Philippians 2 30

Philippians 2:30 kjv

Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

Philippians 2:30 nkjv

because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

Philippians 2:30 niv

because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

Philippians 2:30 esv

for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

Philippians 2:30 nlt

For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn't do from far away.

Philippians 2 verses

Philippians 2 30 Meaning

Philippians 2:30 conveys that Epaphroditus faced severe, life-threatening illness because of his devoted ministry for Christ. He deliberately endangered his own life to perform the necessary practical service to Paul that the Philippian church, due to distance and circumstances, could not personally render. His sacrificial actions filled this void, representing their generous support directly.

Philippians 2 30 Context

Philippians 2:30 is part of Paul's instructions and commendations to the Philippian church. The preceding verses (2:25-29) explain Paul's decision to send Epaphroditus back to Philippi. Epaphroditus had been sent by the Philippian church as their emissary ("messenger" and "minister to my need," v. 25) to assist Paul during his imprisonment, bringing a financial gift (Phil 4:18). While with Paul, Epaphroditus fell severely ill, "near to death," and news of his illness reached the Philippians, causing them distress (v. 26).

Paul, therefore, is sending Epaphroditus back not because his service was insufficient, but out of concern for both Epaphroditus and the Philippians. Verse 30 directly explains why Epaphroditus's illness occurred: it was a consequence of his fervent, Christ-centered ministry. This high praise served to reassure the Philippians that Epaphroditus was a dedicated and honorable servant, worthy of "honor" (v. 29). It also subtly reinforced the chapter's overarching theme of humility, self-sacrifice, and considering others above oneself, mirroring Christ's example (vv. 5-8) by highlighting Epaphroditus's practical embodiment of these virtues.

Philippians 2 30 Word analysis

• "For" (διότι - dioti): This conjunction introduces the reason or explanation for the preceding statement, specifically why Paul commands the Philippians to honor Epaphroditus. It signifies a direct causal link between Epaphroditus's illness and his dedication to Christ.
• "he was near death" (μέχρι θανάτου ἤγγισεν - mechri thanatou ēggisen):
  • μέχρι (mechri): "until," "up to the point of." It stresses the extreme extent of his illness.
  • θανάτου (thanatou): "death." Indicates the severity; his condition was life-threatening.
  • ἤγγισεν (ēggisen): "he drew near," "he approached." Conveys the closeness of death. This was not a minor sickness but a critical, near-fatal experience.
• "for the work of Christ" (διὰ τὸ ἔργον Χριστοῦ - dia to ergon Christou):
  • διὰ (dia): "on account of," "because of." Explicitly connects Epaphroditus's grave illness to his service.
  • τὸ ἔργον Χριστοῦ (to ergon Christou): "the work of Christ." Refers to Epaphroditus's active participation in advancing the gospel and ministry, primarily through serving Paul. This highlights that practical care for a servant of God is indeed part of Christ's greater work.
• "risking his life" (παραβολευσάμενος τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ - paraboleusamenos tēn psychēn autou):
  • παραβολευσάμενος (paraboleusamenos): A unique and powerful verb meaning "to gamble, to expose to danger, to stake, to hazard." It derives from parabolos, implying recklessness or an adventurer. This indicates Epaphroditus consciously and willingly put his life on the line. It wasn't an accident but a result of his dedicated effort, perhaps working too hard or neglecting his health while attending to Paul's needs.
  • τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ (tēn psychēn autou): "his life, his soul." Specifies that it was his physical existence he jeopardized. This phrasing emphasizes the depth of his self-sacrifice.
• "to complete" (ἵνα ἀναπληρώσῃ - hina anaplērōsē):
  • ἵνα (hina): "in order that," "so that." Indicates the purpose of his life-risking service.
  • ἀναπληρώσῃ (anaplērōsē): "to fill up," "to complete," "to make full what is wanting." Signifies that Epaphroditus performed an action to rectify a shortfall or supply a need.
• "what was lacking in your service to me" (τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα τῆς πρός με λειτουργίας - to hymōn hysterēma tēs pros me leitourgias):
  • τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα (to hymōn hysterēma): "your deficiency, your lack, your wanting." This does not imply negligence or spiritual deficiency on the Philippians' part; Paul praises their generosity (Phil 4:10, 4:14-16). Rather, it denotes their inability to be physically present to serve Paul directly due to geographical distance and his imprisonment. Epaphroditus filled this practical void.
  • τῆς πρός με λειτουργίας (tēs pros me leitourgias): "your service (ministry) toward me."
    • λειτουργίας (leitourgias): "service," "ministry," "public service," "sacred ministration." This term, often used for priestly or official service, elevates their practical assistance to a form of sacred, devoted ministry. Epaphroditus, therefore, was performing this sacred service on their behalf, completing their intended act of worshipful service.

