PHP front intro pv9j 0 # Introduction to Philippians<br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of the Book of the Philippians<br><br>1. Greeting, thanksgiving and prayer (1:1-11)<br>1. Paul’s report on his ministry (1:12-26)<br>1. Instructions<br>- To be steadfast (1:27-30)<br>- To be united (2:1-2)<br>- To be humble (2:3-11)<br>- To work out our salvation with God working in you (2:12-13)<br>- To be innocent and light (2:14-18)<br>1. Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:19-30)<br>1. Warning about false teachers (3:1-4:1)<br>1. Personal instruction (4:2-5)<br>1. Rejoice and do not be anxious (4:4-6)<br>1. Final remarks<br>- Values (4:8-9)<br>- Contentment (4:10-20)<br>- Final Greetings (4:21-23)<br><br>### Who wrote the Book Philippians?<br><br>Paul wrote Philippians. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.<br><br>Paul wrote this letter while in prison in Rome.<br><br>### What is the Book of Philippians about?<br><br>Paul wrote this letter to the believers in Philippi, a city in Macedonia. He wrote it to thank the Philippians for the gift they had sent him. He wanted to tell them about how he was doing in prison and to encourage them to rejoice even if they are suffering. He also wrote to them about a man named Epaphroditus. He was the one who brought the gift to Paul. While visiting Paul, Epaphroditus became ill. So, Paul decided to send him back to Philippi. Paul encouraged the believers in Philippi to welcome and to be kind to Epaphroditus when he returns.<br><br>### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “Philippians.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Paul’s Letter to the Church in Philippi,” or “A Letter to the Christians in Philippi.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>### What was the city of Philippi like?<br><br>Philip, the father of Alexander the Great, founded Philippi in the region of Macedonia. This meant that the citizens of Philippi were also considered citizens of Rome. The people of Philippi were proud of being citizens of Rome. But Paul told the believers that they are citizens of heaven (3:20).<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>### Singular and plural “you”<br><br>In this book, the word “I” refers to Paul. The word “you” is almost always plural and refers to the believers in Philippi. The exception to this is 4:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])<br><br>### Who were the “enemies of the cross of Christ” (3:18) in this letter?<br><br>The “enemies of the cross of Christ” were probably people who called themselves believers, but they did not obey God’s commands. They thought that freedom in Christ meant that believers could do whatever they desired and God would not punish them (3:19).<br><br>### Why were the words “joy” and “rejoice” frequently used in this letter?<br><br>Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter (1:7). Even though he suffered, Paul said many times that he was joyful because God had been kind to him through Jesus Christ. He wanted to encourage his readers to have the same trust in Jesus Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])<br><br>### What does Paul mean by the expression “in Christ,” “in the Lord,” etc.?<br><br>This kind of expression occurs in 1:1, 8, 13, 14, 26, 27; 2:1, 5, 19, 24, 29; 3:1, 3, 9, 14; 4:1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 13, 19, 21. Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union with Christ and the believers. See the introduction to the Book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.<br><br>### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of Philippians?<br><br>* Some versions have “Amen” at the end of
PHP 1 intro kd3g 0 # Philippians 01 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Paul includes a prayer in the beginning of this letter. At that time, religious leaders sometimes began informal letters with a prayer.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### The day of Christ<br>This probably refers to the day when Christ returns. Paul often connected the return of Christ with motivating godly living. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/godly]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Paradox<br><br>A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. This statement in verse 21 is a paradox: “to die is gain.” In verse 23 Paul explains why this is true. ([Philippians 1:21](../../php/01/21.md))
PHP 1 1 c255 figs-you 0 General Information: Paul and Timothy wrote this letter to the church at Philippi. Because Paul writes later in the letter saying “I,” it is generally assumed that he is the author and that Timothy, who is with him, writes as Paul speaks. All instances of “you” and “your” in the letter refer to the believers in the Philippian church and are plural. The word “our” probably refers to all believers in Christ, including Paul, Timothy, and the Philippian believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
PHP 1 1 kze2 Παῦλος καὶ Τιμόθεος…καὶ διακόνοις 1 Paul and Timothy…and deacons If your language has a particular way of introducing the authors of a letter, use it here.
PHP 1 1 kx8h Παῦλος καὶ Τιμόθεος, δοῦλοι Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ 1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus “Timothy, who are servants of Christ Jesus”
PHP 1 1 na5j πᾶσιν τοῖς ἁγίοις ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 all those set apart in Christ Jesus This refers to those whom God chose to belong to him by being united to Christ. Alternate translation: “all God’s people in Christ Jesus” or “all those who belong to God because they are united with Christ”
PHP 1 1 im6v ἐπισκόποις καὶ διακόνοις 1 the overseers and deacons “the leaders of the church”
PHP 1 3 ntp5 ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ μνείᾳ ὑμῶν 1 every time I remember you Here “remember you” means when Paul thinks about the Philippians while he is praying. Alternate translation: “every time I think of you”
PHP 1 5 yi9l figs-metonymy ἐπὶ τῇ κοινωνίᾳ ὑμῶν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον 1 because of your partnership in the gospel Paul is expressing thanks to God that the Philippians have joined him in teaching people the gospel. He may have been referring to them praying for him and sending money so that he could travel and tell others. Alternate translation: “because you are helping me proclaim the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
PHP 1 6 s1l8 πεποιθὼς 1 I am confident “I am sure”
PHP 1 6 jf4x ὁ ἐναρξάμενος 1 he who began “God, who began”
PHP 1 7 v7yu ἐστιν δίκαιον ἐμοὶ 1 It is right for me “It is proper for me” or “It is good for me”
PHP 1 7 fmc6 figs-metonymy τὸ ἔχειν με ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ ὑμᾶς 1 I have you in my heart Here “heart” is a metonym for a person’s emotions. This idiom expresses strong affection. Alternate translation: “I love you very much” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
PHP 1 7 jn2s συνκοινωνούς μου τῆς χάριτος…ὄντας 1 have been my partners in grace “have been partakers of grace with me” or “have shared in grace with me”
PHP 1 8 sf3a μάρτυς…μου ὁ Θεός 1 God is my witness “God knows” or “God understands”
PHP 1 8 xun1 figs-abstractnouns ἐν σπλάγχνοις Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ 1 with the compassion of Christ Jesus The abstract noun “compassion” can be translated with the verb “love.” Alternate translation: “and I love you as Christ Jesus dearly loves us all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
PHP 1 9 l2jl figs-metaphor ἔτι…περισσεύῃ 1 may abound Paul speaks of love as if it were objects that people could obtain more of. Alternate translation: “may increase” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 1 9 l1cy figs-explicit ἐν ἐπιγνώσει καὶ πάσῃ αἰσθήσει 1 in knowledge and all understanding Here “understanding” refers to understanding about God. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “as you learn and understand more about what pleases God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
PHP 1 10 e17g δοκιμάζειν 1 approve This refers to examining things and taking only those that are good. Alternate translation: “test and choose”
PHP 1 10 s4ec τὰ διαφέροντα 1 what is excellent “what is most pleasing to God”
PHP 1 10 siv8 figs-doublet εἰλικρινεῖς καὶ ἀπρόσκοποι 1 sincere and blameless The words “sincere” and “without offense” mean basically the same thing. Paul combines them to emphasize moral purity. Alternate translation: “completely blameless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
PHP 1 11 lu5n figs-metaphor πεπληρωμένοι καρπὸν δικαιοσύνης τὸν διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ Being filled with something is a metaphor that represents being characterized by it or by habitually doing it. Possible meanings of “fruit of righteousness” are that (1) it is a metaphor that represents righteous behavior. Alternate translation: “habitually doing what is righteous because Jesus Christ enables you” or (2) it is a metaphor that represents good deeds as a result of being righteous. Alternate translation: “habitually doing good works because Jesus makes you righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 1 11 hwg1 εἰς δόξαν καὶ ἔπαινον Θεοῦ 1 to the glory and praise of God Possible meanings are (1) “Then other people will see how you honor God” or (2) “Then people will praise and give honor to God because of the good things they see you do.” These alternate translations would require a new sentence.
