The Meaning of Philippians 1:7 Explained

Philippians 1:7

KJV: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

YLT: according as it is righteous for me to think this in behalf of you all, because of my having you in the heart, both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the good news, all of you being fellow-partakers with me of grace.

Darby: as it is righteous for me to think this as to you all, because ye have me in your hearts, and that both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the glad tidings ye are all participators in my grace.

ASV: even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace.

Discover Philippians 1:7

CONTEXT: What is the Context of Philippians 1:7?

MEANING: What does Philippians 1:7 Mean?

WORDS: What do the individual words in Philippians 1:7 mean?

RELATIONS: What do the major concepts mean in Philippians 1:7?

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Even as  it is  meet  for me  to think  this  of  you  all,  because  I have  you  in  my  heart;  inasmuch as both  in  my  bonds,  and  in the defence  and  confirmation  of the gospel,  ye  all  are  partakers  of my  grace. 

What does Philippians 1:7 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Philippians 1:7-8 express the basis of Paul"s confidence that he just expressed ( Philippians 1:6). They also develop the theme of partnership in the gospel.
How did Paul feel about the Philippians? He felt joyful ( Philippians 1:4; cf. Philippians 1:9-11; cf. Philippians 1:25; cf. Philippians 1:27-28; Philippians 2:2; Philippians 2:12-18; Philippians 3:16-17; Philippians 4:17). The reason he said it was right for him to feel that way was the partnership in the gospel that they shared with him. The figurative use of "heart" (Gr. kardia) refers to the whole personality: intellect, emotions, and will, not just sentiment. [1] The Philippians were in Paul"s prayers ( Philippians 1:3-4) and on his mind (not on his nerves). This is the proof that they were on his heart. Here is the first use of a key word in Philippians (Gr. phroneo) translated "to feel." The word means to hold a mind-set that expresses itself in proper action. Paul developed this concept later (cf. Philippians 2:1-5; Philippians 3:15; Philippians 3:19; Philippians 4:2; Philippians 4:10). The same "mind" is necessary if partners are to progress toward perfection ( Philippians 1:6).
"The pastor who, like Paul, holds his people in his heart will find them holding him in their hearts." [2]
Even though many miles separated the writer and the original readers, Paul viewed their relationship as intimate since they shared salvation and their calling to spread the gospel. Not only were they bound together in the gospel ( Philippians 1:5) but, more specifically, they were one in imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. The Philippians had not only been in prison with Paul in spirit, but they had been willing to associate with and minister to him in prison through Epaphroditus.
Defending and confirming the gospel are positive and negative aspects of proclaiming it. However, Paul may have meant more than that since these terms have legal connotations. A defense (Gr. apologia) elsewhere sometimes refers to a legal defense (e.g, Acts 22:1; Acts 25:16 : 2 Timothy 4:16). Moreover confirming (Gr. bebaiosis) meant to guarantee security (e.g, Hebrews 6:16). Paul may have had his upcoming trial in mind. That occasion would be one more opportunity to herald the gospel. It was that great task that united Paul and the Philippians in such close bonds of fellowship.
"Partakers ... with me" (NASB) and "you share ... with me" (NIV) are translations of a Greek word (sugkoinonous) that means fellow partners. Paul and the Philippians partook together of the enabling grace that God provides for those who confirm and defend the gospel (cf. Philippians 1:29-30; Philippians 3:1; Philippians 4:4). Here Paul introduced the idea of suffering in the work of proclaiming the gospel, which he developed later.
"While suffering is not the dominant motif in Philippians , it constitutes the church"s primary historical context in Philippi and thus underlies much of the letter. ...
"Second, opposition and suffering probably lie behind a further-seldom noted-major motif in the letter: Paul"s repeated emphasis on the believer"s sure future with its eschatological triumph." [3]

Context Summary

Philippians 1:1-11 - Rejoice In Growth And Seek Increase
It is exceedingly difficult to compress this Epistle, which is the tenderest and most personal of them all. Every word merits consideration; every paragraph is full of linked sweetness long drawn out. In the opening verses we are taught that we may further the gospel, not only by direct efforts, but by helping those who, like the Apostle, are devoted to its spread. From the early beginnings of their friendship, this Church had never faltered in its loving gifts, which Paul sought to repay with prayers on their behalf. He regarded them as comrades fighting the same enemy, on the same field, and sharing in the same grace.
The Apostle's confidence that whatever God begins will have its perfect end, Philippians 1:6, is very reassuring. This is what we need, though we must not take it for granted apart from faith and prayer. Each of the Epistles has its "collect," its comprehensive prayer offered in the name of Christ. This one is especially beautiful. Abounding love will lead to increased knowledge; and this to quicker discrimination between things that differ, however similar they may appear; and this, in turn, to freedom from blame and offense. And all will result in the fruit of a holy life, pleasing to Jesus and bringing glory and praise to God. [source]

Chapter Summary: Philippians 1

1  Paul testifies his thankfulness to God, and his love toward the Philippians,
9  daily praying for their increase in grace;
12  he shows what good the faith of Christ had received by his troubles at Rome;
21  and how ready he is to glorify Christ either by his life or death;
27  exhorting them to unity;
28  and to fortitude in persecution

Greek Commentary for Philippians 1:7

Because I have you in my heart [δια το εχειν με εν τηι καρδιαι υμας]
Or “because you hold me in your heart.” Literally, “because of the holding me (or you) in the heart as to you (or me).” One accusative is the object of the infinitive εχειν — echein the other is the accusative of general reference. There is no way to decide which is the idea meant except to say that love begets love. The pastor who, like Paul, holds his people in his heart will find them holding him in their hearts. [source]
In the defence [εν τηι απολογιαι]
Old word (our word apology, but not our idea of apologizing), in the original sense in Acts 22:1; Acts 25:16. So also in Phlippians 1:16 below. Confirmation (βεβαιωσει — bebaiōsei). Old word from βεβαιοω — bebaioō (βεβαιοσ βαινω — bebaiosσυγκοινωνους μου της χαριτος — bainō), to make stable. In N.T. only here and Hebrews 6:16 about oath. Partakers with me of grace Literally, “my Corinthians-sharers in grace” (objective genitive). “Grace prompted them to alleviate his imprisonment, to cooperate with him in defending and propagating the gospel, and to suffer for its sake” (Vincent, Int. Crit. Comm.). [source]
Confirmation [βεβαιωσει]
Old word from βεβαιοω — bebaioō (βεβαιοσ βαινω — bebaiosσυγκοινωνους μου της χαριτος — bainō), to make stable. In N.T. only here and Hebrews 6:16 about oath. [source]
Partakers with me of grace [sugKoinéōnous mou tēs charitos)]
Literally, “my Corinthians-sharers in grace” (objective genitive). “Grace prompted them to alleviate his imprisonment, to cooperate with him in defending and propagating the gospel, and to suffer for its sake” (Vincent, Int. Crit. Comm.). [source]
Even as [καθώς]
The reason for being confident (Phlippians 1:6). [source]
Defense [ἀπολογία]
See on 1 Peter 3:15. [source]
Confirmation [βεβαιώσει]
Only here and Hebrews 6:16. The kindred verb βεβαιόω toconfirm, occurs frequently, as Romans 15:8; 1 Corinthians 1:8, etc. [source]
Partakers of my grace [συγκοινωνούς μοῦ τῆς χάριτος]
Better, as Rev., partakers with me of grace. Lit., the grace, either the divine endowment which enabled them both to suffer bonds, and to defend and establish the Gospel, or the loving favor of God, which confers suffering and activity alike as a boon. The two may be combined. Compare Phlippians 1:29. [source]

What do the individual words in Philippians 1:7 mean?

Accordingly it is right for me this to feel about all of you since - have I in the heart you in both the chains of me and defense confirmation of the gospel fellow partakers with me of grace all are
Καθώς ἐστιν δίκαιον ἐμοὶ τοῦτο φρονεῖν ὑπὲρ πάντων ὑμῶν διὰ τὸ ἔχειν με ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ ὑμᾶς ἔν τε τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου καὶ ἀπολογίᾳ βεβαιώσει τοῦ εὐαγγελίου συνκοινωνούς μου τῆς χάριτος πάντας ὄντας

Καθώς  Accordingly 
Parse: Adverb
Root: καθώς  
Sense: according as.
ἐστιν  it  is 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
δίκαιον  right 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: δίκαιος  
Sense: righteous, observing divine laws.
ἐμοὶ  for  me 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
τοῦτο  this 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: οὗτος  
Sense: this.
φρονεῖν  to  feel 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active
Root: φρονέω  
Sense: to have understanding, be wise.
ὑπὲρ  about 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ὑπέρ 
Sense: in behalf of, for the sake of.
ὑμῶν  of  you 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Root: σύ  
Sense: you.
διὰ  since 
Parse: Preposition
Root: διά  
Sense: through.
τὸ  - 
Parse: Article, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: ὁ  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
καρδίᾳ  heart 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: καρδία  
Sense: the heart.
τε  both 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: τέ  
Sense: not only … but also.
δεσμοῖς  chains 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: δεσμός  
Sense: a band or bond.
μου  of  me 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
ἀπολογίᾳ  defense 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ἀπολογία  
Sense: verbal defence, speech in defence.
βεβαιώσει  confirmation 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: βεβαίωσις  
Sense: confirmation.
τοῦ  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: ὁ  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
εὐαγγελίου  gospel 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: εὐαγγέλιον  
Sense: a reward for good tidings.
συνκοινωνούς  fellow  partakers 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: συγκοινωνός  
Sense: participant with others in anything, joint partner.
μου  with  me 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
χάριτος  grace 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: χάρις  
Sense: grace.

What are the major concepts related to Philippians 1:7?

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