): A significant figure in Paul's ministry, referred to as his "true child in the faith" (1 Tim 1:2). Timothy was known for his genuine concern for others' welfare (Php 2:20) and his steadfast dedication to the Gospel, having been Paul's trusted companion, delegate, and representative to various churches. His character epitomizes the humility and selfless service Paul calls for in Philippians 2.
• to you (πρὸς ὑμᾶς - pros hymas): Directly addresses the Philippian congregation, indicating Paul's specific and personal care for them, distinct from his general ministry concerns.
• shortly (ταχέως - tacheōs): Implies a sense of urgency and eagerness. Paul desires no unnecessary delay, signaling the importance of the mission for both himself and the Philippians.
• that (ἵνα - hina): This introduces a purpose clause, explaining why Paul wants to send Timothy. The subsequent encouragement is the direct aim of this sending.
• I also (κἀγώ - kagō): Emphasizes that Paul, despite his strong faith and pastoral resilience, also stands in need of encouragement. This highlights the relational and interdependent nature of Christian fellowship and ministry; leaders are sustained by the spiritual health of their flock.
• may be encouraged (εὐψυχῶ - eupsychō): From eu (well) and psychē (soul/spirit). It means "to be of good cheer," "to have a good soul," "to be comforted" or "to be heartened." Paul longs for a spiritual and emotional uplift through positive news from Philippi, which would alleviate his anxieties regarding their perseverance.
• when I know (γνῶ - gnō): Refers to gaining knowledge or coming to understand something. Paul's encouragement depends on a reliable, first-hand report, which Timothy, as a trusted observer, would provide.
• your state (τὰ περὶ ὑμῶν - ta peri hymōn): Literally, "the things concerning you." This broad phrase encompasses all aspects of their community: their spiritual walk, their unity, their steadfastness in suffering, their faithfulness to the Gospel, and their overall well-being.

Philippians 2 19 Bonus section

The selection of Timothy for this crucial mission speaks volumes about his character, which Paul further elaborates upon in Php 2:20-22. Timothy stands in stark contrast to "all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ." This subtle polemic, embedded within an otherwise encouraging letter, points to potential issues of self-centeredness that could subtly undermine the unity and health of the church, thus highlighting Timothy's exceptional servant's heart.

Paul's ability to express his need to be "encouraged" demonstrates vulnerability in leadership, countering any perception of a leader as someone always strong and invulnerable. It reinforces the biblical principle of interdependence within the body of Christ, where the joy and steadfastness of the local congregation directly contribute to the spiritual strength and resolve of its spiritual overseers, whether apostolic or pastoral. This model underscores that spiritual leadership, though challenging, is also designed to be reciprocally supportive.

Philippians 2 19 Commentary

Philippians 2:19 reveals the profound, pastoral heart of Paul, intricately linked with his theological teachings. Having presented Christ as the ultimate model of humble service, Paul immediately transitions to concrete examples in his own life and those of his associates. Sending Timothy "in the Lord Jesus" means this endeavor is not born of mere human initiative but aligns with Christ's purposes and Paul's fervent prayer for the church. Timothy is chosen because he uniquely embodies the very selflessness Paul has just exhorted (as seen more fully in Php 2:20-22). His willingness to prioritize the spiritual well-being of the Philippians over his own convenience exemplifies a Christ-like "others-mindedness."

Paul's desire for an early dispatch underscores the urgency of his concern and his deep affection for the Philippian believers. His need to "be encouraged" highlights the relational dynamic of the early church. Even the apostles, chosen by God and empowered by the Spirit, drew strength and comfort from the faithfulness and perseverance of those they discipled. Good news about their spiritual state would alleviate Paul's personal anxieties arising from his imprisonment and the constant challenges faced by the burgeoning Christian communities. This verse, therefore, is not merely about sending a messenger, but about a practical outworking of Christ-centered community, where mutual love, genuine care, and inter-dependency bring encouragement to all.

Examples for practical usage:

• A pastor sending a trusted elder or deacon to visit a struggling church member to offer prayer and assess their needs, with the aim of providing support and receiving an encouraging report.
• A missionary desiring updates from their sending church or field partners, knowing that news of faithfulness and progress brings encouragement and strengthens their resolve.
• Church members intentionally reaching out to fellow believers or those newly absent from services, not just to gather information, but to offer care, affirm their place in the body, and bring a report of their well-being back to the community, fostering mutual encouragement.