PHP 1 12 uyc6 0 General Information: Paul says that two things have happened because of “the progress of the gospel”: many people inside and outside the palace have found out why he is in prison, and other Christians are no longer afraid to proclaim the good news.
PHP 1 12 tu2t ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women, because all believers in Christ are members of one spiritual family, with God as their heavenly Father.
PHP 1 12 zy4g figs-explicit ὅτι τὰ κατ’ ἐμὲ 1 that what has happened to me Paul is talking about his time in prison. Alternate translation: “that the things I suffered because I was put into prison for preaching about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
PHP 1 12 q288 μᾶλλον εἰς προκοπὴν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ἐλήλυθεν 1 has really served to advance the gospel “has caused more people to hear the gospel”
PHP 1 13 h1ly figs-metaphor τοὺς δεσμούς μου φανεροὺς ἐν Χριστῷ 1 my chains in Christ came to light “Chains in Christ” here is a metonym for being in prison for the sake of Christ. “Came to light” is a metaphor for “became known.” Alternate translation: “It became known that I am in prison for the sake of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 1 13 wi6n figs-activepassive τοὺς δεσμούς μου φανεροὺς ἐν Χριστῷ…τῷ πραιτωρίῳ…τοῖς λοιποῖς πᾶσιν 1 my chains in Christ came to light…guard…everyone else This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the palace guards and many other people in Rome know that I am in chains for the sake of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
PHP 1 13 f8az τοὺς δεσμούς μου…ἐν Χριστῷ 1 my chains in Christ Here Paul uses the preposition “in” to mean “for the sake of.” Alternate translation: “my chains for the sake of Christ” or “my chains because I teach people about Christ”
PHP 1 13 i46j figs-metonymy τοὺς δεσμούς μου 1 my chains Here the word “chains” is a metonym for imprisonment. Alternate translation: “my imprisonment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
PHP 1 16 ttr2 figs-activepassive εἰς ἀπολογίαν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου κεῖμαι 1 I am put here for the defense of the gospel This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are (1) “God chose me to defend the gospel” or (2) “I am in prison because I defend the gospel.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
PHP 1 16 st7k εἰς ἀπολογίαν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου 1 for the defense of the gospel “to teach everyone that the message of Jesus is true”
PHP 1 17 eq7s οἱ δὲ 1 But the former “But the others” or “But the ones who proclaim Christ out of envy and strife”
PHP 1 17 z8ty figs-metonymy τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου 1 while I am in chains Here the phrase “in chains” is a metonym for imprisonment. Alternate translation: “while I am imprisoned” or “while I am in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
PHP 1 18 z5ia figs-rquestion τί γάρ 1 What then? Paul uses this question to tell how he feels about the situation he wrote about in [Philippians 15-17](./15.md). Possible meanings are (1) this is an idiom that means “It does not matter.” or (2) the words “shall I think about this” are understood as part of the question. Alternate translation: “What then shall I think about this?” or “This is what I think about it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
PHP 1 18 ah9v πλὴν ὅτι παντὶ τρόπῳ, εἴτε προφάσει εἴτε ἀληθείᾳ, Χριστὸς καταγγέλλεται 1 Only that in every way—whether from false motives or from true—Christ is proclaimed “As long as people preach about Christ, it does not matter if they do it for good reasons or for bad reasons”
PHP 1 18 c8tr ἐν τούτῳ χαίρω 1 in this I rejoice “I am happy because people are preaching about Jesus”
PHP 1 18 cf58 χαρήσομαι 1 I will rejoice “I will celebrate” or “I will be glad”
PHP 1 19 qp81 τοῦτό μοι ἀποβήσεται εἰς σωτηρίαν 1 this will result in my deliverance “because people proclaim Christ, God will deliver me”
PHP 1 19 h9hf figs-abstractnouns μοι…εἰς σωτηρίαν 1 in my deliverance “Deliverance” here is an abstract noun that refers to one person bringing another person to a safe place. You may have to specify that it is God whom Paul expects to deliver him. Alternate translation: “in my being brought to a safe place” or “in God bringing me to a safe place” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
PHP 1 19 x3fs διὰ τῆς ὑμῶν δεήσεως, καὶ ἐπιχορηγίας τοῦ Πνεύματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ “because you are praying and the Spirit of Jesus Christ is helping me”
PHP 1 19 c48j Πνεύματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Spirit of Jesus Christ “Holy Spirit”
PHP 1 20 fh48 figs-doublet κατὰ τὴν ἀποκαραδοκίαν καὶ ἐλπίδα μου 1 It is my eager expectation and certain hope Here the word “expectation” and the phrase “certain hope” mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them together to emphasize how strong his expectation is. Alternate translation: “I eagerly and confidently hope” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
PHP 1 20 tk7l ἀλλ’ ἐν πάσῃ παρρησίᾳ 1 but that I will have complete boldness This is part of Paul’s expectation and hope. Alternate translation: “but that I will be very bold”
PHP 1 20 jz1z figs-metonymy μεγαλυνθήσεται Χριστὸς ἐν τῷ σώματί μου 1 Christ will be exalted in my body The phrase “my body” is a metonym for what Paul does with his body. This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are (1) “I will honor Christ by what I do” or (2) “people will praise Christ because of what I do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
PHP 1 20 y78k εἴτε διὰ ζωῆς εἴτε διὰ θανάτου 1 whether by life or by death “whether I live or die” or “if I go on living or if I die”
PHP 1 21 p9b7 ἐμοὶ γὰρ 1 For to me These words are emphatic. They indicate that this is Paul’s personal experience.
