Philippians 4 10

Philippians 4:10 kjv

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

Philippians 4:10 nkjv

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.

Philippians 4:10 niv

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

Philippians 4:10 esv

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.

Philippians 4:10 nlt

How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn't have the chance to help me.

Philippians 4 verses

Philippians 4 10 Meaning

Paul expresses profound joy in the Lord because the Philippian believers have finally had the opportunity to renew their tangible support and concern for his well-being. He clarifies that their underlying care was always present, but circumstances had previously prevented them from acting upon it. This verse highlights Christian joy rooted in partnership and mutual love within the body of Christ, acknowledging both material and spiritual expressions of care.

Philippians 4 10 Context

Philippians chapter 4 forms the conclusion of Paul's letter, characterized by a tone of exhortation, joy, and profound gratitude. Immediately preceding verse 10, Paul encourages the Philippians toward peace, prayer, and focusing on virtues (vv. 6-8), and instructs them to imitate his life (v. 9). The verse under analysis pivots from these general admonitions to Paul's specific thankfulness for their financial support. Historically, the Philippian church had a consistent record of supporting Paul, starting from his departure from Macedonia (Phil 4:15-16). This latest gift, likely delivered by Epaphroditus (Phil 2:25-30), was received while Paul was imprisoned (Phil 1:7, 13, 14, 17), providing comfort and material relief. Culturally, while Stoic philosophy encouraged indifference to material things, Paul's response demonstrates an authentic, joy-filled acknowledgment of a concrete expression of love and partnership within a covenant relationship, differing from pagan patronage which often carried reciprocal social obligations.

Philippians 4 10 Word analysis

• I rejoiced (Ἐχάρην, Echarēn): From charis (grace, favor), signifying deep spiritual delight and pleasure. It's a spontaneous, heart-felt response to good news, indicating profound internal gladness rather than superficial happiness. This joy is rooted in the Lord.
• in the Lord (ἐν Κυρίῳ, en Kyriō): This phrase emphasizes the spiritual sphere or context in which Paul's joy originates and resides. His happiness is not merely at receiving aid, but in recognizing God's work, the Philippians' faithfulness, and the strength of their spiritual partnership, all through Christ. True Christian joy always has the Lord as its ultimate source and object.
• greatly (μεγάλως, megalōs): An adverb intensifying the degree of his joy. It highlights that his gladness was significant, not a passing emotion.
• that now at length (ὅτι ἤδη ποτέ, hoti ēdē pote): "Now" (ἤδη) points to the current moment of receiving the gift. "At length" (ποτέ) conveys a sense of elapsed time, indicating a period where opportunities were scarce, making their renewed ability to send help particularly significant.
• you have revived (ἀνεθάλετε, anethalete): From anathallō, meaning "to sprout up again," "to flourish again." This botanical metaphor pictures their concern (like a plant) that was perhaps dormant or had withered due to circumstances, but has now come back to life, blossoming with active expression. It emphasizes renewed vitality.
• your concern (τὸ ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ φρονεῖν, to hyper emou phronein): Literally "to be minded on my behalf." Phronein implies thinking, setting one's mind on something, having a specific attitude or purpose. It's not just a feeling, but an active, thoughtful orientation toward Paul's needs. The infinitive here functions as a noun, emphasizing the act of concern itself.
• for me (ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ, hyper emou): Clearly specifying the object of their concern, namely Paul himself and his needs during imprisonment.
• indeed, you were always concerned, but (ἐφ᾽ ᾧ καὶ ἐφρονεῖτε δὲ, eph hō kai ephroneite de): Paul adds a crucial qualification to prevent any misunderstanding. "You were always concerned" (ἐφρονεῖτε - imperfect tense) confirms their continuous, past-tense care. The "but" (δὲ) introduces the reason for the delay in expressing it materially.
• you had no opportunity (ἠκαιρεῖσθε, ēkaireisthe): From akaireomai, meaning "to lack opportunity," "to be prevented by circumstances," or "to not have a convenient time." This graciously explains why their care was not expressed materially sooner, absolving them of any neglect and confirming Paul understood their plight.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly": This opening phrase grounds Paul's gratitude in his spiritual connection to Christ, demonstrating that his joy is divinely sourced and magnified. It elevates his appreciation beyond mere transactional happiness, seeing God's hand in their renewed provision.
• "that now at length you have revived your concern for me": This specifies the cause of his great joy. The temporal element ("now at length") underscores the period of waiting and the special significance of this renewed support. The metaphor of "revived" softens any hint of prior negligence, gracefully acknowledging their active will despite passive circumstances.
• "indeed, you were always concerned, but you had no opportunity": This clarification is vital for maintaining the deep trust and affection between Paul and the Philippians. It explicitly validates their ongoing love and care, mitigating any potential guilt or misinterpretation about their delay, and highlighting the difference between a heartfelt intention and its material execution due to external constraints.

Philippians 4 10 Bonus section

The Greek word for "revived," anathallō (ἀναθάλετε), is found only here in the New Testament, enhancing its vivid imagery. In the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), it often describes trees flourishing or plants growing, linking naturally to the concept of life, vitality, and seasonal growth. This metaphor powerfully conveys that their "concern" was not a fleeting sentiment but a living, vital aspect of their relationship that could thrive once conditions allowed. This verse serves as an essential bridge between Paul's teachings on contentment and his ultimate expression of thanks, illustrating that while he can endure all circumstances (vv. 11-13), he genuinely values the practical expressions of Christian love and partnership (vv. 14-19).

Philippians 4 10 Commentary

Philippians 4:10 offers a beautiful insight into Paul's character and the spiritual dynamics of Christian giving and receiving. His "great joy in the Lord" reveals a profoundly God-centered perspective, where material provision is received not just as physical aid, but as a visible expression of the Body of Christ in action, orchestrated by God. The imagery of "reviving" their concern gently portrays their faithful care blossoming again after a period of being hindered. This was not a reawakening of love but the renewal of its practical demonstration. Paul’s immediate reassurance that "you were always concerned, but you had no opportunity" highlights his pastoral heart and profound empathy. He protects their feelings, emphasizing their consistent love despite past constraints. This verse celebrates the divine orchestration of human generosity and fellowship in the gospel, transcending mere financial transactions to encompass deep spiritual partnership and mutual love. It also subtly prepares the way for his exposition on contentment, demonstrating that while he rejoiced in their generosity, his joy was not dependent on it.

• Example 1 (Contentment): Paul's joy is not the necessity for the gift but in the love expressed, showcasing his own contentment and teaching the Philippians likewise.
• Example 2 (Gracious Receiving): Paul models how to receive gifts with sincere gratitude while affirming the givers' intentions, even if there was a delay.
• Example 3 (Partnership): It illustrates the practical, material dimension of gospel partnership, where support enables ministry and blesses both sender and receiver.