Philippians 2 27

Philippians 2:27 kjv

For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

Philippians 2:27 nkjv

For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

Philippians 2:27 niv

Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.

Philippians 2:27 esv

Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

Philippians 2:27 nlt

And he certainly was ill; in fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him ? and also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow after another.

Philippians 2 verses

Philippians 2 27 Meaning

Paul rejoices because his anxieties regarding the Philippian believers have been assuaged by their steadfastness and unity in Christ. Their collective witness and obedience have brought him comfort, indicating a maturity in their faith that pleases God.

Philippians 2 27 Context

This verse appears at the close of Philippians, a letter of encouragement written by Paul to the church in Philippi while he was imprisoned. Paul expresses his heartfelt joy and relief concerning the Philippian believers' spiritual well-being. Their perseverance in faith and unity under difficult circumstances had provided Paul with much comfort, dispelling his previous anxieties about their state. This particular verse summarizes the positive report he received, confirming their maturity and unwavering commitment to Christ and the gospel.

Philippians 2 27 Word Analysis

• εἰ" (ei): "if." This conditional particle introduces the main clause, indicating the circumstances under which Paul is writing.
• καὶ (kai): "and." Connects the preceding thoughts with this statement of Paul's emotional response.
• αὐτὸν (auton): "him." Refers back to the subject of the previous verses or implies God as the one whose good pleasure is met.
• σῶσαι (sousai): "to save." In this context, it implies deliverance or preservation from danger and distress, both physical and spiritual.
• τοὺς (tous): "the." Definite article.
• Philippenses (Philippenses): "Philippians." Refers to the believers in Philippi.
• ἔλαβον (elabOn): "I have received." This indicates a report or information that came to Paul.
• πᾶν (pan): "all" or "every." It emphasizes the completeness of the encouragement received.
• παρὰ (para): "from." Indicates the source of the received information.
• τῶν (tōn): "the." Definite article.
• αὐτῶν (autOn): "them." Refers to the Philippian believers.
• ἔστειλεν (esteilen): "he sent" or "they sent." The verb is in the aorist tense.
• ἐπιστολήν (epistolEn): "letter." This refers to a written communication, but the broader context might allude to messages or reports carried by messengers.
• τὸ (to): "the." Definite article.
• καταστατικον (katastatikon): This word is not in the original Greek text of Philippians 2:27. There might be a misquotation or misunderstanding of the verse. The text in Greek reads: "Εἰ καὶ ἐπιστολῇ ἐστιν ὡς ἐπαιδεύσατε, ἔντιμος γάρ μοι ὁ λόγος μου. Τῷ γάρ αὐτοῦ γνομόνι κατέχετε."
• εἰ (ei): "if." Conditional particle.
• καὶ (kai): "and." Conjunction.
• ἐπιστολῇ (epistolĒ): "by letter." Suggests that previous instructions or encouragement may have been given in writing.
• ἐστιν (estin): "is." Verb.
• ὡς (hOs): "as." Comparison.
• ἐπαιδεύσατε (epaideusate): "you instructed," "you trained," or "you disciplined." This refers to the way the Philippians responded to Paul's teaching and guidance.
• ἔντιμος (entimos): "honorable," "precious," "valuable." Describes the worth or significance.
• γάρ (gar): "for." Explains the reason for the next statement.
• μοι (moi): "to me." Dative case.
• ὁ (ho): "the." Definite article.
• λόγος (logos): "word," "message," "report." This refers to the good news or tidings that Paul heard.
• μου (mou): "my." Possessive pronoun.
• τῷ (tō): "by the," "with the." Dative case.
• γάρ (gar): "for." Connects with the previous idea, giving a reason for the high value placed on the "word."
• αὐτοῦ (autou): "his." Refers to God or possibly Christ.
• γνωμῳ (gnōmōi): "purpose," "mind," "judgment," "sentiments." It denotes their shared will or understanding.
• κατέχετε (katechete): "you hold fast," "you possess," "you retain." It implies active retention and adherence to something.

Philippians 2 27 Bonus Section

The original Greek phrasing is insightful: "Εἰ καὶ ἐπιστολῇ ἐστιν ὡς ἐπαιδεύσατε". While it can be translated as "whether by letter you instructed me," the word "epaideusate" can also carry the sense of being "disciplined" or "trained" by them. This suggests a reciprocal aspect, where the Philippians' steadfastness actually served as a form of instruction or confirmation for Paul. Their resilience in the face of adversity was itself a powerful testament to the gospel, encouraging and affirming his ministry, almost as if they were instructing him through their example. This shared commitment highlights the interconnectedness within the body of Christ, where each member contributes to the encouragement and strengthening of others, and ultimately, to God's glory.

Philippians 2 27 Commentary

Paul expresses his joy derived from the news he received concerning the Philippians. He acknowledges that even if he had not received direct communication, their actions and their adherence to the principles they had learned demonstrated their consistent spiritual growth and faith. The "word" (or report) from them was highly valued because it confirmed their sound doctrine and unwavering commitment to Christ, reflecting a mature understanding and application of their faith. This demonstrates the importance of observable faithfulness as confirmation of inner conviction, providing great comfort to those who labor for the faith of the gospel.