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

This verse expresses Paul's gratitude for the generous gift sent by the Philippian believers. It signifies their spiritual fruitfulness and abundant provision for his needs, highlighting the divine principle of giving and receiving, especially within the context of supporting the ministry of the Gospel. It's a complete transaction, an aroma acceptable and pleasing to God.

Philippians 4 18 Context

The letter from Philippi to Paul, written while he was imprisoned (likely in Rome), demonstrates the deep affection and support the Philippian church had for him. In Philippians chapter 4, Paul discusses joy, prayer, peace, and his own contentment regardless of his circumstances. He specifically addresses the gift they sent him, which they had previously done when he was in Thessalonica. This particular gift provided for his needs during his Roman imprisonment. This verse serves as a capstone, a profound expression of gratitude for their faithful, ongoing support, framing it within a theological understanding of acceptable sacrifice and divine blessing.

Philippians 4 18 Word Analysis

• "(All things) Poly" - Meaning "every," "all," or "whole." It signifies completeness, encompassing all their provision.
• "Received" - Greek: "Decomai" (δέχομαι). This verb implies welcoming, accepting, and taking to oneself. It suggests more than just receiving an item; it's accepting it with appreciation and value.
• "Abundantly" - Greek: "Perissos" (περισσῶς). This adverb denotes excess, more than enough, superfluously, or exceedingly. It highlights the generous nature of their gift.
• "Ye have" - Greek: "Echo" (ἔχω), referring to their possession and availability of means.
• "Received" - Greek: "Decomai" (δέχομαι) again, reinforcing the action of acceptance.
• "My" - Possessive pronoun, indicating the recipient of the gift.
• "Filling" - Greek: "Pleroma" (πλήρωμα), referring to a full measure, the completion of something, or the act of making full. It conveys that their gift completely met Paul's needs.
• "The" - Definite article.
• "All" - Greek: "Panta" (πάντα). Repetition emphasizes the totality of their provision.
• "Things" - Greek: "Chremata" (χρήματα), referring to material possessions or money.
• "Need" - Greek: "Chreia" (χρεία). This refers to necessity, requirement, or lack. Their gift satisfied his lack.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "Received abundant ye have received my filling": This phrase captures the essence of the gift being received abundantly and serving to fill his needs. The repetition of "received" emphasizes the act of their generosity being met with acceptance.
• "Aroma of sacrifice": This imagery links their material support to a spiritual offering, resonating with Old Testament sacrificial practices that were pleasing to God. It transforms the act of giving from mere charity to a form of worship.
• "Acceptable" - Greek: "Eudesmos" (εὐώδες), literally "sweet-smelling" or "fragrant." This word is used to describe well-pleasing odors, particularly in relation to sacrifices (Leviticus 1:9).
• "Well pleasing" - Greek: "Euareslos" (εὐάρεστος). This signifies pleasing, agreeable, or well-received. Combined with "aroma," it amplifies the idea of a divine acceptance and satisfaction derived from their gift.
• "To God": Direct attribution of the acceptance and pleasure derived from the act to God himself.

Philippians 4 18 Bonus Section

The phrase "aroma of sacrifice" draws a clear parallel to the burnt offerings in the Old Testament (e.g., Leviticus 1:9). These sacrifices were intended to be "a pleasing aroma" to the Lord, signifying appeasement and acceptance. Paul employs this rich imagery to show that the Philippians' gift, though financial, was a spiritual act of worship that God found pleasing. It highlights that practical support for the ministry of the Gospel is itself a form of worship and a fragrant offering unto God. It underscores the spiritual significance of their financial partnership in advancing the Gospel message. This connects the tangible act of giving with divine acceptance, emphasizing that God looks upon such generosity with favor.

Philippians 4 18 Commentary

Paul's profound gratitude is evident here. He uses sacrificial terminology ("aroma of sacrifice, acceptable, well-pleasing to God") to elevate the Philippians' gift beyond mere material aid. It’s viewed as an act of worship, consecrated and acceptable to God. This generous support, reflecting their partnership in the Gospel, fully met Paul's needs, demonstrating God's abundant provision through His people. Their faithfulness in giving was an act of obedience that God recognized and was pleased with. This is not just about financial support, but a tangible expression of spiritual maturity and fellowship in the ministry.