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Introduction to Philippians

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the book of Philippians

  1. Greeting, thanksgiving and prayer (1:1-11)
  2. Pauls report on his ministry (1:12-26)
  3. Instructions
    • To be steadfast (1:27-30)
    • To be united (2:1-2)
    • To be humble (2:3-11)
    • To work out our salvation with God working in you (2:12-13)
    • To be innocent, and shining as light (2:14-18)
  4. Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:19-30)
  5. Warning about false teachers (3:1-4:1)
  6. Personal instruction (4:2-5)
  7. Rejoice and do not be anxious (4:4-6)
  8. Final remarks
    • Values (4:8-9)
    • Contentment (4:10-20)
    • Final Greetings (4:21-23)

Who wrote the book of Philippians?

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.

Paul wrote this letter while in prison in Rome.

What is the book of Philippians about?

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 how he was doing in prison and to encourage them to rejoice, even if they were suffering. He also wrote to them about a man named Epaphroditus, 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 him and to be kind to Epaphroditus when he returned.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “Philippians.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Pauls Letter to the Church in Philippi,” or “A Letter to the Christians in Philippi.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What was the city of Philippi like?

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 tells the believers that it is much more important that they are citizens of heaven (3:20).

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Singular and plural “you”

In this book, the word “I” refers to Paul. The words “you” and “your” always refer to the believers in Philippi, except for one time in 4:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

Who were the “enemies of the cross of Christ” (3:18) in this letter?

The “enemies of the cross of Christ” were probably people who called themselves believers, but they did not obey Gods commands. They thought that freedom in Christ meant that believers could do whatever they desired, and God would not punish them (3:19).

Why were the words “joy” and “rejoice” frequently used in this letter?

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.

What does Paul mean by the expressions “in Christ,” or “in the Lord,” etc.?

These kinds of expressions occur 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.

What are the major issues in the text of the book of Philippians?

Some versions have “Amen” at the end of the final verse in the letter (4:23). The ULT, UST, and some modern versions include it, but many other versions do not. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

3PHP1introkd3g0

Philippians 1 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

Paul follows the normal practice of the time by beginning the letter with a statement of the names of the senders and the recipients. In that culture, the sender would then offer a good wish for the recipients. Paul does this in the form of a Christian blessing.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

The day of Christ

This 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]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Paradox

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)

4PHP11xk9ztranslate-namesΠαῦλος καὶ Τιμόθεος1Paul and Timothy

Paul and Timothy are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

5PHP11bzfsἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1Paul and Timothy

Alternate translation: “in union with Christ Jesus”

6PHP12uueptranslate-blessingχάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη1Grace to you and peace

This is a greeting and blessing that Paul often uses in the beginning of his letters. Use a form in your language that makes it clear that this is a greeting and blessing. Alternate translation: “may you experience kindness, mercy, and peace within you” or “I pray that you will have grace, mercy, and peace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]])

7PHP12pyjifigs-yousingularὑμῖν1

Here, you refers to the Philippian Christians and is plural in form in the original language in which Paul wrote. Throughout this letter, with one exception, the words “you” and “your” are plural and refer to the Philippian Christians. If your language uses different forms to show when “you” and “your” refer to one person and when they refer to more than one person, use the plural form that would be appropriate in your language in this occurrence and all other occurrences of “you” and “your” in this letter, except for in 4:3. A note will discuss the one exception in 4:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

8PHP12yh4sfigs-exclusiveΠατρὸς ἡμῶν1

If your language has different forms for including or excluding the hearers, use the inclusive form for our here and throughout the letter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

9PHP13ntp5ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ μνείᾳ ὑμῶν1in all my remembrance of you

Here, in all my remembrance of you could refer to: (1) each time that Paul thought about the Philippian believers. Alternate translation: “each time that I think about you” (2) each time that Paul prayed for the Philippian believers. Alternate translation: “every time that I pray for you”

10PHP13gjyvfigs-possessionτῷ Θεῷ μου1

Use of the words my God does not mean that God belongs to Paul, but that Paul belongs to God. That is, God is the one whom Paul worships exclusively. Alternate translation: “the one who is God to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

11PHP13w8dzfigs-yousingularὑμῶν1

See how you translated the word you in 1:2. In this letter, every use of the words you and your is plural and refers to the Philippian believers, except for one use in 4:3, which has a note to discuss it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

12PHP15bca2ἐπὶ τῇ κοινωνίᾳ ὑμῶν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, ἀπὸ τῆς πρώτης ἡμέρας ἄχρι τοῦ νῦν1

Here, because could refer to: (1) the reason that Paul gives thanks to God. Alternate translation: “I give thanks to God because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (2) the reason for Pauls joy.

