Philippians 4 18

Philippians 4:18 kjv

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

Philippians 4:18 nkjv

Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

Philippians 4:18 niv

I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

Philippians 4:18 esv

I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

Philippians 4:18 nlt

At the moment I have all I need ? and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God.

Philippians 4 verses

Philippians 4 18 Meaning

The Apostle Paul expresses profound gratitude and complete satisfaction to the Philippian church for their generous financial support, which Epaphroditus had delivered. He assures them that their material gift has not only met his needs entirely, but has also been divinely received and regarded as a spiritually acceptable, sweet-smelling sacrifice, exceedingly pleasing to God Himself. This verse elevates Christian giving from a mere financial transaction to a holy act of worship, deeply cherished by the Lord.

Philippians 4 18 Context

This verse is situated at the close of Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians, a letter characterized by joy, contentment, and fellowship despite his imprisonment. Throughout the chapter, Paul encourages the believers toward peace and rejoicing (Phil 4:4-7), practical conduct (Phil 4:8-9), and famously articulates his secret to contentment in all circumstances (Phil 4:11-13). Verse 18 is a direct expression of gratitude for a specific financial gift that the Philippians had sent to him via Epaphroditus. This support was part of their ongoing "partnership in the gospel" (Phil 1:5, 4:15), a practice consistent since Paul first ministered among them. Paul’s response moves beyond simple thanks, imbuing their material offering with profound spiritual significance as an act of worship toward God.

Philippians 4 18 Word analysis

• But I have all (ἀπέχω, apechō): This Greek word is often used in a commercial sense, meaning "I have received in full," like a receipt or full payment. Paul is confirming that the Philippians’ gift completely fulfilled his needs at that moment, leaving no outstanding "debt" or requirement on their part. It signifies full and complete receipt.
• and abound (περισσεύω, perisseuō): This term means "to have more than enough," "to overflow," or "to be in great supply." Paul emphasizes that his sufficiency extends beyond just having enough to having an excess, conveying deep contentment and provision beyond measure. It speaks to a sense of surplus and well-being.
• I am full (πεπλήρωμαι, peplērōmai): A perfect passive participle of plēroō, meaning "to be filled" or "to be amply supplied." It reinforces the idea of Paul's profound satisfaction and contentment. It indicates a state of being fully provided for and personally fulfilled.
• having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you: This is a factual statement acknowledging the specific channel and source of the gift. Epaphroditus (meaning "charming," ironically for a pagan god's name, yet this Epaphroditus served Christ diligently) was their messenger, entrusted with delivering their benevolence and serving Paul, to the point of risking his own life (Phil 2:27).
• an odour of a sweet smell (ὀσμὴν εὐωδίας, osmēn euōdias): This phrase directly echoes the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) description of sacrifices pleasing to God (e.g., Gen 8:21, Ex 29:18, Lev 1:9). It translates as "a fragrance of good odor" or "a sweet aroma." It shifts the character of the gift from a material transaction to a sacred act, likened to the pleasing incense or burnt offerings that ascended to God. This signifies divine pleasure in their giving.
• a sacrifice (θυσίαν, thysian): The Greek term for a sacrificial offering, typically made to God. By applying this term, Paul unequivocally categorizes their financial support not merely as charity or help, but as a devout act of worship directly to God.
• acceptable (δεκτὴν, dektēn): This means "favorably received," "welcomed," or "approved." It indicates that God has truly accepted their offering.
• wellpleasing to God (εὐάρεστον τῷ Θεῷ, euareston tō Theō): Stronger than "acceptable," this phrase denotes something that genuinely brings pleasure, satisfaction, and delight to God. It highlights God’s intrinsic delight and approval of the Philippians' action, further emphasizing its high spiritual value.

Words-group analysis:

• "I have all, and abound: I am full": These three affirmations collectively express Paul's absolute sufficiency and contentment. This is not just a personal statement of relief, but a spiritual declaration rooted in his ultimate dependence on Christ (Phil 4:13). The Philippians' gift provided the material occasion for this expression, but Paul's deep satisfaction transcends mere material provision, signifying a state of being wholly provided for by God through their faithfulness.
• "an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God": This powerful sequence transforms a physical, financial gift into a profound spiritual act. Paul intentionally uses Old Testament temple imagery for offerings that found favor with God (like burnt offerings or fellowship offerings) and applies it to New Covenant giving. It illustrates that Christian generosity, stemming from a devoted heart, is received by God as a beautiful act of worship, bringing Him genuine pleasure and approval. This grouping redefines "sacrifice" to include material support given in love for the sake of the Gospel.

Philippians 4 18 Bonus section

• Paul's choice of commercial terminology ("ἀπέχω" - I have received full payment) would have been easily understood by his Hellenistic audience, subtly contrasting their culture of reciprocal obligation with Christian giving which ultimately looks to God for approval, not human gratitude or future return.
• This verse provides an early, robust theological framework for understanding Christian stewardship and charitable giving, framing it less as a donation and more as an act of sacred devotion and worship.
• The Philippians' consistent and sacrificial generosity was extraordinary. Paul implies that their love and concern for him, even in his suffering, was manifested tangibly, marking them as exceptional partners in the gospel (Phil 4:14-16). Their giving was truly from the heart, which God desires.
• The language of "sweet smell" points to God's immediate and emotional satisfaction. It signifies God experiencing delight and finding genuine pleasure in the offering, much as a pleasant aroma is enjoyed.

Philippians 4 18 Commentary

Philippians 4:18 encapsulates the spiritual essence of Christian generosity. Paul’s receipt of the Philippians' gift evokes a declaration of not just sufficiency ("I have all, and abound"), but also profound contentment ("I am full"), which he has learned in every circumstance. What might appear as a simple thank you note transcends into a theological statement: their material aid is seen as a divine offering. By labeling their gift "an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God," Paul employs rich Old Testament cultic language, transforming a temporal, financial transaction into an eternal act of worship. This signifies that selfless giving for the advancement of the gospel and support of its workers is not merely charity; it is an act that genuinely pleases God, much like a priestly offering ascending before His throne. It highlights that true generosity is deeply spiritual, flows from faith, and finds its ultimate recipient and reward in the heart of God.

• Examples:
  • When believers contribute financially to their church, missions, or humanitarian causes, it should be seen as an act of worship directly offered to God.
  • A church member sacrificially serving in ministry, considering their time and effort a "spiritual sacrifice" to the Lord.
  • Helping a brother or sister in Christ in need, not just out of kindness, but out of reverence for God, who delights in such compassion.