PHP 1 21 sxt5 figs-metaphor τὸ ζῆν Χριστὸς 1 to live is Christ Here pleasing and serving Christ is spoken of as Paul’s only purpose for living. Alternate translation: “to go on living is an opportunity to please Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 1 21 n3jd figs-metaphor τὸ ἀποθανεῖν κέρδος 1 to die is gain Here death is spoken of as “gain.” Possible meanings for “gain” are (1) Paul’s death will help spread the message of the gospel or (2) Paul will be in a better situation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 1 22 a21c figs-metonymy εἰ δὲ τὸ ζῆν ἐν σαρκί 1 But if I am to live in the flesh The word “flesh” here is a metonym for the body, and “living in the flesh” is a metonym for being alive. Alternate translation: “But if I am to remain alive in my body” or “But if I continue to live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
PHP 1 22 y9fv καὶ τί αἱρήσομαι 1 Yet which to choose? “But which should I choose?”
PHP 1 22 mwl6 figs-metaphor τοῦτό μοι καρπὸς ἔργου 1 that means fruitful labor for me The word “fruit” here refers to the good results of Paul’s work. Alternate translation: “that means I will be able to work and my work will produce good results” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
PHP 1 23 tq29 figs-metaphor συνέχομαι δὲ ἐκ τῶν δύο 1 For I am hard pressed between the two Paul speaks of how hard it is for him to choose between living and dying as if two heavy objects, like rocks or logs, were pushing on him from opposite sides at the same time. Your language might prefer the objects to pull rather than push. Alternate translation: “I am under tension. I do not know if I should choose to live or to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 1 23 f7qg figs-euphemism τὴν ἐπιθυμίαν ἔχων εἰς τὸ ἀναλῦσαι καὶ σὺν Χριστῷ εἶναι 1 My desire is to depart and be with Christ Paul uses a euphemism here to show that he is not afraid of dying. Alternate translation: “I would like to die because I will go to be with Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
PHP 1 25 bu8d τοῦτο πεποιθὼς 1 Being convinced of this “Since I am sure that it is better for you that I stay alive”
PHP 1 25 kmp4 οἶδα ὅτι μενῶ 1 I know that I will remain “I know that I will continue to live” or “I know that I will keep on living”
PHP 1 27 cd3b figs-parallelism ὅτι στήκετε ἐν ἑνὶ πνεύματι, μιᾷ ψυχῇ συναθλοῦντες τῇ πίστει τοῦ εὐαγγελίου 1 that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel The phrases “standing firm in one spirit” and “with one mind striving together” share similar meanings and emphasize the importance of unity. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
PHP 1 27 jey6 figs-metaphor μιᾷ ψυχῇ συναθλοῦντες 1 with one mind striving together “striving together with one mind.” Agreeing with one another is spoken of as having one mind. Alternate translation: “agreeing with one another and striving together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 1 27 ej2s συναθλοῦντες 1 striving together “working hard together”
PHP 1 27 ya3h τῇ πίστει τοῦ εὐαγγελίου 1 for the faith of the gospel Possible meanings are (1) “to spread the faith that is based on the gospel” or (2) “to believe and live as the gospel teaches us”
PHP 1 28 i9yt figs-you μὴ πτυρόμενοι ἐν μηδενὶ 1 Do not be frightened in any respect This is a command to the Philippian believers. If your language has a plural command form, use it here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
PHP 1 28 l495 ἥτις ἐστὶν αὐτοῖς ἔνδειξις ἀπωλείας, ὑμῶν δὲ σωτηρίας, καὶ τοῦτο ἀπὸ Θεοῦ 1 This is a sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation—and this from God “Your courage will show them that God will destroy them. It will also show you that God will save you”
PHP 1 28 nb4b καὶ τοῦτο ἀπὸ Θεοῦ 1 and this from God “and this is from God.” Possible meanings are the word “this” refers to (1) the believers’ courage or (2) the sign or (3) destruction and salvation.
PHP 1 30 x4z3 τὸν αὐτὸν ἀγῶνα ἔχοντες, οἷον εἴδετε ἐν ἐμοὶ, καὶ νῦν ἀκούετε ἐν ἐμοί 1 having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now you hear in me “suffering in the same way that you saw me suffer, and that you hear I am still suffering”
PHP 2 intro ixw8 0 # Philippians 02 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Some translations, like the ULT, set apart the lines of verses 6-11. These verses describe the example of Christ. They teach important truths about the person of Jesus.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Practical instructions<br>In this chapter Paul gives many practical instructions to the church in Philippi.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### “If there is any”<br>This appears to be a type of hypothetical statement. However, it is not a hypothetical statement, because it expresses something that is true. The translator may also translate this phrase as “Since there is.”
PHP 2 1 b1q7 εἴ τις…παράκλησις ἐν Χριστῷ 1 If there is any encouragement in Christ “If Christ has encouraged you” or “If you are encouraged because of Christ”
PHP 2 1 k1b2 εἴ τι παραμύθιον ἀγάπης 1 if there is any comfort provided by love The phrase “by love” probably refers to Christ’s love for the Philippians. Alternate translation: “if his love has given you any comfort” or “if his love for you has comforted you in any way”
PHP 2 1 m84k εἴ τις κοινωνία Πνεύματος 1 if there is any fellowship in the Spirit “if you have fellowship with the Spirit”
PHP 2 1 l2px εἴ τις σπλάγχνα καὶ οἰκτιρμοί 1 if there are any tender mercies and compassions “if you have experienced many of God’s acts of tender mercy and compassion”
PHP 2 2 jxq2 figs-metaphor πληρώσατέ μου τὴν χαρὰν 1 make my joy full Paul speaks here of joy as if it were a container that can be filled. Alternate translation: “cause me to rejoice greatly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 2 3 y1le μηδὲν κατ’ ἐριθείαν μηδὲ κατὰ κενοδοξίαν 1 Do nothing out of selfishness or empty conceit “Do not serve yourselves or think of yourselves as better than others”
PHP 2 4 ezk6 μὴ τὰ ἑαυτῶν ἕκαστος σκοποῦντες, ἀλλὰ καὶ τὰ ἑτέρων ἕκαστοι 1 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others “Do not care only about what you need, but also about what others need”
PHP 2 5 rh98 τοῦτο φρονεῖτε ἐν ὑμῖν, ὃ καὶ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 Have this mind in yourselves which also was in Christ Jesus “Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had” or “Think about one another the way Christ Jesus thought of people”
PHP 2 6 hs4q ἐν μορφῇ Θεοῦ ὑπάρχων 1 he existed in the form of God “everything that is true of God was true of him”
PHP 2 6 els2 figs-metaphor οὐχ ἁρπαγμὸν ἡγήσατο τὸ εἶναι ἴσα Θεῷ 1 did not consider his equality with God as something to hold on to Here “equality” refers to “equal status” or “equal honor.” Holding onto equality with God represents demanding that he continue to be honored as God is honored. Christ did not do that. Though he did not cease to be God, he ceased to act as God. Alternate translation: “did not think that he had to have the same status as God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 2 7 yu25 figs-metaphor ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν 1 he emptied himself Paul speaks of Christ as if he were a container in order to say that Christ refused to act with his divine powers during his ministry on earth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 2 7 tc8n ἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων γενόμενος 1 he was born in the likeness of men “he was born a human being” or “he became a human being”
PHP 2 8 t8a6 figs-metaphor γενόμενος ὑπήκοος μέχρι θανάτου 1 became obedient to the point of death Paul speaks of death here in a figurative way. The translator can understand “to the point of death” either as a metaphor of location (Christ went all the way to death) or as a metaphor of time (Christ was obedient even until the time that he died). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 2 8 hi57 θανάτου δὲ σταυροῦ 1 even death of a cross “even to dying on a cross”
PHP 2 9 mvb7 figs-metonymy τὸ ὄνομα τὸ ὑπὲρ πᾶν ὄνομα 1 the name that is above every name Here “name” is a metonym that refers to rank or honor. Alternate translation: “the rank that is above any other rank” or “the honor that is above any other honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
PHP 2 9 qsy9 figs-metaphor ὑπὲρ πᾶν ὄνομα 1 above every name The name is more important, more to be praised than any other name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 2 10 tk45 figs-synecdoche ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ, πᾶν γόνυ κάμψῃ 1 in the name of Jesus every knee should bend Here “knee” is a synecdoche for the whole person, and bending the knee to kneel on the ground is a metonym for worship. “In the name of” here is a metonym for the person, telling who it is they will worship. Alternate translation: “every person will worship Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
PHP 2 11 xy4f figs-synecdoche πᾶσα γλῶσσα 1 every tongue Here “tongue” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “every person” or “every being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
PHP 2 11 mr2i figs-metaphor εἰς δόξαν Θεοῦ Πατρὸς 1 to the glory of God the Father Here the word “to” expresses result: “with the result that they will praise God the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 2 12 jnp3 0 Connecting Statement: Paul encourages the Philippian believers and shows them how to live the Christian life before others and reminds them of his example.