13PHP15fdqefigs-yousingularὑμῶν1

Here, the word your is plural and refers to the Philippian Christians. In this letter, with one exception, the words “you” and “your” are always plural and always refer to the Philippian Christians. If your language uses different forms to show when “you” and “your” refer to one person and when they refer to more than one person, use the plural form that would be appropriate in your language in this occurrence and all other occurrences of “you” and “your” in this letter, except for in 4:3. A note will discuss the one exception in 4:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

14PHP15yi9lfigs-explicitτῇ κοινωνίᾳ ὑμῶν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον1because of your fellowship in the gospel

Here, your fellowship in the gospel refers to the Philippians partnering with Paul in the various things involved in spreading the gospel. This includes gifts of money that they sent to Paul (see 4:1518). If it would be clearer in your language, you could state this more explicitly. Alternate translation: “your participation with me in advancing the gospel” or “your partnership with me in working to spread the good news about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

15PHP15vi1rfigs-explicitἀπὸ τῆς πρώτης ἡμέρας1

The phrase from the first day refers to the time at which the Philippian believers first believed the gospel that Paul preached to them. This may also have been the first day that Paul preached in Philippi. Alternate translation: “from the time you first heard and believed the gospel that I preached” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

16PHP15d8hifigs-explicitἄχρι τοῦ νῦν1

The phrase until now does not mean that the Philippian believers have now stopped partnering with Paul. Rather, it means that they are still partnering with Paul. Alternate translation: “that we are still sharing now” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

17PHP16s1l8figs-explicitπεποιθὼς αὐτὸ τοῦτο1having been persuaded

The phrase having been persuaded indicates a reason that Paul thanks God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I thank God because I am confident of this very thing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

18PHP16jf4xfigs-explicitὁ ἐναρξάμενος ἐν ὑμῖν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν, ἐπιτελέσει1the one having begun

Here, the one refers to God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “that God, having begun a good work in you, will perfect it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

19PHP16u80afigs-explicitὅτι ὁ ἐναρξάμενος ἐν ὑμῖν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν1

The phrase good work in you refers to both the initial conversion of the Philippian Christians and to Gods ongoing work in their lives through the Holy Spirit. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “that God, having begun his good work in you through your conversion and continuing it through the work of the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

20PHP16qhmhὑμῖν1

See how you translated the word you in Philippians 1:2.

21PHP16p2a5figs-explicitἐπιτελέσει1

Here, will perfect it means that God would bring to completion the work which he began in the lives of the Philippian believers at their conversion and which he was continuing to do. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

22PHP16p5pufigs-explicitἡμέρας Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ1

The phrase the day of Jesus Christ refers to the time in the future when Jesus Christ will return to judge the world and save those who believe in him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the time when Jesus Christ returns” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

23PHP17sowffigs-idiomτὸ ἔχειν με ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ ὑμᾶς1I have you in my heart

The phrase, I have you in my heart is an idiom which expresses strong affection. If you have an equivalent expression which adequately communicates the meaning, you may use it here. If not, you can state this using plain language. Alternate translation: “I love you very much” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

24PHP17jn2sσυνκοινωνούς μου τῆς χάριτος…ὄντας1being partakers with me of grace

Alternate translation: “sharing in grace with me”

25PHP17df00figs-abstractnounsχάριτος1

Here, grace refers to the way that God kindly gives us good things that we do not deserve. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun grace with a verb or adjective. In this context, Paul considers both his imprisonment and his ministry of defending and confirming the gospel to be gifts from God. Alternate translation: “of Gods gracious gift” or “in experiencing how kind God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

26PHP17o7effigs-metonymyδεσμοῖς μου1

Paul refers to his imprisonment in Rome by using the phrase my chains. Paul was chained to a guard and the Philippian Christians would have understood that Paul was referring to his imprisonment when he used the phrase my chains because of the close association between chains and being in prison. If this association is not clear in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or use plain language. Alternate translation: “my imprisonment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