Words-Group Analysis

• "he was near death for the work of Christ, risking his life": This phrase intricately links Epaphroditus's life-threatening illness to his ministry. It emphasizes that his service was not casual but involved grave personal cost, reflecting a profound commitment to Christ's cause, even to the point of facing mortality. The dual phrasing "near death" and "risking his life" reinforces the seriousness and intentionality of his devotion.
• "to complete what was lacking in your service to me": This highlights Epaphroditus's role as a faithful proxy. The "lack" was not a spiritual failure of the Philippians but a circumstantial inability to physically serve Paul. Epaphroditus, by journeying to Paul and enduring hardship, effectively extended the Philippians' genuine love and support, embodying their "service" (leitourgia) as an act of sacred ministry through personal presence and sacrifice.

Philippians 2 30 Bonus section

• The rare verb paraboleusamenos has roots that hint at gladiatorial combat or financial risk, adding a dramatic layer to Epaphroditus's action. He metaphorically "bet his life" on the mission, indicating an exceptional level of commitment that went beyond ordinary diligence.
• Paul's choice to commend Epaphroditus so effusively also serves to strengthen the Philippians' spiritual encouragement. Knowing that their delegate's sufferings were for Christ's work, and that his dedication was recognized, would have affirmed their own partnership in the gospel.
• The commendation implicitly critiques any potential self-serving motives within the church. Epaphroditus stands in stark contrast to those whom Paul elsewhere notes "seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ" (Phil 2:21). His life exemplifies truly Christ-like devotion.
• The fact that Paul himself cared deeply enough for Epaphroditus to be distressed by his illness (Phil 2:27) and to send him back to ease the Philippians' anxiety, underscores the importance of valuing co-laborers and demonstrating practical love and compassion within the Christian community.

Philippians 2 30 Commentary

Philippians 2:30 serves as a powerful testament to Epaphroditus's selfless devotion, concluding Paul's strong commendation of this remarkable servant. His severe illness was not an unfortunate accident but a direct consequence of his passionate "work of Christ"—his tireless efforts to support Paul in prison. The phrase "risking his life" is crucial; it depicts Epaphroditus not as a passive recipient of illness but as someone who intentionally put his well-being in jeopardy for the sake of the gospel mission. He embodied the radical self-giving of Christ detailed earlier in the chapter (Phil 2:5-8).

His sacrifice was aimed "to complete what was lacking in your service to me." This clarifies that while the Philippians had an earnest desire and gave generously to support Paul, they were geographically limited from providing direct, daily service. Epaphroditus courageously filled this gap, becoming their hands and feet, bearing their sacrificial gift and ministry. By referring to their aid as leitourgia (service), Paul elevates even the most practical support to the level of sacred, worshipful ministry. This verse challenges believers to consider the true cost of dedicated service to Christ and to value those who sacrificially undertake such service, echoing the principles of humility and other-mindedness. It emphasizes that authentic Christian service often requires significant personal sacrifice and is immensely valued in God's economy.