PHP 2 12 c1ix ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ μου 1 in my presence “when I am there with you”
PHP 2 12 u5ng ἐν τῇ ἀπουσίᾳ μου 1 in my absence “when I am not there with you”
PHP 2 12 j897 figs-abstractnouns μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου τὴν ἑαυτῶν σωτηρίαν κατεργάζεσθε 1 work out your own salvation with fear and trembling The abstract noun “salvation” can be expressed with a phrase about God saving people. Alternate translation: “with fear and trembling, continue to work hard to do what is proper for those whom God saves” or “with awe and reverence for God, work hard to do the good things that show that he has saved you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
PHP 2 12 cm1s figs-doublet μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου 1 with fear and trembling Paul uses the words “fear” and “trembling” together to show the attitude of reverence that people should have for God. Alternate translation: “trembling with fear” or “with deep reverence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
PHP 2 13 m6b8 καὶ τὸ θέλειν, καὶ τὸ ἐνεργεῖν, ὑπὲρ τῆς εὐδοκίας 1 both to will and to work for his good pleasure “so that you will want to do what pleases him and will be able to do what pleases him”
PHP 2 15 z2lz figs-doublet ἄμεμπτοι καὶ ἀκέραιοι 1 blameless and pure The words “blameless” and “pure” are very similar in meaning and are used together to strenghten the idea. Alternate translation: “completely innocent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
PHP 2 15 p71u figs-metaphor φαίνεσθε ὡς φωστῆρες ἐν κόσμῳ 1 you may shine as lights in the world Light represents goodness and truth. Shining as lights in the world represents living in a good and righteous way so that people in the world can see that God is good and true. Alternate translation: “so that you will be like lights in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 2 15 jb7y figs-doublet μέσον γενεᾶς σκολιᾶς καὶ διεστραμμένης…ἐν κόσμῳ 1 in the world, in the middle of a crooked and depraved generation Here the word “world” refers to the people of the world. The words “crooked” and “depraved” are used together to emphasize that the people are very sinful. Alternate translation: “in the world, among people who are very sinful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
PHP 2 16 u3qb figs-metaphor λόγον ζωῆς ἐπέχοντες 1 Hold on to the word of life “Hold on” represents firmly believing. Alternate translation: “Continue to firmly believe the word of life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 2 16 eq86 λόγον ζωῆς 1 the word of life “the message that brings life” or “the message that shows how to live the way God wants you to”
PHP 2 16 q7y8 εἰς ἡμέραν Χριστοῦ 1 on the day of Christ This refers to when Jesus comes back to set up his kingdom and rule over the earth. Alternate translation: “when Christ returns”
PHP 2 16 m5aq figs-parallelism οὐκ εἰς κενὸν ἔδραμον, οὐδὲ εἰς κενὸν ἐκοπίασα 1 I did not run in vain or labor in vain The phrases “run in vain” and “labor in vain” here mean the same thing. Paul uses them together to emphasize how hard he has worked to help people believe in Christ. Alternate translation: “I did not work so hard for nothing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
PHP 2 16 m1z7 figs-metaphor ἔδραμον 1 run The scriptures often use the image of walking to represent conducting one’s life. Running is living life intensively. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 2 17 bky1 figs-metaphor ἀλλ’ εἰ καὶ σπένδομαι ἐπὶ τῇ θυσίᾳ καὶ λειτουργίᾳ τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν, χαίρω καὶ συνχαίρω πᾶσιν ὑμῖν 1 But even if I am being poured out as an offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all Paul speaks of his death as if he were a drink offering which is poured upon the animal sacrifice to honor God. What Paul means is that he would gladly die for the Philippians if that would make them more pleasing to God. Alternate translation: “But, even if the Romans kill me and it is as if my blood pours out as an offering, I will be glad and rejoice with you all if my death will make your faith and obedience more pleasing to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 2 19 dr9c 0 Connecting Statement: Paul tells the Philippian believers about his plan to send Timothy soon and that they should treat Epaphroditus as special.
PHP 2 19 gml9 ἐλπίζω δὲ ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ 1 But I have hope in the Lord Jesus “But I confidently expect the Lord Jesus to allow me”
PHP 2 20 d9mw οὐδένα γὰρ ἔχω ἰσόψυχον 1 For I have no one else with his same attitude “No one else here loves you as much as he does”
PHP 2 21 b922 οἱ πάντες γὰρ 1 For they all Here the word “they” refers to a group of people Paul does not feel he can trust to send to Philippi. Paul is also expressing his displeasure with the group, who should have been able to go, but Paul does not trust them to fulfill their mission.
