Paul's Thanks for Support and God's Provision
Philippians 4:10-20
Phil.4.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Εχαρην: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- κυριω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- μεγαλως: ADV
- οτι: CONJ
- ηδη: ADV
- ποτε: ADV
- ανεθαλετε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- υπερ: PREP
- εμου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- φρονειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- εφ᾽ω: PREP+REL,dat,sg,neut
- και: CONJ
- εφρονειτε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- ηκαιρεισθε: VERB,impf,mid,ind,2,pl
- δε: CONJ
Parallels
- Philippians 4:4 (verbal): Both verses use the language of 'rejoicing in the Lord'—Philippians 4:4's command to rejoice parallels Paul's personal statement of great joy in the Lord in 4:10.
- Philippians 1:3-5 (thematic): Paul's thanksgiving for the Philippians' partnership and concern for the gospel echoes the gratitude and mutual care expressed in 4:10.
- 2 Corinthians 8:10-11 (verbal): Paul speaks of the Corinthians' earlier willingness/desire to give though they lacked opportunity—closely parallel in theme and wording to Philippians 4:10's note that they 'were concerned before, but lacked opportunity.'
- Philippians 4:14-16 (thematic): These verses recount the Philippians' concrete financial support and care for Paul, providing the context and fulfillment of the concern for which Paul rejoices in 4:10.
- 2 Corinthians 9:2-5 (thematic): Paul's discussion of the churches' readiness and the need to prepare an offering echoes the motif of willingness versus opportunity found in Philippians 4:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have renewed your concern for me; indeed you had concern before, but you lacked opportunity.
- I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that now at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed you were concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.
Phil.4.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ουχ: PART,neg
- οτι: CONJ
- καθ᾽υστερησιν: PREP+NOUN,acc,sg,f
- λεγω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- γαρ: PART
- εμαθον: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- εν: PREP
- οις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- ειμι: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- αυταρκης: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ειναι·: VERB,pres,act,inf
Parallels
- Philippians 4:12 (structural): Immediate context: Paul continues the thought, describing learning to be content in every circumstance (humiliation and abundance), clarifying what he means by being 'content.'
- 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (thematic): Affirms the theme that 'godliness with contentment is great gain' and illustrates contentment with basic needs ('if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content'), closely matching Paul's concern about sufficiency.
- Hebrews 13:5 (verbal): Uses near-verbatim language and theme—'keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have'—echoing Paul's exhortation to learned contentment.
- Matthew 6:25-34 (thematic): Jesus' teaching against anxiety over food and clothing and the call to trust God's provision parallels Paul's attitude of learned contentment and reliance rather than worry about material circumstances.
Alternative generated candidates
- Not that I speak as being in need; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content.
- Not that I speak from want, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
Phil.4.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οιδα: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,sg
- και: CONJ
- ταπεινουσθαι: VERB,pres,mid/pass,inf
- οιδα: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,sg
- και: CONJ
- περισσευειν·εν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- παντι: PRON,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- πασιν: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- μεμυημαι: VERB,pf,mid/pass,ind,1,sg
- και: CONJ
- χορταζεσθαι: VERB,pres,mid/pass,inf
- και: CONJ
- πειναν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- και: CONJ
- περισσευειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- και: CONJ
- υστερεισθαι·: VERB,pres,mid/pass,inf
Parallels
- Philippians 4:11 (structural): Immediate context: Paul states he has learned to be content in every circumstance, introducing the contrast of abased/abounding found in 4:12.
- 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (thematic): Both passages teach godly contentment regardless of material circumstances—having food and clothing is sufficient whether in wealth or need.
- 2 Corinthians 6:10 (verbal): Paul elsewhere pairs apparent lack with true sufficiency ('having nothing, and yet possessing all things'), echoing the paradox of plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
- 2 Corinthians 11:27 (verbal): A catalogue of Paul’s hardships—frequent hunger, thirst, cold—parallels the concrete experiences of hunger and need mentioned in Phil 4:12.
- 2 Corinthians 12:10 (thematic): Paul’s affirmation that weakness and suffering can coexist with strength and contentment parallels the learned ability to endure both abasement and abundance.
Alternative generated candidates
- I know how to be humbled and I know how to abound. In every and any circumstance I have learned both to be satisfied and to hunger, both to have plenty and to endure want.
- I know how to be humbled, and I know how to abound. In every and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being satisfied and of going hungry, of having plenty and of suffering need.
Phil.4.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- ισχυω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- ενδυναμουντι: VERB,pres,act,part,dat,sg,m
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (thematic): Paul's dependence on Christ's power in weakness — 'My grace is sufficient... for when I am weak, then I am strong' echoes the theme of accomplishing all things through Christ's strengthening.
