Philippians 4 16

Philippians 4:16 kjv

For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

Philippians 4:16 nkjv

For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.

Philippians 4:16 niv

for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.

Philippians 4:16 esv

Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.

Philippians 4:16 nlt

Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once.

Philippians 4 verses

Philippians 4 16 Meaning

The apostle Paul, while imprisoned, gratefully acknowledges the generous financial support sent by the Philippian believers. He explicitly states that their offering was not merely a transactional gift but a "fruit" that abounded to their spiritual "account," indicating divine pleasure and future reward. This act of giving was well-pleasing to God, reflecting a deep spiritual connection and obedience.

Philippians 4 16 Context

Philippians chapter 4 concludes Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. He is writing from imprisonment (likely in Rome) and expresses deep affection and gratitude for the Philippian believers' sustained support and partnership in the gospel. The specific context for verse 16 is Paul's acknowledgment of a financial gift they sent him, likely through Epaphroditus. This gift was crucial for Paul's ministry and well-being during his incarceration. The verse emphasizes the ongoing nature of their support, which transcends a one-time act of charity.

Philippians 4 16 Word Analysis

• Ὃθεν (Hōthen) - "From where," "whence." Here, it functions as a conjunction linking the current statement about their repeated sending of gifts to the initial act. It signifies "from that time onward" or "and so" from the point of their initial offering.
• καὶ (Kai) - "And." A common coordinating conjunction, connecting phrases and ideas.
• πάλιν (Pálin) - "Again," "further." It implies not a mere repetition, but a continued or renewed action. The Philippians had supported Paul before, and this was not a solitary instance, but a continuation of their pattern of giving.
• εἰς (Heis) - "Unto," "into." Indicates the direction or destination of their giving.
• τὴν (Tēn) - "The" (definite article, accusative singular feminine). Specifies the gift or need.
• χρείαν (Chréian) - "Need," "necessity," "occasion," "business." Refers to Paul's specific needs, not just physical, but possibly ministerial or situational needs that arose during his imprisonment.
• μου (Mou) - "Of me," "my" (genitive pronoun). Personal possession of the need.
• ἐφ᾽ (Eph') - "Upon," "over," "to," "for." It prefaces the benefit derived. It highlights that something is being done for or to someone.
• ὣ (Hōs) - "As," "in the manner of." Describes the quality or extent.
• ὣς (Hōs) - This is a textual variation. The reading likely intended is:
• λογίζομαι (Logizomai) - "To reckon," "to count," "to impute," "to think." In this context, it's a deliberate assessment of the significance of their gift, attributing to it more than monetary value. It's a calculated acknowledgment.
• ἀπολογισμῷ (Apologismo) - "Reckoning," "account," "calculation," "defense." It implies a recorded or registered transaction in a spiritual sense, not a commercial one. It suggests something laid up or credited.
• εἰς (Heis) - "Into." Again indicating direction, into what something is received.
• τὸν (Ton) - "The" (definite article, accusative singular masculine).
• Ὠφελίαν (Ōpheleian) - "Benefit," "profit," "use," "help." This points to a positive outcome or gain resulting from their action.
• ὑμῶν (Hymōn) - "Of you," "your" (genitive plural pronoun). Pertains to the Philippians.
• καρπὸς (Karpós) - "Fruit," "offspring," "reward." This is a significant metaphor. Their material giving is likened to a spiritual harvest or yield, representing a spiritual benefit and evidence of their spiritual life and sowing.
• περισσεύων (Perisseúōn) - "Abounding," "overflowing," "superabundant." Suggests a rich and ample return, more than is merely needed.
• ἀλλ᾽ (All') - "But," "except." A strong adversative conjunction, setting up a contrast.
• οὐχ (Ouch) - "Not." Negation.
• ὡς (Hōs) - "As," "like," "that." Connects their intention with the gift.
• χάριν (Chárin) - "Grace," "favor," "gift," "thanks." In this context, it refers to the specific gift or the act of giving as a sign of grace.
• ἐπιζητῶ (Epizētō) - "I seek after," "I look for," "I desire." Paul is not desirous of the mere material possession.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "From where and again unto my need": This phrase (Ὃθεν καὶ πάλιν εἰς τὴν χρείαν μου) establishes a continuity of support. It wasn't a single event but a pattern of supply, originating from their prior generosity and extending to Paul's current necessity.
• "I reckon fruit abounding to your account": (λογίζομαι... καρπὸς περισσεύων... ὑμῶν). This is the core statement. Paul frames their financial support not just as help to him, but as a seed planted by them, producing an abundant spiritual harvest credited to their spiritual ledger. This abounding fruit is an indicator of God's pleasure and their spiritual maturity.
• "Not that I seek the gift": (οὐχ ὡς χάριν ἐπιζητῶ). This clarifies Paul's motivation and attitude. His primary interest is not in possessing their material contribution for its own sake, but in the spiritual significance and outcome for them.

Philippians 4 16 Bonus Section

The concept of the "account" (λογισμός) here does not suggest a tit-for-tat earning of merit but rather the principle of sowing and reaping in God's economy. God registers and blesses faithfulness and generosity. The "fruit" (καρπός) is directly linked to their faithfulness in supporting the apostle, mirroring the fruit of the Spirit and the harvest of righteousness described elsewhere in Scripture. This verse is a testament to the holistic nature of Christian giving, which intertwines material support with spiritual growth and divine approval. The Greek phrase "καρπὸν περισσεύοντα" (fruit abounding) vividly paints a picture of abundant, overflowing blessing that stems from generous sowing, echoing Jesus' parables about the sower and the kingdom.

Philippians 4 16 Commentary

Paul acknowledges the Philippians' continued generous support, emphasizing its spiritual significance. Their gifts are not merely material aid but represent a sowing that yields an abundant spiritual harvest credited to their account with God. Paul seeks the spiritual fruit of their generosity, not the monetary gift itself, as this reflects their loving obedience and results in God's pleasure. Their repeated act of giving demonstrates a mature partnership in the gospel, highlighting that true generosity produces spiritual riches and honors God. This act of sowing spiritually benefits the giver as much, if not more, than the recipient.

Practical Usage Examples:

• When supporting missionary work, remember that your consistent contributions produce "fruit" for your spiritual "account."
• When a ministry leader expresses gratitude for your support, understand they value the spiritual impact of your generosity, not just the financial sum.
• Recognize that giving, especially consistent giving to gospel work, is a way to "abound" in spiritual blessing.