Philippians 4:1 kjv
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
Philippians 4:1 nkjv
Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
Philippians 4:1 niv
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
Philippians 4:1 esv
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
Philippians 4:1 nlt
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.
Philippians 4 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Phil 1:27 | Live as citizens worthy of the gospel | Christlike conduct required |
| Phil 2:2 | Be like-minded, having the same love | Unity and humility |
| Phil 3:14 | Press toward the goal for the prize | Spiritual perseverance |
| Phil 3:20 | Our citizenship is in heaven | Heavenly perspective |
| 1 Cor 1:10 | Be perfectly united in mind and thought | Call to unity |
| 1 Cor 15:58 | Be steadfast and immovable | Stability in faith |
| Gal 5:1 | Stand firm and do not be subject to a yoke | Freedom in Christ |
| Eph 4:3 | Keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace | Importance of peace and unity |
| Heb 3:6 | Hold fast our confession and hope | Endurance in faith |
| Heb 10:23 | Hold fast to the hope we profess | Steadfastness and confession |
| 1 Pet 5:12 | Stand firm in grace | Remaining in God's grace |
| 2 Th 2:15 | Stand firm and hold to the teachings | Holding to apostolic teaching |
| Rom 16:17 | Watch out for those who cause divisions | Warning against division |
| Mark 13:22 | False Christs and prophets will arise | Warning against deception |
| Acts 4:12 | Salvation is found in no one else | Exclusivity of Christ |
| John 1:12 | To all who received him, he gave the right to become children of God | Believer's identity and adoption |
| John 15:4 | Remain in me, as I also remain in you | The importance of abiding in Christ |
| Ps 121:1 | My help comes from the LORD | God as the source of strength |
| Isa 41:10 | Fear not, for I am with you | God's presence and reassurance |
| Isa 40:31 | They who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength | Strength from waiting on God |
| Col 2:6 | Continue to live your lives in Christ Jesus the Lord | Walking in Christ |
| Col 2:7 | Rooted and built up in him | Spiritual foundation |
| 1 Thes 3:13 | May he make your hearts blameless in holiness | Holy living |
| Eph 3:17 | Rooted and grounded in love | Foundation of love |
| Eph 4:29 | Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths | Edifying speech |
| Phil 2:14 | Do all things without grumbling or disputing | Attitude of believers |
| Eph 6:14 | Stand firm therefore, with the belt of truth... | Spiritual warfare preparedness |
| Col 1:23 | continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast | Persevering in faith |
Philippians 4 verses
Philippians 4 1 Meaning
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, standing firm in the Lord.
Philippians 4 1 Context
Philippians chapter 4 focuses on the importance of unity, joy, and steadfastness in Christ. Paul urges the Philippian believers to rejoice in the Lord always, to live in peace, and to present their requests to God with thanksgiving. He emphasizes putting into practice the things they have learned and seen in him. Chapter 3 warns against false teachers who insisted on circumcision and the works of the Law, contrasting this with Paul's focus on Christ alone for righteousness. Chapter 4, beginning with this verse, directly flows from the call for unity and godly living previously mentioned. The letter as a whole was written to encourage the believers in Philippi amidst persecution and to thank them for their support. This verse serves as a pivotal instruction, building upon the foundation of unity and peace established earlier in the chapter.
Philippians 4 1 Word Analysis
- Ὥστε (Hoste): "Therefore" or "So". A conjunctive particle, linking this verse as a conclusion or consequence to the preceding exhortations.
- ἀδελφοί (adelphoi): "brothers". A term of endearment and familial connection used by Paul for fellow believers, signifying spiritual kinship.
- ἀγαπητοί (agapētoi): "beloved". An adjective indicating deep affection and value. This emphasizes the preciousness of the Philippian believers to Paul and to God.
- ἐπιποθούμενοι (epipothoumenoi): "longed for" or "greatly desired". Present passive participle of epipotheō. It conveys a profound sense of missing and desiring their presence and fellowship. This word suggests a deep emotional bond and a keen longing for their spiritual well-being.
- στέκετε (stekete): "stand" or "stand firm". Second person plural present active imperative of stéō. This is a military term, meaning to hold one's ground, to stand firm against opposition, or to remain steadfast. It implies resolute adherence to one's position in Christ and to the Gospel.
Word Group Analysis
- "Beloved brethren, longed for": This group of terms, "ἀδελφοὶ ἀγαπητοὶ ἐπιποθούμενοι," creates a powerfully warm and affectionate address. It highlights the deep personal connection and concern Paul had for the Philippian church. It’s not just a formal address but a heartfelt expression of love and spiritual yearning.
Word-by-Word Analysis
- Ὥστε (Hoste): Therefore. Connects the preceding exhortations on peace, thanksgiving, and godly living to this call to stand firm.
- ἀδελφοί (adelphoi): Brothers. Refers to fellow believers in Christ, emphasizing spiritual family.
- ἀγαπητοί (agapētoi): Beloved. Expresses God's love for believers and their loved status.
- ἐπιποθούμενοι (epipothoumenoi): Longed for. Paul's deep personal affection and desire for them.
- στέκετε (stekete): Stand firm. A command to remain steadfast, unmoving, in faith and in the Gospel.
Philippians 4 1 Bonus Section
The word "στέκετε" (stekete) in its military context conveys a strong sense of resolve, like a soldier holding the line. In ancient Greek warfare, breaking the line meant defeat. Similarly, in the spiritual life, wavering or retreating from one’s faith can lead to defeat. Paul uses this term to evoke a visual of spiritual resilience and unyielding devotion to Christ and the Gospel message, which the Philippians had so heartily embraced and supported. The imperative mood stresses that this is not a suggestion, but a vital instruction for their spiritual welfare. This instruction is grounded in the sufficiency of Christ, as detailed in the earlier part of chapter 3, where Paul contrasts reliance on human effort with the complete righteousness found in Christ alone.
Philippians 4 1 Commentary
This opening verse is a powerful call to perseverance in faith. After exhorted to rejoice, pray, and experience God's peace, believers are commanded to "stand firm." This implies not a passive existence, but an active, unwavering commitment to the truth of the Gospel amidst any opposition, doubt, or spiritual assault. The affectionate address, "beloved brethren, longed for," underscores the personal investment and love Paul has for them, strengthening his directive with tender concern. Standing firm is about rootedness in Christ and steadfast adherence to His teachings, maintaining spiritual integrity.
- Example: Imagine facing pressure to compromise your beliefs at work; standing firm means to resolutely hold to what you know is right, rooted in your faith.
- Example: When doubts about God’s goodness arise during suffering, standing firm is to trust His promises, remembering His faithfulness shown throughout Scripture.