Philippians 4 3

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 verses

Philippians 4 3 Meaning

This verse contains an earnest appeal from the Apostle Paul to an unnamed, trusted colleague ("true yokefellow") within the Philippian church. Paul urges this individual to assist a group of women who had strenuously labored alongside him in spreading the gospel message. He also mentions Clement and other unnamed co-laborers, emphasizing their joint effort. The verse culminates in the profound declaration that the names of all these dedicated individuals, including the women and Clement, are divinely recorded in the "book of life," signifying their eternal salvation and God's approval of their work. This appeal likely follows the preceding plea for Euodia and Syntyche to agree, with the "true yokefellow" playing a vital role in restoring unity and supporting gospel workers.

Philippians 4 3 Context

Philippians 4:3 appears towards the close of Paul's letter to the church at Philippi, a deeply personal letter characterized by themes of joy, steadfastness in suffering, and unity. The immediate preceding verse (Phil 4:2) specifically names two women, Euodia and Syntyche, urging them to resolve a disagreement and be of the "same mind in the Lord." This conflict among influential women within the community likely spurred Paul's follow-up request in verse 3 for a reliable individual to "help those women." Historically, the church at Philippi was notable for its strong female leadership and participation from its inception (Lydia, Acts 16). Paul wrote this epistle while imprisoned (likely in Rome), making his concern for the unity and continued gospel work in Philippi particularly poignant. The letter encourages joy regardless of circumstances and stresses the importance of working together for the advance of the gospel, which is the broader literary context for this verse's specific appeal for support and recognition of fellow workers.

Philippians 4 3 Word analysis

• And I entreat thee also (καὶ ἐρωτῶ καὶ σὲ - kai erōtō kai se): The initial kai ("and") links this request directly to the preceding concerns for Euodia and Syntyche, showing a continuity of thought. Erōtō signifies a strong, earnest request, an urgent appeal. Kai se ("thee also") emphasizes that this unnamed recipient is distinct from the two women and is being personally addressed.
• true (γνήσιε - gnēsie): Meaning "genuine," "authentic," "legitimate," or "sincere." It indicates a high degree of trust and shared values. This person is not merely an acquaintance but a deeply reliable and faithful individual.
• yokefellow (σύζυγε - syzyge): From syzygos, meaning "yoked together," a "fellow worker," "partner," or literally a "yoke-mate." Its precise identity is debated among scholars, potentially referring to: a literal spouse of Paul (less likely given other contexts), a male co-worker like Epaphroditus or Silas, a specific leader in the Philippian church (perhaps the bishop), or a husband of one of the women mentioned. The primary significance is the idea of shared labor and burden.
• help (συλλαμβάνου - syllambanou): An imperative verb meaning "to take hold with," "to assist," "to aid." It suggests active, tangible support and mediation, especially given the preceding context of disagreement among the women.
• those women (αὐταῖς - autais, referring to haitines): This refers to a group of women. It most certainly includes Euodia and Syntyche from Phil 4:2, but potentially other unnamed women as well who served alongside Paul. The request for help is not just for unity but for their ongoing ministry support.
• which laboured with me in the gospel (αἵτινες ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ συνήθλησαν μοι - haitines en tō euaggeliō synēthlēsan moi): Synēthlēsan is significant, meaning "struggled together" or "contended together" as in an athletic contest or a military campaign. It denotes intense, active, and perhaps even sacrificial participation in the advance of the gospel, suggesting they shared Paul's arduous mission work, likely facing opposition and challenges.
• with Clement also (μετὰ Καὶ Κλήμεντος - meta Kai Klēmentos): Clement was a known person to the Philippians and to Paul. This specific naming, alongside general "fellowlabourers," implies his prominent role and participation in the shared ministry efforts.
• and with other my fellowlabourers (καὶ τῶν λοιπῶν συνεργῶν μου - kai tōn loipōn synergōn mou): Synergōn means "co-workers," "partners in work." This phrase broadens the scope to include all who collaborated with Paul, affirming the value and collective effort of a wider group of ministry partners beyond those explicitly named.
• whose names (ὧν τὰ ὀνόματα - hōn ta onomata): Signifies their individual identity and divine recognition.
• are in the book of life (ἐν βίβλῳ ζωῆς - en bibliō zōēs): A profound theological declaration. The "book of life" (or God's book, the Lamb's book) is an ancient concept in Scripture, denoting a divine register of those who are heirs of eternal life. It assures the readers and the individuals themselves of their salvation, divine approval of their service, and ultimate belonging to God.

• "true yokefellow, help those women": This phrase combines the earnest personal appeal (gnēsie syzyge) with the specific directive to assist (syllambanou) the named and unnamed women, highlighting the importance of personal intervention for the sake of the church's unity and effective ministry.
• "laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers": This group demonstrates the diverse yet unified nature of gospel work. The women are not simply congregants but active partners, using a strong verb (synēthlēsan) which is also used for Paul's own struggle, equating their spiritual contribution with his.
• "whose names are in the book of life": This culminating declaration serves multiple purposes: it affirms the spiritual standing and eternal destiny of all these workers (both known and unknown); it validates their hard work as divinely significant; and it offers powerful encouragement to the entire Philippian community regarding the eternal reward for faithful service.

Philippians 4 3 Bonus section

The identity of the "true yokefellow" (gnēsie syzyge) remains one of the most intriguing ambiguities in Philippians. While many commentaries suggest Epaphroditus (the messenger who brought the Philippians' gift to Paul and carried Paul's letter back), some traditions propose Lydia (the first convert in Philippi), or even a direct leader of the church. The very ambiguity allows the phrase to function as an appeal to whoever was genuinely able and willing to step in and facilitate reconciliation and support. Paul's carefully chosen words demonstrate his pastoral heart, seeking to address a delicate situation within the church without causing further division or publicly shaming individuals, yet still emphasizing the high regard he had for those serving Christ. This verse reinforces the vital need for interdependence and mutual support within the Body of Christ for the gospel's sake.

Philippians 4 3 Commentary

Philippians 4:3 is a pivotal verse underscoring Paul's concern for unity, his affirmation of female leadership and partnership in gospel ministry, and the profound assurance of divine recognition for faithful service. Paul's direct plea to the "true yokefellow" highlights the need for sensitive, personal intervention in the church's affairs, particularly regarding the potential discord between Euodia and Syntyche (implied from 4:2). The use of syzygos—a trusted, authentic partner—underscores the critical nature of this helper's role in mediation and support.

Paul unequivocally recognizes the women as legitimate and valued "fellow-strugglers" (synēthlēsan) in the gospel, indicating their active, often difficult, participation in the missionary enterprise. This commendation elevates their status beyond mere passive supporters to active propagators of Christ's message. Including Clement and other unnamed co-laborers illustrates the communal and diverse effort required for the gospel to advance. The ultimate affirmation, that "their names are in the book of life," is not merely a statement of personal salvation but also a divine seal of approval on their ministry. It is an immense source of encouragement, emphasizing that all genuine laborers for Christ, regardless of status or recognition, are precious in God's sight and will receive eternal reward. This timeless principle provides encouragement for all believers to faithfully serve, knowing their efforts are noted by God.