- Ephesians 3:16 (verbal): Prayer that believers be 'strengthened with power' in their inner being — similar language of divine strengthening as the source of Christian ability.
- Colossians 1:11 (verbal): Thanksgiving that believers are 'strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might' — closely parallels Paul's motif of being enabled by Christ's power.
- John 15:5 (thematic): Jesus' claim 'apart from me you can do nothing' provides an implicit corollary to Phil 4:13: all true ability to act for God derives from union with Christ.
- Matthew 19:26 (thematic): Jesus' declaration 'with God all things are possible' matches the conviction that through divine power believers can accomplish what otherwise would be impossible.
Alternative generated candidates
- I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
- I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Phil.4.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- πλην: PREP
- καλως: ADV
- εποιησατε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- συγκοινωνησαντες: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,m,pl
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- θλιψει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Philippians 2:25-30 (verbal): Paul speaks of Epaphroditus as a fellow-worker/companion in hardship (συνεργὸν/συγκοινωνὸν τῆς θλίψεως), echoing the idea of sharing his affliction.
- 2 Corinthians 1:6-7 (verbal): Uses the language of being 'partakers' of sufferings and consolation (κοινωνοί/κοινωνοί τῶν παθήματων), closely paralleling the concept of sharing Paul's distress.
- Romans 12:15 (thematic): Commands the community to 'weep with those who weep,' reflecting the ethical duty to share others' sorrows—parallel to participating in Paul's affliction.
- Galatians 6:2 (thematic): 'Bear one another's burdens' expresses the same communal responsibility to share in others' burdens and suffering as Phil. 4:14.
Alternative generated candidates
- Yet you did well to share my distress.
- Yet it was kind of you to share in my affliction.
Phil.4.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Οιδατε: VERB,perf,act,ind,2,pl
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- Φιλιππησιοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- οτι: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- αρχη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ευαγγελιου: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- οτε: CONJ
- εξηλθον: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- απο: PREP
- Μακεδονιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ουδεμια: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- εκκλησια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- εκοινωνησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- δοσεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- λημψεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- μη: PART
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- μονοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- Acts 16:11-15 (structural): Narrative account of Paul's visit to Philippi and Lydia's conversion/hospitality — provides the historical background for the Philippians' relationship to Paul and their initial support.
- 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (thematic): Paul praises the Macedonian churches for their generous giving despite poverty — thematically parallels Philippians' financial partnership with Paul.
- Romans 15:25-27 (thematic): Paul describes carrying a collection from Gentile churches to the Jerusalem saints and names churches' contributions — connects to the practice of churches giving to support Paul and others.
- 1 Corinthians 9:11-14 (thematic): Paul teaches that those who proclaim the gospel should receive material support from the gospel — provides the theological rationale for churches' support of Paul's ministry.
Alternative generated candidates
- You yourselves Philippians know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only.
- You Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in giving and receiving except you alone.
Phil.4.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οτι: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- Θεσσαλονικη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- απαξ: ADV
- και: CONJ
- δις: ADV
- εις: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- χρειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- επεμψατε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- Philippians 4:15 (structural): Immediate context: Paul identifies the Philippians' earlier generosity; 4:16 then specifies that even in Thessalonica they sent aid to his need.
- Philippians 4:18 (structural): Follow-up in the same passage where Paul acknowledges receipt of gifts and their sufficiency, tying the Thessalonian/Philippian support to his present provision.
- 2 Corinthians 11:9 (verbal): Paul reports that 'the brothers from Macedonia' supplied what was lacking to him—language and substance parallel the report that Thessalonica (a Macedonian church) sent aid.
- 2 Corinthians 8:1–5 (thematic): Describes the Macedonian churches' generous giving despite poverty, providing a broader theological and situational parallel to Thessalonian financial support.
- Romans 15:25–27 (thematic): Notes contributions from Macedonia and Achaia for the needs of others, reflecting the same pattern of churches sending material support as in Phil 4:16.
Alternative generated candidates
- For even in Thessalonica you sent me help more than once when I had need.
- For even in Thessalonica you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.
Phil.4.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ουχ: PART,neg
- οτι: CONJ
- επιζητω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- δομα: NOUN,acc,sg,neut
- αλλα: CONJ
- επιζητω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- καρπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- πλεοναζοντα: PART,pres,act,masc,acc,sg
- εις: PREP
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
Parallels
- Philippians 4:15-16 (structural): Immediate context: Paul acknowledges the Philippians' financial partnership (their gift) and prepares the contrast—he values their spiritual benefit more than the material support they sent.
