Philippians 4 17

Philippians 4:17 kjv

Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

Philippians 4:17 nkjv

Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.

Philippians 4:17 niv

Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.

Philippians 4:17 esv

Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.

Philippians 4:17 nlt

I don't say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.

Philippians 4 verses

Philippians 4 17 Meaning

The Apostle Paul clarifies his motivation for receiving the financial support from the Philippian believers. He states that his true desire is not the material "gift" itself, but rather the spiritual "fruit" or beneficial outcome that accrues to the givers, ultimately enriching their "account" or spiritual credit before God. It emphasizes that while he appreciates their practical generosity, his ultimate focus is on their spiritual well-being and the eternal rewards their giving generates.

Philippians 4 17 Context

This verse is embedded within Paul's letter of thanks to the Philippian church, specifically addressing their generous financial support for his ministry. After commending them for their continuous care (Phil 4:10), Paul clarifies his perspective on receiving aid. He stresses that his contentment is not dependent on material possessions or a state of want or abundance (Phil 4:11-13). He acknowledges their historical partnership and unique generosity, as they were the only church consistently supporting him (Phil 4:15-16). Verse 17 directly follows this acknowledgment, serving to underscore his pure motives and redirect the focus from his needs to their spiritual benefit. The surrounding context also anticipates a divine recompense for their faithfulness (Phil 4:18-19). Historically, Paul often faced accusations of mercenary motives, and this statement reinforces his integrity and apostolic authenticity. Culturally, while receiving patronage was common, Paul always maintained a clear spiritual focus, often distinguishing himself from other teachers who might exploit believers for personal gain.

Philippians 4 17 Word analysis

• Not that I seek: Paul explicitly qualifies his previous statements, emphasizing his detachment from personal gain. He avoids any implication that his gratitude stems from self-interest or a demand for future support.
• the gift (τὸ δόμα/δόσιν, to doma/dosis): Refers to the financial aid or material donation they provided, as mentioned in Philippians 4:15 ("give and receive"). This term acknowledges the concrete reality of their help but separates it from his ultimate aspiration.
• but I seek: Paul highlights his true underlying motivation, which transcends the immediate, tangible benefit to himself. This sets up a clear contrast between what he does not seek and what he does seek.
• the fruit (τὸν καρπόν, ton karpon): This is a powerful metaphor drawn from agriculture. In biblical language, "fruit" often represents the outcome or product of actions, character, or the Spirit's work. Here, it signifies the spiritual return or positive spiritual consequence of their giving. It implies an organic, growing yield.
• that increases (τὸν πλεονάζοντα, ton pleonazonta): Meaning "abounding," "multiplying," or "increasing." This verb conveys the idea of continuous and perhaps exponential growth. The spiritual benefit to the givers is not static but dynamically accumulates over time.
• to your credit (εἰς λόγον ὑμῶν, eis logon hymōn): A common financial or accounting idiom, literally meaning "to your account." It refers to an item posted in an account book as a gain, profit, or a positive balance. Spiritually, it signifies divine commendation, future rewards, or blessings stored up for the Philippians in their heavenly "account" with God. Their act of giving is registered by God as a spiritual investment yielding returns for them.

• "Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit": This phrase eloquently draws a distinction between the immediate, physical transfer of resources and the enduring, spiritual outcomes. Paul frames his gratitude not as a response to personal benefit, but as joy over their spiritual prosperity and the evidence of their genuine faith manifested through their generosity. His true pursuit is their eternal well-being, not transient gain.
• "fruit that increases to your credit": This combines agricultural and commercial metaphors to explain the eternal value of their generosity. Their act of giving is seen as planting a seed (fruit) that continually grows (increases), resulting in a positive ledger entry (to your credit) in their divine record. It underscores God's principle of sowing and reaping, where acts of faith and love, including material giving, result in spiritual accumulation for the giver.

Philippians 4 17 Bonus section

This verse also indirectly challenges the widespread Greco-Roman philosophical practice of patronage, where gifts often implied an expectation of status, loyalty, or even subservience from the recipient. Paul subtly yet firmly redefines the dynamic: he is not their dependent in a way that diminishes their spiritual standing or places them under obligation to him, but rather he views their act as a service to God which directly benefits them. The phrase "increases to your credit" implies a transactional aspect with God, where God Himself is the ultimate bookkeeper and rewarder. It combats any potential misinterpretation that Paul is leveraging his spiritual authority for material gain, thereby preserving the integrity of the gospel message and his apostleship. The emphasis is entirely on the giver's benefit, aligning with Jesus' teaching that giving to God’s kingdom is a secure investment in eternity.

Philippians 4 17 Commentary

Philippians 4:17 offers a profound insight into the ethics of giving and receiving within Christian ministry. Paul’s statement is a testament to his consistent character, rooted not in self-interest but in a genuine pastoral concern for those he serves. He skillfully reorients the transaction from a material exchange to a spiritual investment. The gift, while essential for his mission, is viewed instrumentally; its true significance lies in the spiritual "fruit" it bears for the givers. This "fruit" refers to the demonstration of their faith, obedience, and love for God and His work, which accrues spiritual dividends, contributing to their divine "credit" or eternal reward. It’s a powerful assurance that generosity toward God’s work is never forgotten but becomes a source of increasing spiritual wealth for the giver, transforming a worldly act into an eternal treasure. This perspective elevates giving from mere philanthropy to a direct act of worship and stewardship that God honors and recompenses. It provides a theological basis for cheerful and consistent giving, reassuring believers that their financial support has lasting, God-centered significance far beyond its immediate utility.