27PHP17wey7figs-doubletκαὶ ἐν τῇ ἀπολογίᾳ καὶ βεβαιώσει τοῦ εὐαγγελίου1

The words translated defense and confirmation could be used to refer to defending and confirming in a court of law the truth of something against which a charge was made. These two words mean very similar things. The repetition is used to emphasize that this is hard work. If your language has one word for these ideas, use that here and add emphasis another way. If there is a word or phrase that could be used with this legal sense but could also be used in the context of defending the gospel, consider using it here. Alternate translation: “and as I contend for the truth of the gospel” or “and as I labor to show people that the gospel is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

28PHP18xun1figs-idiomἐν σπλάγχνοις Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ1in the bowels of Christ Jesus

The Greek word translated as inner parts is a term which refers to body organs, particularly to the intestines, liver, lungs, and heart. Paul is using inner parts figuratively to refer to love or affection. You can use the body part that represents the seat of affection in your language, or translate the plain meaning. Alternate translation: “with the heart of Christ Jesus” or “with the affection of Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

29PHP18bo0rἐν σπλάγχνοις Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ1in the bowels of Christ Jesus

Here, the inner parts of Christ Jesus could mean: (1) the same kind of love as Christ Jesus gives to people. (2) love that originates with Christ Jesus. Alternate translation: “with love that comes from Christ Jesus”

30PHP19jlyufigs-abstractnounsἵνα ἡ ἀγάπη ὑμῶν ἔτι μᾶλλον καὶ μᾶλλον περισσεύῃ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun love with the verb form. Alternate translation: “that you will be able to love others more and more abundantly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

31PHP19f4q5ὑμῶν1

See how you translated the word your in Philippians 1:5.

32PHP19tbttfigs-abstractnounsἐν ἐπιγνώσει καὶ πάσῃ αἰσθήσει1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns knowledge and understanding with verb phrases. Alternate translation: “and that God will enable you to see the truth about Him and teach you to love wisely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

33PHP110e17gfigs-explicitεἰς τὸ δοκιμάζειν ὑμᾶς τὰ διαφέροντα1

The word what here refers to that which a person does, and the word excels here refers to something that is best, according to God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state these things explicitly. Alternate translation: “so that you may approve and choose to do what pleases God the most” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

34PHP110ybw6grammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς1

Here, the phrase so that shows that what follows this phrase is the desired result of Pauls prayer in verse nine. Consider using a connecting word or phrase that will clearly show that what follows it is the desired result of what Paul prayed in verse nine. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

35PHP110siv8figs-doubletεἰλικρινεῖς καὶ ἀπρόσκοποι1pure and blameless

The words pure and blameless have very similar meanings. Paul uses these two words together to emphasize the idea of moral purity. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these two words and translate them as one idea. Alternate translation: “completely innocent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

36PHP111lu5nfigs-metaphorπεπληρωμένοι καρπὸν δικαιοσύνης τὸν1

Here, the phrase being filled with is a metaphor meaning to be occupied in doing something. The phrase the fruit of righteousness is a metaphor which figuratively refers to what characterizes a person, namely what a person produces. This metaphor is a comparison between a good tree that produces good fruit and a person who is filled with righteousness and produces good actions as a result. So with these two metaphors, Paul is telling the Philippians to be occupied in doing righteous deeds. If this would be unclear in your language, you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “filling your lives with the righteous deeds that are” or “habitually doing the good works that are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

37PHP111t3w4figs-activepassiveπεπληρωμένοι1

The phrase being filled with is a passive form. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “letting God fill you with” or “continually producing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

38PHP111yq99figs-metaphorτὸν διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

Here, the phrase through Christ Jesus is a metaphor meaning that Christ Jesus is the one who makes it possible for a person to be righteous and thus to do the things that a righteous person does. Alternate translation: “that Christ Jesus produces in you” or “that Christ Jesus enables you to produce” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

39PHP111jwgbfigs-abstractnounsεἰς δόξαν καὶ ἔπαινον Θεοῦ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns glory and praise with verbs. Alternate translation: “which will cause people to glorify and praise God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

40PHP111mfs6figs-doubletεἰς δόξαν καὶ ἔπαινον Θεοῦ1

The words glory and praise mean very similar things here. They are used together to emphasize how much people will praise God. If you have one word for this in your language, you can use it here and show emphasis another way. Alternate translation: “which will cause people to greatly praise God” or “which will cause people to declare how great God is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

