Philippians 4:3 kjv
And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
Philippians 4:3 nkjv
And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
Philippians 4:3 niv
Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Philippians 4:3 esv
Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Philippians 4:3 nlt
And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.
Philippians 4 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Philippians 1:5 | "for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." | Partnership in Gospel |
| Romans 1:8 | "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you..." | Thanksgiving for faith |
| 1 Cor 16:22 | "...Let him be accursed! Maranatha." | Anathema for apostasy |
| 2 Cor 1:5 | "For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in our comfort too." | Shared Suffering/Comfort |
| 2 Cor 4:10 | "...always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies." | Bearing Christ's death |
| Gal 6:2 | "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." | Bearing Burdens |
| Eph 4:3 | "striving to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." | Unity of the Spirit |
| Phil 1:7 | "It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; and whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, you all share in God’s grace with me." | Shared Grace |
| Phil 4:14 | "Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles." | Sharing Troubles |
| Col 1:24 | "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church." | Suffering for Church |
| Heb 10:33 | "...sometimes being publicly exposed by insults and afflictions, and sometimes being partners with those so treated." | Partnership in Suffering |
| 1 Pet 4:13 | "But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice exceedingly when his glory is revealed." | Rejoicing in Suffering |
| 2 John 1:11 | "for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works." | Partnership in Evil |
| Gen 22:18 | "and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice." | Obedience leading to blessing |
| Deut 7:9 | "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments..." | God's Covenant Love |
| Ps 1:1 | "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked..." | Blessedness |
| Prov 3:5-6 | "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding..." | Trust in the Lord |
| Isa 55:10-11 | "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and return there, but water the earth..." | God's Word's Effectiveness |
| Jer 31:31-33 | "Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant..." | New Covenant |
| John 1:16 | "For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." | Grace upon Grace |
| Acts 4:32 | "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and one soul..." | Unity of Believers |
| Rom 8:17 | "...and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ..." | Fellow Heirs with Christ |
| Gal 3:29 | "And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring..." | Abraham's Offspring |
| Phil 3:10 | "that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death," | Sharing Sufferings, Knowing Christ |
Philippians 4 verses
Philippians 4 3 Meaning
This verse highlights the critical role of believers in the Gospel ministry, emphasizing that their faithful partnership in suffering for the faith is an essential aspect of proclaiming and advancing the good news of Jesus Christ. It suggests a communal aspect to Christian service, where shared hardship contributes to a collective victory and testimony.
Philippians 4 3 Context
Philippians chapter 4 discusses themes of joy, peace, contentment, and steadfastness in the Christian life, particularly in the face of adversity. Paul addresses specific situations within the Philippian church, including disunity among believers. This particular verse, chapter 4, verse 3, is situated within a section where Paul appeals for unity and harmony within the church. He mentions two specific women, Euodia and Syntyche, who seem to have a disagreement. While the exact nature of their conflict is not detailed, it was significant enough for Paul to address it directly, urging them to reconcile. This verse serves as Paul's appeal to "true yokefellow" (often interpreted as Epaphroditus or another prominent leader) to help these women, underscoring the importance of communal support and conflict resolution within the Christian fellowship, and that believers play a crucial role in this process.
Philippians 4 3 Word Analysis
- καὶ (kai): And. A common conjunction, connecting clauses or ideas.
- ἐρωτῶ (erōtō): I ask, I beseech, I entreat. This verb indicates a serious and earnest request, conveying a plea. It's a strong verb showing Paul’s heartfelt appeal.
- σε (se): you (singular, accusative). Refers to the individual being addressed, likely the "true yokefellow" or partner in ministry.
- συνεργῷ (synergō): fellow worker, partner, helper. From
syn(together) andergon(work). This noun highlights a collaborative relationship in ministry and shared labor for the Gospel. It emphasizes mutual contribution and partnership in God's work. The term implies shared purpose and effort. - γνήσιοι(s) (gnēsiōs): true, genuine, legitimate. It's used here adverbially with
synergō, qualifying the kind of partner. This implies a genuine and sincere coworker, not one who is superficial or deceitful. It speaks to the character of the partnership. - συλλαμβανομένῃ(ς) (syllambanomenais): helping, assisting, taking hold of together. A participle from
syllambanō, which means to take together, seize, help, conceive. In this context, it signifies actively joining with and supporting these women in their efforts or perhaps in resolving their conflict, reflecting a shared effort in the pursuit of unity and ministry. It suggests actively participating in their life or ministry, lending aid.
Words-Group Analysis
- "I ask you, my true yokefellow": This is a direct, personal, and urgent appeal from Paul. The term "yokefellow" (synergō) evokes imagery of oxen yoked together, plowing a field. It speaks to deep intimacy, shared labor, and mutual dependence in ministry. The qualifier "true" (gnēsion) intensifies this, suggesting a genuine, loyal, and dependable partner.
- "help these women": The verb
syllambanomenaisused here is significant. It can mean to help, support, or even to take part with. It implies actively joining alongside, providing assistance, and engaging in the shared task of reconciliation or continuing ministry.
Philippians 4 3 Bonus Section
The mention of "women" who have "struggled beside me in the gospel" highlights the significant, though often under-recognized, roles women played in the early church's ministry and evangelism. Their struggle alongside Paul indicates active participation in the missionary enterprise, potentially including teaching, leadership, hospitality, and enduring persecution. The plea for their reconciliation underscores the high value placed on church unity and the importance of resolving interpersonal conflicts for the sake of the Gospel's witness. The fact that Paul’s own trusted "yokefellow" is called upon to mediate suggests a recognized authority and influence that this individual held, further demonstrating the interconnectedness of the church's leadership and members. This verse reinforces the concept of the church as a spiritual family where members bear one another's burdens and strive for harmony.
Philippians 4 3 Commentary
Paul, imprisoned but not silenced, is still actively engaged in the well-being and progress of the Gospel. His plea to his "true yokefellow" underscores that even apostles relied on the support and participation of other believers. This verse is a profound reminder that the Christian ministry is not a solitary endeavor but a deeply interconnected work. The "women" are named and their role in the Gospel ministry is acknowledged, signifying that women were integral to the early church's evangelistic efforts and inner life. The request for the yokefellow to "help them" suggests these women, perhaps valuable co-workers, were facing some difficulty or were involved in a dispute that threatened the church's harmony. The essence of the plea is for unity, mutual support, and continued commitment to the Gospel, even amidst personal disagreements or struggles. It is a call to be a peacemaker and a supporter of fellow laborers, thereby strengthening the body of Christ.
- Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to identify and support fellow Christians who are working for the Gospel, especially those facing challenges or disagreements. This includes offering practical assistance, fostering reconciliation, and valuing their contribution to ministry.