PHP 2 22 gm8i figs-simile ὡς πατρὶ τέκνον, σὺν ἐμοὶ ἐδούλευσεν 1 as a son with his father, so he served with me Fathers and sons love each other and work together. Timothy was not really Paul’s son, but he worked with Paul as a son works with his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
PHP 2 22 xdn5 figs-metonymy εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον 1 in the gospel Here “the gospel” stands for the activity of telling people about Jesus. Alternate translation: “in telling people about the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
PHP 2 24 yn62 πέποιθα…ἐν Κυρίῳ, ὅτι καὶ αὐτὸς ταχέως ἐλεύσομαι 1 I am confident in the Lord that I myself will also come soon “I am sure, if it is the Lord’s will, that I will also come soon”
PHP 2 25 k4wz translate-names Ἐπαφρόδιτον 1 Epaphroditus This is the name of a man sent by the Philippian church to minister to Paul in prison. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
PHP 2 25 c3ce figs-metaphor συνεργὸν καὶ συνστρατιώτην 1 fellow worker and fellow soldier Here Paul is speaking of Epaphroditus as if he were a soldier. He means that Epaphroditus is trained and is dedicated to serving God, no matter how great the hardship he must suffer. Alternate translation: “fellow believer who works and struggles along with us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 2 25 qsd6 ὑμῶν…ἀπόστολον καὶ λειτουργὸν τῆς χρείας μου 1 your messenger and servant for my needs “who brings your messages to me and helps me when I am in need”
PHP 2 26 gxn9 ἐπιποθῶν ἦν πάντας ὑμᾶς, καὶ ἀδημονῶν 1 he was very distressed, and he longed to be with you all “he was very worried and wanted to be with you all”
PHP 2 27 itx2 figs-explicit λύπην ἐπὶ λύπην 1 sorrow upon sorrow The cause of the sorrow can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the sorrow of losing him added to the sorrow I already have from being in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
PHP 2 28 y5gc κἀγὼ ἀλυπότερος ὦ 1 I can be free from anxiety “I will be less anxious” or “I will not worry as much as I have been”
PHP 2 29 qx14 ἐν Κυρίῳ μετὰ πάσης χαρᾶς 1 in the Lord with all joy “as a fellow believer in the Lord with all joy” or “with the great joy we have because the Lord Jesus loves us”
PHP 2 30 ns1y figs-metaphor μέχρι θανάτου ἤγγισεν 1 he came near death Paul here speaks of death as if it were a place that one could go to. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 2 30 g98z figs-metaphor ἀναπληρώσῃ τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα, τῆς πρός με λειτουργίας 1 fill up what you could not do in service to me Paul speaks of his needs as if they were a container that Epaphroditus filled with good things for Paul. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 3 intro btx3 0 # Philippians 03 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>In verses 4-8, Paul lists how he qualifies for being considered a righteous Jew. In every way, Paul was an exemplary Jew. But he contrasts this with the greatness of knowing Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Dogs<br>The people of the ancient Near East used dogs as an image to refer to people in a negative way. Not all cultures use the term “dogs” in this way.<br><br>### Resurrected Bodies<br>We know very little about what people will be like in heaven. Paul teaches here that Christians will have some kind of glorious body and will be free from sin. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Prize<br>Paul uses an extended illustration to describe the Christian life. The goal of the Christian life is attempting to grow to be like Christ until a person dies. We can never achieve this goal perfectly, but we must strive for it.
PHP 3 1 e79h 0 Connecting Statement: In order to warn his fellow believers about Jews who would try to get them to follow the old laws, Paul gives his own testimony about when he persecuted believers.
PHP 3 1 ymm2 χαίρετε ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 rejoice in the Lord “be happy because of all the Lord has done”
PHP 3 1 q4pt τὰ αὐτὰ γράφειν ὑμῖν, ἐμοὶ μὲν οὐκ ὀκνηρόν 1 For me to write these same things again to you is no trouble for me “It is no trouble for me to write these things again to you”
PHP 3 1 qb78 figs-explicit ὑμῖν δὲ ἀσφαλές 1 and it keeps you safe Here “these things” refers to Paul’s teachings. You can add this alternate translation to the end of the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “because these teachings will protect you from those who teach what is not true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
PHP 3 2 ny6y βλέπετε 1 Watch out for “Beware of” or “Look out for”
PHP 3 2 zin8 τοὺς κύνας…τοὺς κακοὺς ἐργάτας…τὴν κατατομήν 1 the dogs…those evil workers…those who mutilate the flesh These are three different ways of describing the same group of false teachers. Paul is using strong expressions to convey his feeling about these Jewish Christian teachers.
PHP 3 2 yr9n figs-metaphor τοὺς κύνας 1 dogs The word “dogs” was used by the Jews to refer to those who were not Jews. They were considered unclean. Paul speaks of the false teachers as though they were dogs, to insult them. If you have a different animal in your culture that is considered unclean or whose name is used as an insult, you could use this animal instead. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
PHP 3 2 cka6 figs-hyperbole τὴν κατατομήν 1 mutilate Paul is exaggerating about the act of circumcision to insult the false teachers. The false teachers said God will only save a person who is circumcised, who cuts off the foreskin. This action was required by the law of Moses for all male Israelites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
PHP 3 3 y8yt figs-inclusive ἡμεῖς γάρ ἐσμεν 1 For it is we who are Paul uses “we” to refer to himself and all true believers in Christ, including the Philippian believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
PHP 3 3 xt5r ἡ περιτομή 1 the circumcision Paul uses this phrase to refer to believers in Christ who are not physically circumcised but are spiritually circumcised, which means they have received the Holy Spirit through faith. Alternate translation: “the truly circumcised ones” or “truly God’s people”
PHP 3 3 k8ph οὐκ ἐν σαρκὶ πεποιθότες 1 have no confidence in the flesh “do not trust that only cutting our flesh will please God”
PHP 3 4 e346 figs-hypo καίπερ 1 Even so “Although if I wanted to.” Paul is introducing a hypothetical situation that could not possibly exist. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
PHP 3 4 upw5 figs-hypo ἐγὼ ἔχων πεποίθησιν καὶ ἐν σαρκί. εἴ τις δοκεῖ ἄλλος πεποιθέναι ἐν σαρκί, ἐγὼ μᾶλλον 1 I myself could have confidence in the flesh. If anyone thinks he has confidence in the flesh, I could have even more This is a hypothetical situation that Paul does not believe is possible. Paul says if it were possible that God would save people based on what they did, then God would certainly have saved him. Alternate translation: “No one can do enough things to please God, but if anyone could do enough things to please God, I could do more good things and please God more than anyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
PHP 3 4 u4f1 figs-rpronouns ἐγὼ 1 I myself Paul uses “myself” for emphasis. Alternate translation: “certainly I” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
PHP 3 5 yq98 figs-activepassive περιτομῇ 1 I was circumcised This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “A priest circumcised me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
PHP 3 5 am85 ὀκταήμερος 1 the eighth day “seven days after I was born”
PHP 3 5 we4t κατὰ νόμον Φαρισαῖος 1 with regard to the law, a Pharisee The Pharisees were committed to obeying all of the law. Being a Pharisee showed that Paul was committed to obeying all of the law. Alternate translation: “as a Pharisee, I was committed to obeying all of the law”
PHP 3 6 ksr3 κατὰ ζῆλος διώκων τὴν ἐκκλησίαν 1 As for zeal, I persecuted the church Paul’s zeal was his enthusiasm for honoring God. He believed that by persecuting the church he proved how zealous he was for God. Alternate translation: “I had so much zeal for God that I persecuted the church” or “Because I wanted so much to honor God, I persecuted the church”
PHP 3 6 n51b διώκων τὴν ἐκκλησίαν 1 I persecuted the church “I attacked Christians”
PHP 3 6 hln8 κατὰ δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐν νόμῳ γενόμενος ἄμεμπτος 1 as for righteousness under the law, I was blameless “Righteousness under the law” refers to being righteous by obeying the law. Paul obeyed the law so carefully that he believed that no one could find any part of it that he disobeyed. Alternate Translation: “I was so righteous by obeying the law that I was blameless”
PHP 3 7 n4lg figs-metaphor ἅτινα ἦν μοι κέρδη 1 whatever things were a profit for me Paul is referring here to the praise he received for being an eager Pharisee. He speaks of this praise as if he had viewed it in the past as a businessman’s profit. Alternate translation: “anything that other Jews praised me for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 3 7 lb8f κέρδη…ζημίαν 1 profit…loss These are common business terms. If many people in your culture do not understand formal business terms, you could translate these terms as “things that made my life better” and “things that made my life worse.”