41PHP112tu2tfigs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1brothers

Although the term brothers is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a spiritual sense to include both men and women who believe in Jesus. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

42PHP112ygt3figs-metaphorἀδελφοί1brothers

Paul is using the term brothers figuratively here to refer to anyone who is a fellow believer in Jesus. If this is not clear in your language, you can express this plainly. Alternative translation, “my companions who believe in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

43PHP112zy4gfigs-explicitτὰ κατ’ ἐμὲ1the things concerning me

The phrase the things concerning me refers to Pauls imprisonment. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the things I have suffered because I was put into prison for preaching about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

44PHP112q288figs-metaphorμᾶλλον εἰς προκοπὴν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ἐλήλυθεν1have really happened for the advancement of the gospel

The phrase advancement of the gospel figuratively refers to an increasing number of people hearing and believing the gospel. Alternate translation: “have actually caused more people to hear the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

45PHP113wi6ngrammar-connect-logic-resultὥστε1my chains in Christ became apparent among the whole palace guard and all the others

Here, the phrase As a result shows that what follows this phrase is the result of Pauls circumstances which he began discussing in verse 12, namely, his imprisonment. Consider using a connecting word or phrase that will clearly show that what follows it is the result of Pauls imprisonment. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

46PHP113h1lyfigs-metonymyδεσμούς μου1my chains in Christ became apparent

Paul again refers to his imprisonment in a figurative way by using the phrase my chains. See how you translated this phrase in 1:7. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

47PHP113f8azfigs-explicitτοὺς δεσμούς μου…ἐν Χριστῷ1my chains in Christ

Here, the phrase my chains in Christ means that Paul is imprisoned because of his work for the cause of Christ. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “my chains for the sake of Christ” or “my chains because I teach people about Christ” or “my chains for the cause of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

48PHP114a1khτῶν ἀδελφῶν1

See how you translated brothers in the previous verse 1:12.

49PHP114eursfigs-metaphorτῶν ἀδελφῶν1

Paul is using the term brothers figuratively here to refer to anyone who is a fellow believer in Jesus. If this is not clear in your language, you can express this plainly. Alternative translation, “my companions who believe in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

50PHP114sz29figs-metaphorἐν Κυρίῳ πεποιθότας τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου1

The phrase encouraged in the Lord means that the Philippian Christians had grown in their trust of the Lord because of Pauls imprisonment. Alternate translation: “trust the Lord more because of my chains” or “have received more courage from the Lord as a result of my imprisonment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

51PHP114k4tmfigs-activepassiveκαὶ τοὺς πλείονας τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἐν Κυρίῳ πεποιθότας τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who or what caused the action. Alternate translation: “The Lord has encouraged most of the brothers because of my chains” or “My chains have given most of the brothers more trust in the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

52PHP114ecy8figs-metonymyδεσμοῖς μου1

Paul is referring to his imprisonment by mentioning one part of it: the chains that bound his feet and hands. If this is unclear in your language, you could mention the imprisonment directly. See how you translated the phrase my chains in 1:7 and 1:13. Alternate translation: “because of my imprisonment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

53PHP114v2wofigs-explicitτὸν λόγον1

Here, the word refers to the message from God about Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the gospel” or “the good news” or “Gods message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

54PHP115sa9n0Some indeed even proclaim Christ

Beginning in this verse, and extending to the end of 1:17, Paul uses a poetic device called chiasm that could be confusing in some languages. You may need to reorder certain things in 1:15-17 if it would be more natural in your language. See the UST.

55PHP115vw1sτινὲς μὲν καὶ…τὸν Χριστὸν κηρύσσουσιν1Some indeed even proclaim Christ

Alternate translation: “Some people are preaching the good news about Jesus”

56PHP115z9y9figs-abstractnounsδιὰ φθόνον καὶ ἔριν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns envy and strife by using them in a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “because they are envious and seek their own evil purposes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

57PHP115yh1cfigs-abstractnounsεὐδοκίαν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun goodwill by using it in a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “their desire that others would know Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

58PHP116w0b8figs-explicitἐξ ἀγάπης1

Here the object of the word love is not specified. You can leave the object of love unspecified or, if it is needed in your language, you may specify the object of love. Here, the word love could refer to: (1) love for Paul. Alternate translation: “because of their love for me” (2) love for Christ. Alternate translation: “The ones who proclaim the good news because they love Christ” (3) love for multiple objects, such as Paul and Christ and those who have not yet heard or believed in the gospel. Alternate translation: “The ones who proclaim the good news because of their love for me, and Jesus, and those who do not believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

59PHP116ttr2figs-activepassiveκεῖμαι1I am appointed for the defense of the gospel

You could state the phrase I am appointed in active form. Alternate translation: “God appointed me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

60PHP116st7kfigs-metaphorεἰς ἀπολογίαν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου1for the defense of the gospel

Paul is speaking of the gospel as though it were a place or person that could be attacked. If this is confusing in your language, you can use plain language. See how you translated “defense and confirmation of the gospel” in 1:7. Alternate translation: “to prove that the message about Jesus is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

61PHP116ia9lfigs-explicitεἰς ἀπολογίαν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου κεῖμαι1

The phrase I am appointed could refer to: (1) God appointing Pauls current situation of being in prison. Alternate translation: “I am assigned to be here for the defense of the gospel” (2) God appointing Paul to the ministry of defending the gospel. Alternate translation: “God has delegated me to the ministry of publicly defending the truth of the good news” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

62PHP116vnflἀπολογίαν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου1

See how you translated the phrase “defense and confirmation of the gospel” in 1:7.

63PHP117sgssfigs-abstractnounsοἱ δὲ ἐξ ἐριθείας τὸν Χριστὸν καταγγέλλουσιν1in my chains

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun ambition with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “but they proclaim Christ only to make themselves seem important” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

64PHP117j333οὐχ ἁγνῶς1in my chains

Alternate translation: “with wrong motives” or “from wrong motives”

65PHP117z8tyfigs-metonymyτοῖς δεσμοῖς μου1in my chains

Paul is referring to his imprisonment by mentioning one part of it: the chains that bound his feet and hands. If this is unclear in your language, you could mention the imprisonment directly. See how you translated the phrase my chains in 1:7 and 1:13. Alternate translation: “because of my imprisonment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

66PHP117tc1ufigs-explicitοἰόμενοι θλῖψιν ἐγείρειν τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could state how the selfish preachers suppose that they are causing trouble to Paul. You could also start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They hope to cause me trouble in my imprisonment by their preaching” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

67PHP118dc7lfigs-rquestionτί γάρ1

The phrase What then? is a rhetorical question. If using a rhetorical question would be confusing in your language, consider expressing the meaning of this rhetorical question by changing it into a statement. Alternate translation: “But that does not matter!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

68PHP118z5iafigs-ellipsisτί γάρ1What then?

In the rhetorical question What then?, Paul leaves out some words that might be necessary in some languages. If you want to use a rhetorical question here, you may want to add the words which are implied but not stated. This could be done in two ways: (1) as a rhetorical question which expects a negative answer. Alternate translation: “What does it matter what their motives are?” or “So what difference does it make?” (2) as a phrase that focuses on the result. Alternate translation: “What then is the result of this?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

69PHP118sw24figs-activepassiveΧριστὸς καταγγέλλεται1

You can express the meaning of the passive form is proclaimed with an active form. Alternate translation: “we all proclaim Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

70PHP119sazefigs-explicitτοῦτό1

Here, the word this refers to Pauls current situation of being in prison and the things that accompanied it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this explicitly. Alternate translation: “my imprisonment” or “my current condition in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

71PHP119h9hffigs-abstractnounsοἶδα γὰρ ὅτι τοῦτό μοι ἀποβήσεται εἰς σωτηρίαν1to me in deliverance

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning behind the abstract noun deliverance by using a verbal phrase. You could also say who does the action, if necessary. Alternate translation: “for I know that this will result in God delivering me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

72PHP119zr2kfigs-abstractnounsἐπιχορηγίας τοῦ Πνεύματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1of the Spirit of Jesus Christ

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning behind the abstract noun provision by using a verbal phrase. You could also say who does the action, if necessary. Alternate translation: “by God providing to me the Spirit of Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

73PHP120fh48figs-doubletἀποκαραδοκίαν καὶ ἐλπίδα1according to my eager expectation and hope

Both eager expectation and hope have similar meanings and together express a single idea. Paul uses these two words together to emphasize the strength of his expectation. If you have a single word or phrase in your language which expresses the meaning of these two words, consider using that to express the strength of the hope in another way. