Philippians 4 5

Philippians 4:5 kjv

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Philippians 4:5 nkjv

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

Philippians 4:5 niv

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Philippians 4:5 esv

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;

Philippians 4:5 nlt

Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Philippians 4 verses

Philippians 4 5 Meaning

Philippians 4:5 calls believers to display a spirit of gracious moderation, gentle forbearance, and kindly fairness in all their interactions with people. This "reasonableness" should be publicly evident, not just an internal attitude. The urgency and motivation for such conduct stem from the declaration that "the Lord is at hand," signifying both His imminent return (providing motivation for present conduct) and His abiding, watchful presence (assuring believers of His nearness and help). It urges a Christian demeanor characterized by non-insistence on rights, patience, and a flexible spirit, which prepares one for the Lord's appearing.

Philippians 4 5 Context

Philippians 4:5 sits within a passage of practical exhortations at the close of Paul's letter to the Philippian church. The chapter opens with an appeal for unity between two specific women, Euodia and Syntyche (4:2), highlighting a practical need for harmony within the congregation. Paul then moves to broader counsel, urging all believers to "rejoice in the Lord always" (4:4). This call for "reasonableness" directly follows that command, providing a tangible way for their inner joy to manifest externally, especially in overcoming disputes.

The historical context includes Philippi as a Roman colony, whose citizens valued their Roman rights and dignity. Paul, imprisoned at the time of writing, often appealed to their citizenship (e.g., in Phil 3:20) but also called them to live by a heavenly citizenship, marked by qualities contrasting with Roman societal norms of asserting dominance. "Reasonableness" was a virtue that stood in stark relief against a culture prone to legalism, rivalry, and insistence on one's personal rights. The final phrase, "The Lord is at hand," grounds these practical commands in an eschatological reality and an awareness of Christ's present oversight.

Philippians 4 5 Word analysis

• Let: An imperative, genēthētō (γενηθήτω) meaning "let it become" or "let it be made," indicates a command for an active manifestation. It's not just a quality to possess, but one to be put on display.
• your: Possessive, emphasizing that this is a characteristic owned by and expected of the Philippian believers.
• reasonableness: Greek epieikeia (ἐπιείκεια). This is a crucial term, challenging simple translation. It encompasses gentleness, forbearance, moderation, fair-mindedness, equity, and a yielding spirit that goes beyond strict justice or the letter of the law. It means being willing to waive one's strict rights, not being overly rigid, but considerate and patient towards others. It is the antithesis of a contentious, legalistic, or overly self-assertive attitude. It's an inner disposition that manifests in gracious external behavior.
• be known: Greek gnosthetō (γνωσθήτω). An aorist passive imperative, emphasizing the necessity for this quality to be observed, seen, and recognized by others. It points to the public display of Christian character.
• to everyone: Greek pasin anthrōpois (πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις), meaning "to all people." This broadens the scope of the command: Christian reasonableness is not reserved for fellow believers but must be shown universally, impacting even unbelievers, thereby testifying to the Gospel.
• The Lord: Greek ho Kyrios (ὁ Κύριος). Refers definitively to Jesus Christ, asserting His divine authority and sovereignty.
• is at hand: Greek engys (ἐγγύς). An adverb meaning "near." This phrase carries a double meaning.
  1. Near in time: The imminent return of Christ, the Parousia. This view motivates ethical conduct because believers live in expectation of His coming judgment and reward.
  2. Near in presence: Christ's constant, abiding presence with believers through His Spirit, and His watchful oversight of their lives. This understanding provides comfort, strength, and reminds believers that their conduct is always before Him. Both aspects serve as powerful incentives and anchors for Christian behavior.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Let your reasonableness be known to everyone": This phrase functions as a call for outward testimony through ethical conduct. It connects the inner character (epieikeia) to its public demonstration (gnosthetō), applying universally (pasin anthrōpois). It's a command for practical discipleship that showcases Christ's nature to a watching world, implicitly healing divisions (like those between Euodia and Syntyche) and contrasting with societal expectations of asserting rights.
• "The Lord is at hand": This statement serves as the profound motivation and theological underpinning for the preceding command. Whether understood as Christ's imminent return or His ever-present help, it instills a sense of urgency, accountability, and reliance. It anchors Christian ethics not in mere self-effort or societal pressure, but in the person and work of the sovereign Lord, whose nearness informs, empowers, and justifies their gentle witness. It's a truth meant to evoke comfort, strength, and righteous living.

Philippians 4 5 Bonus section

The Greek word epieikeia (reasonableness/gentleness) was used in Greek philosophical thought to describe equity in justice, a willingness to go beyond the letter of the law to achieve true fairness. However, in the New Testament, particularly in Paul, it takes on a deeply Christian nuance, being infused with the spirit of Christ. It becomes an aspect of character that mirrors God's own grace and mercy (2 Cor 10:1 refers to "the meekness and gentleness of Christ"). It suggests a spirit that would rather suffer a slight than retaliate or rigorously defend its own claims, thereby embodying the essence of humility taught by Christ himself. This virtue is essential for unity within the church (addressing internal strife) and for an effective external witness in a world that often values aggression and self-assertion. The call for this reasonableness to be "known to everyone" underscores the missional dimension—believers' conduct serves as a living testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel.

Philippians 4 5 Commentary

Philippians 4:5 encapsulates a vital aspect of Christ-like conduct: epieikeia—a disposition that blends gentleness, moderation, fairness, and gracious flexibility. This is not weakness but strength born of humility and confidence in God. It means refraining from insisting on one's own rights or being legalistically rigid, choosing instead to extend grace, understanding, and patient kindness, even when dealing with those who are difficult or who might legally deserve a stricter application of justice. This profound quality, often translated as "gentleness," "forbearance," or "reasonableness," is to be an observable trait in every believer, openly demonstrated towards everyone without distinction. The power and urgency behind this command derive from the assurance that "The Lord is at hand." This dual truth—that Christ's return is near and that He is always present with us—serves as both a compelling motivation for right living and a source of unwavering comfort in the face of injustice or conflict. It means living in constant awareness of Christ's sovereign oversight and ultimate vindication, allowing believers to relinquish personal defense and reflect His compassionate nature to a world in need.

Practical examples:

• Conflict resolution: Choosing to yield a point in a disagreement rather than insist on being "right," for the sake of peace and a good witness.
• Daily interactions: Responding with patience and understanding to rudeness or irritation from others, rather than with tit-for-tat aggression.
• Legal/Social standing: Not exploiting every legal right or advantage one might possess, but showing consideration and mercy where applicable, especially to the disadvantaged.