Philippians 4 14

Philippians 4:14 kjv

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

Philippians 4:14 nkjv

Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.

Philippians 4:14 niv

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

Philippians 4:14 esv

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

Philippians 4:14 nlt

Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

Philippians 4 verses

Philippians 4 14 Meaning

Paul affirms the Philippians' commendable actions in providing material support, viewing it not merely as a financial transaction but as a profound act of fellowship and solidarity with him in his current sufferings and challenging circumstances. Their generosity demonstrates their ongoing partnership in the gospel, extending even to his personal distress.

Philippians 4 14 Context

Philippians 4:14 appears in the closing section of Paul's letter, specifically within his expression of gratitude for a financial gift the Philippians had sent him through Epaphroditus (Php 4:10-20). After teaching them contentment in all circumstances (Php 4:11-13), Paul makes it clear that his contentment did not diminish his appreciation for their loving support. He distinguishes between needing their help for himself (he can do without it) and commending them for their act of generosity, which served as evidence of their continued partnership in the gospel. Historically, Paul was likely imprisoned, possibly in Rome, facing physical hardships, potential loneliness, and certainly financial needs for basic sustenance, legal fees, or ministerial expenses. Their gift addressed these very real "troubles" he was experiencing.

Philippians 4 14 Word analysis

• Nevertheless (πλὴν, plēn): This conjunction introduces a qualification or a transition, meaning "however," "yet," or "but." Here, it creates a subtle shift. After declaring his ability to be content in any state (Php 4:11-13), Paul makes it clear that his contentment should not be misinterpreted as a dismissal of their loving care. It's a gracious transition that allows him to accept and affirm their gift without undermining his teaching on self-sufficiency through Christ.
• you have done well (καλῶς ἐποιήσατε, kalōs epoiēsate): Kalōs means "well," "rightly," "excellently," or "honorably." Epoiēsate is the aorist indicative of poieō, "to do" or "to make." Combined, it expresses a strong commendation. Their action was not just helpful; it was morally, ethically, and spiritually upright. It pleased God and honored Paul.
• to share (συγκοινωνήσαντές, sygkoinōnēsantes): This is a participial form of sygkoinōneō, meaning "to have fellowship with," "to be a co-partner in," or "to share jointly in." The prefix syn- (with) intensifies koinōneō (to share, have fellowship). It denotes a deep, intimate participation. It suggests that their material gift was more than just money; it was an act of personal, communal identification with Paul and his circumstances. It elevates the giving to a spiritual act of partnership in suffering.
• in my trouble/distress (τῇ θλίψει, tē thlipsei): Thlipsis refers to affliction, tribulation, distress, or pressure. It denotes outward circumstances causing pain or suffering. This term highlights Paul's actual difficulties, which included imprisonment, hunger, lack, and potential dangers. The Philippians' act of sharing was a direct response to these specific hardships.

Words-group analysis

• Nevertheless, you have done well: Paul's commendation is significant because he praises not their gift's monetary value but the act itself, which demonstrated their Christ-like character and devotion. This phrase sets the tone of gratitude.
• to share in my trouble: This phrase underscores the depth of the Philippians' spiritual understanding and compassion. Their material support was a tangible manifestation of koinonia (fellowship, partnership) not just in the abstract concept of the gospel, but in the gritty reality of a missionary's "afflictions." They participated in his suffering, thus embodying Christ's love and fulfilling the command to bear one another's burdens (Gal 6:2). This was not merely charity; it was solidarity.

Philippians 4 14 Bonus section

The act of the Philippians in sending aid was particularly noteworthy because, as Paul later clarifies in Phil 4:15-16, they were often the only church that consistently supported him financially. This consistent support demonstrated a unique and enduring partnership. The term thlipsis for Paul's trouble often refers to pressure or squeezing, visually depicting the hardship he faced in imprisonment and ministry, which made their financial and emotional relief even more precious. This verse also serves as an example of how New Testament fellowship (koinonia) was always holistic, involving spiritual communion, material sharing, and participation in one another's joys and sorrows.

Philippians 4 14 Commentary

Philippians 4:14 is a pivotal verse, showing that while Paul possessed supernatural strength for contentment, he was deeply touched by the practical expression of the Philippians' love and fellowship. Their gift was not just a donation; it was a "sharing in his distress," elevating their material contribution to a spiritual partnership. The use of sygkoinōneō (to share jointly) emphasizes this deep relational and theological connection, implying that they were experiencing a part of his affliction with him. It highlights that true Christian fellowship extends to practical, compassionate support for those in ministry and suffering, embodying Christ's love in tangible ways. Paul valued this act as a sacrifice acceptable to God, showing a spiritual grace operating within the Philippian believers. This verse underscores that while contentment in Christ frees us from dependency on circumstances, it does not negate the importance of mutual support and generosity within the body of believers.