- 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (verbal): Uses agricultural imagery of seed and harvest and speaks of God supplying seed so that 'the harvest' of righteousness increases—parallels Paul’s language of 'fruit' and increase for the recipients’ account.
- Galatians 6:7-9 (thematic): Sowing-and-reaping principle: doing good leads to a harvest. Echoes the idea that actions/resources should aim at producing spiritual fruit for others rather than merely supplying material gifts.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 (thematic): Paul calls the Thessalonians his hope, joy, and crown—expressing that his true aim is their spiritual welfare and status before Christ, not material benefit, similar to 'not that I seek the gift, but the fruit.'
Alternative generated candidates
- Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek the fruit that increases to your account.
- Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek the increase of the fruit that may abound to your account.
Phil.4.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- απεχω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- περισσευω·πεπληρωμαι: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg + VERB,perf,mid/pass,ind,1,sg
- δεξαμενος: VERB,aor,mid,ptc,nom,sg,m
- παρα: PREP
- Επαφροδιτου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- παρ᾽υμων: PREP+PRON,gen,pl,2
- οσμην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ευωδιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- θυσιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- δεκτην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- ευαρεστον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Eph.5.2 (verbal): Describes Christ's self-giving as 'a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God,' using the same 'fragrant/sweet-smelling' and 'sacrifice' terminology found in Phil 4:18.
- 2 Cor.2.14-16 (verbal): Paul uses aroma imagery for the gospel—'we are to God the aroma of Christ... to some a fragrance from death to death, to others from life to life'—paralleling Phil 4:18's 'aroma of a sweet smell.'
- Rom.12.1 (verbal): Calls believers to present their bodies as a 'living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,' echoing Phil 4:18's characterization of the gift as a 'sacrifice acceptable' to God.
- Gen.8.21 (allusion): Noah's offering is described as producing a 'pleasant aroma' to the LORD; this OT sacrificial motif undergirds Paul's 'aroma of a sweet smell' language in Philippians.
- Heb.13.16 (thematic): Links acts of sharing and doing good with 'sacrifices pleasing to God,' similar in tenor to Paul's presentation of the Philippians' gift as an acceptable, well-pleasing sacrifice.
Alternative generated candidates
- I have received everything and abound. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you sent— a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
- I have received everything and abound; I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you sent—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
Phil.4.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- πληρωσει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- πασαν: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- χρειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- κατα: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- πλουτος: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- δοξη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- Χριστω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Matthew 6:31-33 (thematic): Jesus tells believers not to be anxious about material needs because the Father provides; seek God's kingdom first and 'all these things' will be added — a parallel promise of divine provision.
- Psalm 23:1 (thematic): 'The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want' expresses the OT motif of God as provider, thematically echoing Paul's assurance that God will supply every need.
- 2 Corinthians 9:8 (verbal): Paul writes that God is able to make all grace abound so that you have all sufficiency in all things — language of supplying/filling sufficiency parallels Phil 4:19's promise to 'supply every need.'
- Romans 8:32 (thematic): The argument that God, having given his Son, will surely give us all things undergirds the theological confidence in God's provision found in Phil 4:19.
Alternative generated candidates
- And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
- And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Phil.4.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- πατρι: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- δοξα: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- εις: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- αιωνας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αιωνων·αμην: NOUN,gen,pl,m+INTJ
Parallels
- Romans 11:36 (verbal): Ends with a doxological tag 'αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας· ἀμήν', closely matching Phil 4:20's language of eternal glory to God.
- 1 Timothy 1:17 (verbal): A doxology addressing God with the exact phrase 'δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων· ἀμήν', paralleling Philippians' ending formula.
- Ephesians 3:21 (thematic): Final doxology 'αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα ... τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων· ἀμήν' — shares the theme and liturgical structure of giving eternal glory to God.
- Jude 24-25 (allusion): Concluding double-verse doxology that ascribes eternal glory to God (through Christ) with similar wording 'ᾧ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας· ἀμήν', echoing Philippians' benediction to God the Father.
Alternative generated candidates
- To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
- To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that now at last you have renewed your concern for me; indeed you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.
Not that I say this because I am in need; for I have learned, in whatever circumstance I am, to be content.
I know how to be humbled, and I know how to abound; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being satisfied and of going hungry, of having abundance and of suffering need.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Yet it was good of you to share in my affliction.
You Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only.
For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to meet my need.
Not that I seek the gift; but I seek the fruit that accrues to your account.
I have received everything and have more than enough; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.