PHP 3 7 y1sg figs-metaphor ταῦτα ἥγημαι…ζημίαν 1 I have considered them as loss Paul speaks of that praise as if he were now viewing it as a business loss instead of a profit. In other words, Paul says that all his religious acts of righteousness are worthless before Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 3 8 zi6f μενοῦνγε 1 In fact “Really” or “Truly”
PHP 3 8 qdh7 figs-explicit καὶ ἡγοῦμαι 1 now I count The word “now” emphasizes how Paul has changed since he quit being a Pharisee and became a believer in Christ. Alternate translation: “now that I have trusted in Christ, I count” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
PHP 3 8 e1fp figs-metaphor ἡγοῦμαι πάντα ζημίαν εἶναι 1 I count all things to be loss Paul is continuing the business metaphor from [Philippians 3:7](../03/07.md), saying it is worthless to trust in anything other than Christ. Alternate translation: “I consider everything to be worthless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 3 8 cv55 διὰ τὸ ὑπερέχον τῆς γνώσεως Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου μου 1 because of the surpassing value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord “because knowing Christ Jesus my Lord is worth so much more”
PHP 3 8 afs4 ἵνα Χριστὸν κερδήσω 1 so that I may gain Christ “so that I may have only Christ”
PHP 3 9 iy4k figs-idiom εὑρεθῶ ἐν αὐτῷ 1 be found in him The phrase “be found” is an idiom that emphasizes the idea of “to be.” Alternate translation: “be truly united with Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
PHP 3 9 g9a9 μὴ ἔχων ἐμὴν δικαιοσύνην, τὴν ἐκ νόμου 1 not having a righteousness of my own from the law Paul knows that he cannot become righteous by obeying the law.
PHP 3 9 qw6g ἀλλὰ τὴν διὰ πίστεως Χριστοῦ 1 but that which is through faith in Christ The word “that” refers to righteousness. Paul knows that he can become righteous only by believing in Christ. Alternate translation: “but having the righteousness that comes by believing in Christ”
PHP 3 10 vj4s τὴν δύναμιν τῆς ἀναστάσεως αὐτοῦ 1 the power of his resurrection “his power that gives us life”
PHP 3 10 xm68 κοινωνίαν παθημάτων αὐτοῦ 1 the fellowship of his sufferings “what it is like to suffer as he suffered” or “what it is like to participate in suffering with him”
PHP 3 10 xw42 figs-activepassive συμμορφιζόμενος τῷ θανάτῳ αὐτοῦ 1 becoming like him in his death Possible meanings are (1) Paul wants to be like Christ by dying as Christ died or (2) Paul wants his desire to sin to become as dead as Jesus was before he was raised. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
PHP 3 11 l4rm εἴ πως καταντήσω εἰς τὴν ἐξανάστασιν τὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν 1 so somehow I may experience the resurrection from the dead The word “somehow” means Paul does not know what is going to happen to him in this life, but whatever happens, it will result in eternal life. “so that, no matter what happens to me now, I will come back to life after I die”
PHP 3 12 xk5q 0 Connecting Statement: Paul urges the believers at Philippi to follow his present example because of heaven and the new bodies that wait for believers. He speaks of how he works as hard as he can to be like Christ, knowing that God will allow him to live forever in heaven, as if he were a runner racing for the finish line.
PHP 3 12 ms3v ἔλαβον 1 received these things These include knowing Christ, knowing the power of his resurrection, sharing in Christ’s suffering, and being united with Christ in his death and resurrection ([Philippians 3:8-11](./08.md)).
PHP 3 12 m52v figs-metaphor καταλάβω, ἐφ’ ᾧ…κατελήμφθην ὑπὸ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ 1 I may grasp that for which I was grasped by Christ Jesus Receiving spiritual things from Christ is spoken of as if Paul could grasp them with his hands. And, Jesus choosing Paul to belong to him is spoken of as if Jesus grasped Paul with his hands. This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: “I may receive these things because that is why Jesus claimed me as his own” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
PHP 3 13 kqk7 figs-metaphor ἐμαυτὸν…κατειληφέναι 1 I myself have yet grasped it Receiving spiritual things from Christ is spoken of as if Paul could grasp them with his hands. Alternate translation: “all these things belong to me yet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 3 13 ia2b figs-metaphor τὰ μὲν ὀπίσω ἐπιλανθανόμενος, τοῖς δὲ ἔμπροσθεν ἐπεκτεινόμενος 1 I forget what is behind and strain for what is ahead Like a runner in a race is no longer concerned about the part of the race that is completed but only focuses on what is ahead, Paul speaks of setting aside his religious works of righteousness and only focusing on the race of life that Christ has set before him to complete. Alternate translation: “I do not care what I have done in the past; I only work as hard as I can on what is ahead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 3 14 z39s figs-metaphor κατὰ σκοπὸν διώκω εἰς τὸ βραβεῖον τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 I press on toward the goal to win the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus As a runner presses onward to win the race, Paul presses onward in serving and living in obedience to Christ. Alternate translation: “I do all I can to be like Christ, like a runner racing to the finish line, so that I may belong to him, and God may call me to himself after I die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 3 14 lmr6 figs-metaphor τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως 1 the upward calling Possible meanings are that Paul speaks of living eternally with God as if God were to call Paul to ascend (1) to heaven as Jesus did or (2) the steps to the podium where winners of races received prizes, as a metaphor for meeting God face to face and receiving eternal life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 3 15 de4y ὅσοι…τέλειοι, τοῦτο φρονῶμεν 1 All of us who are mature, let us think this way Paul wants his fellow believers to have the same desires he listed in [Philippians 3:8-11](./08.md). Alternate translation: “I encourage all of us believers who are strong in the faith to think the same way”
PHP 3 15 yy22 καὶ τοῦτο ὁ Θεὸς ὑμῖν ἀποκαλύψει 1 God will also reveal that to you “God will also make it clear to you” or “God will make sure you know it”
PHP 3 16 pxn9 figs-inclusive εἰς ὃ ἐφθάσαμεν, τῷ αὐτῷ στοιχεῖν 1 whatever we have reached, let us hold on to it Paul uses “we” to include the Philippian believers. Alternate translation: “let us all continue obeying the same truth we have already received” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
PHP 3 17 jed4 συνμιμηταί μου γίνεσθε 1 Be imitators of me “Do what I do” or “Live as I live”
PHP 3 17 h4tv τοὺς οὕτω περιπατοῦντας, καθὼς ἔχετε τύπον ἡμᾶς 1 those who are walking by the example that you have in us “those who already are living as I live” or “those who already are doing what I do”
PHP 3 18 ab61 πολλοὶ…περιπατοῦσιν…τοὺς ἐχθροὺς τοῦ σταυροῦ τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Many are walking…as enemies of the cross of Christ These words are Paul’s main thought for this verse.
