Philippians 4 1

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 verses

Philippians 4 1 Meaning

Philippians 4:1 is a heartfelt and authoritative exhortation from the Apostle Paul to the Philippian believers. It calls them to remain steadfast and firm in their faith and conduct, a directive stemming directly from the theological truths and ethical examples previously laid out in chapter 3. Paul addresses them with deep affection, referring to them as his spiritual family, his present delight, and his future reward, urging them to maintain their ground in the Lord as a consequence of their heavenly citizenship and hope.

Philippians 4 1 Context

Philippians 4:1 directly follows the profound theological arguments and personal testimony Paul presents in chapter 3. In chapter 3, Paul recounts his past life, demonstrates the worthlessness of self-righteousness, expresses his singular goal of knowing Christ and His resurrection power, and encourages believers to press on towards the upward call. Critically, he establishes that believers are "citizens of heaven" (Phil 3:20) and await a resurrected, transformed body (Phil 3:21). The "Therefore" (ὥστε) in 4:1 explicitly links this heavenly hope and identity to the urgent call for steadfastness.

Historically and culturally, Philippi was a Roman colony, meaning its citizens took pride in their Roman identity and laws. This context lends weight to Paul's declaration of "heavenly citizenship," creating a deliberate contrast and offering Christians a higher, ultimate allegiance. The commands to "stand firm" (στήκετε), a term often used in military contexts for holding one's ground against an enemy, would resonate in a city proud of its Roman military heritage. It signifies unwavering loyalty and resolve in the face of spiritual, doctrinal, or moral pressures. Paul's imprisonment for the gospel at the time of writing also highlights the very real challenges facing believers, making the call to steadfastness intensely relevant.

Philippians 4 1 Word analysis

• Therefore (ὥστε - hōste): This conjunction introduces a logical conclusion. It signifies that the exhortation that follows is a direct consequence of the profound truths just established in Phil 3, especially regarding heavenly citizenship and the future transformation by Christ.
• my brothers (ἀδελφοί μου - adelphoi mou): A deeply affectionate and familial term, highlighting the spiritual kinship Paul shares with the Philippian believers. "My" indicates personal investment and intimacy, not just a formal address.
• whom I love and long for (ἀγαπητοὶ καὶ ἐπιπόθητοι - agapētoi kai epipothētoi):
  • ἀγαπητοὶ (agapētoi - beloved): Expresses profound spiritual love, agapē, which is selfless and divine in nature.
  • ἐπιπόθητοι (epipothētoi - longed for, yearned for): Conveys intense personal desire and affection, often indicating an ardent yearning due to physical separation (as Paul was imprisoned). It speaks to the depth of Paul's emotional bond with them.
• my joy and crown (χαρὰ καὶ στέφανός μου - chara kai stephanos mou): These are metaphorical expressions of Paul's profound ministerial reward.
  • χαρὰ (chara - joy): Indicates that their faithfulness is his present delight and source of spiritual happiness.
  • στέφανός (stephanos - crown): Refers to the victor's wreath or prize in ancient games, or a mark of honor. For Paul, the Philippians' steadfastness and faith will be his future commendation and reward on the Day of the Lord for his faithful labor, not a kingly diadem.
• stand firm (στήκετε - stēkete): This is a present active imperative verb, a direct command to continue holding one's position. It has strong military connotations, meaning "to stand one's ground," "to maintain a position," "not to retreat." It denotes resolute perseverance against opposition or temptation.
• in the Lord (ἐν Κυρίῳ - en Kyriō): This critical phrase defines the sphere and source of their steadfastness. It signifies being united with Christ, drawing strength, guidance, and identity from Him. Their stand is not in human will or strength, but in spiritual reliance and alignment with Christ.
• in this way (οὕτως - houtōs): Points to the preceding teachings and Paul's own example. It implies a practical application—they are to stand firm according to the lifestyle and truths Paul has just expounded (e.g., Phil 3:17, 3:8-16, the mind of Christ in 2:5-11). It is a call to live out their faith concretely.
• my beloved (ἀγαπητοί - agapētoi): The repetition of this affectionate address (used initially in "whom I love") serves to soften the authoritative command to "stand firm." It reinforces Paul's tender pastoral care, ensuring the strength of his exhortation is received within the context of deep love.

Philippians 4 1 Bonus section

• The repetition of "my" ("my brothers," "my joy," "my crown") and "beloved" ("whom I love," "my beloved" at the end) creates a strong rhetorical embrace around the core command. This rhetorical device emphasizes Paul's personal attachment and the genuine warmth behind his authoritative instruction.
• The term "crown" (στέφανος - stephanos) here specifically refers to a victor's wreath, such as those awarded in athletic games or public recognition. It distinguishes it from a royal diadem. Paul views their spiritual triumph and faithfulness as his reward, a public acknowledgement of successful ministry.
• "Stand firm" (στήκετε - stēkete) implies not just physical posture but spiritual and moral unwaveringness. It's an active refusal to yield ground, a necessary posture for Christian discipleship in a fallen world.

Philippians 4 1 Commentary

Philippians 4:1 functions as a crucial hinge in Paul's letter, moving from the rich theological foundation of chapter 3 to the specific ethical applications that follow. It beautifully blends deep pastoral affection with urgent apostolic authority. Paul's passionate endearments—calling them his "brothers," "beloved," "longed for," "joy," and "crown"—highlight the profound relational bond and the personal stakes he has in their spiritual perseverance. These are not merely sentimental words but establish a context of love in which a firm, direct command is given.

The central command, "stand firm in the Lord," is vital. It is a present tense imperative, urging a continuous, active resistance. It directly combats any tendency toward backsliding, doctrinal drift, internal disunity, or succumbing to external pressures. The qualification "in the Lord" is paramount; it specifies that their steadfastness is not a product of self-effort or human determination alone but is rooted in their spiritual union with Christ. He is the source of their strength, the object of their faith, and the sphere of their life. "In this way" then directs them back to the specific pattern of life modeled by Paul himself and exemplified by Christ, outlined in the preceding chapters, emphasizing living a life consistent with their heavenly citizenship.

The verse is a powerful call to faithfulness, understood as a tangible response to their identity in Christ and the eternal hope they possess. It reminds believers that perseverance is not an optional extra but an essential, beloved characteristic of those awaiting Christ's return and living by the Spirit. Practically, this means consistently upholding gospel truth, maintaining unity within the church, and demonstrating moral integrity amidst cultural and spiritual opposition, drawing strength from Christ Himself.