Philippians 4 20

Philippians 4:20 kjv

Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Philippians 4:20 nkjv

Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Philippians 4:20 niv

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Philippians 4:20 esv

To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Philippians 4:20 nlt

Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.

Philippians 4 verses

Philippians 4 20 Meaning

Philippians 4:20 is a powerful doxology, an exclamation of praise to God, functioning as a theological capstone to Paul's thankfulness for the Philippians' partnership and their recent generous gift. It attributes supreme and eternal glory to God as both the transcendent Creator and the intimate Father of believers, solidifying Paul's earlier affirmations about God's provision. It declares that all honor, majesty, and praise belong to God forever and without end.

Philippians 4 20 Context

Philippians 4:20 serves as a powerful doxological conclusion to Paul's expression of gratitude in Philippians 4:10-19. In the preceding verses, Paul thanks the Philippians for their recurring financial support, especially their recent gift sent via Epaphroditus. He affirms their giving as "a fragrant offering, a a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God" (Phil 4:18) and, significantly, assures them that "my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:19). Verse 20 elevates this interaction, shifting the focus from the human act of giving and receiving to the divine source of all blessings and the ultimate recipient of all praise. It encapsulates the theological understanding that all things originate from God and should ultimately return to Him in glory.

Philippians 4 20 Word analysis

• Now (Δὲ - De): This conjunction introduces a logical transition or a concluding remark. Here, it functions to pivot from the immediate subject of thankfulness and divine provision to a final, grand act of praise to God, signaling the theological conclusion of the thought.

• to our God (τῷ Θεῷ δὲ ἡμῶν - tō Theō de hēmōn):

  • to our: This expresses a deep, personal, and communal relationship with God, highlighting that God belongs intimately to believers. It’s not just any god, but our God.
  • God (Θεῷ - Theō): Refers to the singular, true God, underscoring His unique divine nature and authority.

• and Father (καὶ Πατρὶ - kai Patri):

  • and Father: This emphasizes both God's transcendence and His intimate relational role to believers. He is the ultimate, authoritative being (God) and the loving, provident provider (Father), a concept foundational to Christian faith established by Jesus.

• be glory (ἡ δόξα - hē doxa):

  • be glory: "Glory" (δόξα - doxa) signifies honor, renown, majesty, and splendor. It is not something believers grant God as if He lacks it, but rather an inherent quality of God that believers acknowledge, ascribe, and reflect. It encompasses His perfect nature, character, and works. The subjunctive "be" (implied in the construction) is a desire that His inherent glory be recognized and affirmed.

• forever and ever (εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων - eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn):

  • forever and ever: A potent Hebraic idiom for eternity, literally meaning "to the ages of the ages." This is the strongest expression in Greek for limitless duration, emphasizing that God's glory is not bound by time but is eternal, unchanging, and absolute.

• Amen (Ἀμήν - Amēn):

  • Amen: A Hebrew transliteration meaning "so be it," "truly," or "let it be affirmed." It is a strong affirmation and conclusion, expressing agreement, certainty, and a heartfelt wish that the preceding declaration of praise and truth be established for all time.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Now to our God and Father": This phrase directly addresses the recipient of the praise. It highlights both the ultimate, sovereign nature of God and His relational, paternal intimacy with His people. It points to the one true God who is uniquely theirs.
  • "be glory forever and ever": This entire phrase functions as a timeless doxology. It acknowledges God's inherent majesty and the unending praise He rightly deserves, projecting this praise into infinite eternity. It’s an assertion that God's intrinsic greatness is ceaseless and complete.
  • "Amen": This single word seals the entire statement with profound conviction. It affirms the truth and desirability of the doxology, making it a solemn, unwavering declaration of faith and praise from the community of believers.

Philippians 4 20 Bonus section

The placement of this doxology at the end of a passage dealing with financial support is significant. It subtly communicates that human generosity is not an end in itself, but rather a channel through which God’s provision is demonstrated, ultimately redounding to His glory. It also reminds the givers (the Philippians) that their sufficiency and the source of their future supply do not come from human efforts or their own resources, but solely from "our God and Father." This doxology elevates the entire conversation about stewardship and giving to a theological plane, ensuring that the focus remains on God, the eternal giver and receiver of all praise. It encapsulates a broader principle found in scripture: all of creation and all activities of believers should ultimately glorify God.

Philippians 4 20 Commentary

Philippians 4:20 serves as a beautiful and succinct doxology, a theological capstone to Paul's thankfulness and assurance in the preceding verses. Having received generous support from the Philippians and, in turn, having promised them that God would supply their needs, Paul directs the ultimate praise to God. He identifies Him specifically as "our God and Father," emphasizing both His supreme deity and His intimate, caring relationship with believers. This pairing underscores God's transcendent power and His immanent love and provision. The phrase "be glory forever and ever" is not an appeal for God to become glorious, but a declarative recognition and aspiration that His intrinsic, infinite majesty be perpetually acknowledged and worshipped by all. It is an affirmation that God is the source and ultimate goal of all blessings and human acts of service. The concluding "Amen" seals this doxology with fervent assent, solidifying the truth and eternality of this praise to God.