PHP 3 18 kr19 figs-metaphor πολλοὶ…περιπατοῦσιν 1 Many are walking A person’s behavior is spoken of as if that person were walking along a path. Alternate translation: “Many are living” or “Many are conducting their lives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 3 18 x2lu οὓς πολλάκις ἔλεγον ὑμῖν, νῦν δὲ καὶ κλαίων, λέγω 1 those about whom I have often told you, and now I am telling you with tears Paul interrupts his main thought with these words that describe the “many.” You can move them to the beginning or end of the verse if you need to.
PHP 3 18 zwp3 πολλάκις ἔλεγον ὑμῖν 1 I have often told you “I have told you many times”
PHP 3 18 h6pc κλαίων, λέγω 1 am telling you with tears “am telling you with great sadness”
PHP 3 18 n8q2 figs-metonymy τοὺς ἐχθροὺς τοῦ σταυροῦ τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 as enemies of the cross of Christ Here “the cross of Christ” refers to Christ’s suffering and death. The enemies are those who say they believe in Jesus but are not willing to suffer or die like Jesus did. Alternate translation: “in a way that shows they are actually against Jesus, who was willing to suffer and die on a cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
PHP 3 19 v8gv ὧν τὸ τέλος ἀπώλεια 1 Their end is destruction “Someday God will destroy them.” The last thing that happens to them is that God will destroy them.
PHP 3 19 hn9i figs-metaphor ὧν ὁ Θεὸς ἡ κοιλία 1 their god is their stomach Here “stomach” refers to a person’s desires for physical pleasure. Calling it their god means that they want these pleasures more than they want to obey God. Alternate translation: “they desire food and other physical pleasures more than they desire to obey God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 3 19 u9cl figs-metonymy ἡ δόξα ἐν τῇ αἰσχύνῃ αὐτῶν 1 their pride is in their shame Here “shame” stands for the actions that the people should be ashamed about but are not. Alternate translation: “they are proud of the things that should cause them shame” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
PHP 3 19 sv5z figs-metonymy οἱ τὰ ἐπίγεια φρονοῦντες 1 They think about earthly things Here “earthly” refers to everything that gives physical pleasure and does not honor God. Alternate translation: “All they think about is what will please themselves rather than what will please God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
PHP 3 20 q1cc figs-inclusive 0 General Information: By Paul’s use of “our” and “we” here, he includes himself and the believers in Philippi. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
PHP 3 20 n2lh ἡμῶν…τὸ πολίτευμα ἐν οὐρανοῖς ὑπάρχει 1 our citizenship is in heaven Possible meanings are (1) “we are citizens of heaven” or (2) “our homeland is heaven” or (3) “our true home is heaven.”
PHP 3 21 qz6p figs-activepassive τῷ σώματι…κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν τοῦ δύνασθαι αὐτὸν, καὶ ὑποτάξαι αὑτῷ τὰ πάντα 1 body, formed by the might of his power to subject all things to himself This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “body. He will change our bodies with the same power he uses to control all things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
PHP 4 intro rp5c 0 # Philippians 04 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### “My joy and my crown”<br>Paul had helped the Philippians become spiritually mature. As a result, Paul rejoiced and God honored him and his work. He considered discipling other Christians and encouraging them to grow spiritually as important to Christian living. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/disciple]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Euodia and Syntyche<br>Apparently, these two women disagreed with each other. Paul was encouraging them to agree. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
PHP 4 1 zk6q figs-you 0 General Information: When Paul says, “my true companion,” the word “you” is singular. Paul does not say the name of the person. He calls him that to show he worked with Paul to spread the gospel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
PHP 4 1 xmc4 0 Connecting Statement: Paul continues with some specific instructions to the believers in Philippi on unity and then gives instructions to help them live for the Lord.
PHP 4 1 fe2y ὥστε, ἀδελφοί μου ἀγαπητοὶ καὶ ἐπιπόθητοι 1 Therefore, my beloved brothers whom I long for “My fellow believers, I love you and I greatly desire to see you”
PHP 4 1 wx5w figs-metonymy χαρὰ καὶ στέφανός μου 1 my joy and crown Paul uses the word “joy” to mean that the Philippian church is the cause of his happiness. A “crown” was made of leaves, and a man wore it on his head as a sign of honor after he won an important game. Here the word “crown” means the Philippian church brought honor to Paul before God. Alternate translation: “You give me joy because you have believed in Jesus, and you are my reward and honor for my work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
PHP 4 1 dz44 οὕτως στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ, ἀγαπητοί 1 in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved friends “so continue living for the Lord in the way that I have taught you, dear friends”
PHP 4 2 x5qf translate-names Εὐοδίαν παρακαλῶ, καὶ Συντύχην παρακαλῶ 1 I am pleading with Euodia, and I am pleading with Syntyche These are women who were believers and helped Paul in the church at Philippi. Alternate translation: “I beg Euodia, and I beg Syntyche” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
PHP 4 2 iyq7 figs-metonymy τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖν ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 be of the same mind in the Lord The phrase “be of the same mind” means to have the same attitude or opinion. Alternate translation: “agree with each other because you both believe in the same Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
PHP 4 3 yb3f figs-you ναὶ, ἐρωτῶ…σέ, γνήσιε σύνζυγε 1 Yes, I ask you, my true companion Here “you” refers to the “true fellow worker” and is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
PHP 4 3 hdz7 figs-metaphor γνήσιε σύνζυγε 1 true companion This metaphor is from farming, where two animals would be bound to the same yoke, and so they work together. Alternate translation: “fellow worker” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 4 3 cm3u translate-names μετὰ…Κλήμεντος 1 along with Clement Clement was a man who was a believer and worker in the church at Philippi. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
PHP 4 3 s9h9 ὧν τὰ ὀνόματα ἐν βίβλῳ ζωῆς 1 whose names are in the Book of Life “whose names God has written in the Book of Life”
PHP 4 4 elt7 χαίρετε ἐν Κυρίῳ 1 Rejoice in the Lord “be happy because of all the Lord has done.” See how you translated this in [Philippians 3:1](../03/01.md).
PHP 4 5 snk5 ὁ Κύριος ἐγγύς 1 The Lord is near Possible meanings are (1) The Lord Jesus is near to the believers in spirit or (2) the day the Lord Jesus will return to the earth is near.
PHP 4 6 h63g ἐν παντὶ, τῇ προσευχῇ καὶ τῇ δεήσει μετὰ εὐχαριστίας, τὰ αἰτήματα ὑμῶν γνωριζέσθω πρὸς τὸν Θεόν 1 in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God “whatever happens to you, ask God for everything you need with prayer and thanks”
PHP 4 7 u1sz ἡ εἰρήνη τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the peace of God “the peace that God gives”
PHP 4 7 zr4x ἡ ὑπερέχουσα πάντα νοῦν 1 which surpasses all understanding “which is more than we can understand”
PHP 4 7 sb6s figs-personification φρουρήσει τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν καὶ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ 1 will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ This presents God’s peace as a soldier who protects our hearts and thoughts from worrying. Here “hearts” is a metonym for a person’s emotions. Alternate translation: “will be like a soldier and guard your emotions and thoughts in Christ” or “will protect you in Christ and will keep you from worrying about the troubles of this life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
PHP 4 8 r275 ὅσα προσφιλῆ 1 whatever things are lovely “whatever things are pleasing”
PHP 4 8 pv1i ὅσα εὔφημα 1 whatever things are of good report “whatever thing people admire” or “whatever things people respect”
PHP 4 8 i5gl εἴ τις ἀρετὴ 1 if there is anything excellent “if they are morally good”
PHP 4 8 e9eb εἴ τις ἔπαινος 1 if there is anything to be praised “and if they are things that people praise”
PHP 4 9 m145 καὶ ἐμάθετε καὶ παρελάβετε, καὶ ἠκούσατε καὶ εἴδετε, ἐν ἐμοί 1 that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me “that I have taught and shown you”
PHP 4 10 pwh9 0 Connecting Statement: Paul begins to thank the Philippians for a gift that they have sent him. He begins in verse 11 to explain that he is thanking them for this gift simply because he is grateful, not because he needs them to give him anything more.
PHP 4 12 lgp9 figs-explicit οἶδα καὶ ταπεινοῦσθαι…περισσεύειν 1 I know what it is to be poor…to have plenty Paul knows how to live happily having either no possessions or many possessions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
PHP 4 12 i9vp figs-parallelism χορτάζεσθαι καὶ πεινᾶν, καὶ περισσεύειν καὶ ὑστερεῖσθαι 1 how to be well-fed or to be hungry, and how to have an abundance or to be in need These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them to emphasize that he has learned how to be content in any situation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
PHP 4 13 z1pb πάντα ἰσχύω ἐν τῷ ἐνδυναμοῦντί με 1 I can do all things through him who strengthens me “I can do all things because Christ gives me strength”
PHP 4 14 bs72 0 Connecting Statement: Paul continues explaining that he is thanking the Philippians for their gift to him simply because he is grateful, not because he needs them to give him anything more (see [Philippians 3:11](../03/11.md)).
PHP 4 14 fe2z figs-metaphor μου τῇ θλίψει 1 in my difficulties Paul speaks of his hardships as if they were a place that he was in. Alternate translation: “when things became difficult” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 4 15 w23w figs-metonymy ἀρχῇ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου 1 the beginning of the gospel Paul refers to the gospel here as meaning his preaching of the gospel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
PHP 4 15 dyf8 figs-doublenegatives οὐδεμία μοι ἐκκλησία ἐκοινώνησεν εἰς λόγον δόσεως καὶ λήμψεως, εἰ μὴ ὑμεῖς μόνοι 1 no church supported me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone This can be stated in the positive. Alternate translation: “you were the only church that sent me money or helped me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
PHP 4 17 e9g9 οὐχ ὅτι ἐπιζητῶ τὸ δόμα 1 It is not that I seek the gift Paul is explaining that his reason for writing about gifts is not that he hopes that they will give him more gifts. Alternate Translation: “My reason for writing this is not that I want you to give me more”
PHP 4 17 bh3t figs-metaphor ἐπιζητῶ τὸν καρπὸν τὸν πλεονάζοντα εἰς λόγον ὑμῶν 1 I seek the fruit that increases to your credit Paul explains his reason for writing about gifts. Here “fruit that increases to you credit” is a metaphor for either (1) more good deeds that can be recorded for the Philippians. Alternate translation: “Rather I want God to recognize the increasing good deeds that you do” or (2) more blessings for the good things that the Philippians do. Alternate translation: “Rather I want God to bless you more because of the good deeds that you do”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 4 18 p6y1 0 Connecting Statement: Paul finishes thanking the Philippians for their gift (see [Philippians 3:11](../03/11.md)) and assures them that God will take care of them.
PHP 4 18 fs44 ἀπέχω…πάντα 1 I have received everything in full Possible meanings are (1) Paul has received everything that the Philippians sent or (2) Paul is using humor to continue the business metaphor from [Philippians 3:8](../03/08.md) and saying that this part of the letter is a receipt for commercial goods that Epaphroditus delivered.
PHP 4 18 en6t figs-explicit περισσεύω 1 even more Paul means plenty of the things that he needs for himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
PHP 4 18 s68v figs-metaphor ὀσμὴν εὐωδίας, θυσίαν δεκτήν, εὐάρεστον τῷ Θεῷ 1 They are a sweet-smelling aroma, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God Paul speaks of the gift from the Philippian church as if it were a sacrifice offered to God on an altar. Paul implies that the church’s gift is very pleasing to God, like the sacrifices that the priests burned, which had a smell that pleased God. Alternate translation: “I assure you these gifts are very pleasing to God, like an acceptable sacrifice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
PHP 4 19 r96p figs-idiom πληρώσει πᾶσαν χρείαν ὑμῶν 1 will meet all your needs This is the same word translated “have been well-supplied” in verse 18. It is an idiom meaning “will provide everything you need” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
PHP 4 19 xmk2 κατὰ τὸ πλοῦτος αὐτοῦ ἐν δόξῃ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus “from his glorious riches that he gives through Christ Jesus”
PHP 4 22 rg96 μάλιστα…οἱ ἐκ τῆς Καίσαρος οἰκίας 1 especially those of Caesar’s household This refers to servants who worked in Caesar’s palace. “especially the fellow believers who work in the palace of Caesar”
PHP 4 23 a3f8 figs-synecdoche μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν 1 with your spirit Paul refers to the believers by using the word “spirit,” which is what enables humans to relate to God. Alternate translation: “with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
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