The Meaning of Philippians 1:8 Explained

Philippians 1:8

KJV: For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

YLT: For God is my witness, how I long for you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ,

Darby: For God is my witness how I long after you all in the bowels of Christ Jesus.

ASV: For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

For  God  is  my  record,  how  greatly I long after  you  all  in  the bowels  of Jesus  Christ. 

What does Philippians 1:8 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Only God really knew how strongly Paul longed for his brothers and sisters back in Philippi. Consequently the apostle called on Him as his witness to his professions of affection. Paul"s feelings were similar to those of his Lord Jesus Christ, who generated them in the apostle.
". . . Paul took this solemn oath because he was aware that within the church that he founded and for which he cared so deeply there were those who were not at all convinced of his right to lead them nor certain of the reality of his love for them. What more could he do to convince them than swear before God that they all (pantas hymas) had the same great place in his affections? Nothing. In his day and in his culture a solemn oath was the end of every dispute (cf. Hebrews 6:16)." [1]
These expressions of thanksgiving provide insight into the unity that exists among believers and between believers and our Lord. The gospel and salvation are the great unifying elements.

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 1:8

My witness [μαρτυς μου]
Same solemn oath in Romans 1:9. [source]
I long after [επιποτω]
Longing Literally “in the bowels” as the seat of the affections. [source]
In the tender mercies [εν σπλαγχνοις]
Literally “in the bowels” as the seat of the affections. [source]
In the bowels of Jesus Christ [ἐν σπλάγχνοις Χριστοῦ Ιησοῦ]
Rev., better, in the tender mercies. Describing his longing, not as his individual emotion, but as Christ's longing, as if the very heart of Christ dwelt in him. “In Paul not Paul lives, but Jesus Christ” (Bengel) With tender mercies compare reins, Revelation 2:23, note. [source]

What do the individual words in Philippians 1:8 mean?

Witness for my - God [is] how I long after all you in [the] affection of Christ Jesus
μάρτυς γάρ μου Θεός ὡς ἐπιποθῶ πάντας ὑμᾶς ἐν σπλάγχνοις Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ

μάρτυς  Witness 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: μάρτυς 
Sense: a witness.
μου  my 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεός  God  [is] 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
ὡς  how 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ὡς 
Sense: as, like, even as, etc.
ἐπιποθῶ  I  long  after 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐπιποθέω  
Sense: to long for, desire.
σπλάγχνοις  [the]  affection 
Parse: Noun, Dative Neuter Plural
Root: σπλάγχνον  
Sense: bowels, intestines, (the heart, lungs, liver, etc.).
Χριστοῦ  of  Christ 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Χριστός  
Sense: Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God.
Ἰησοῦ  Jesus 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰησοῦς  
Sense: Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses’ successor.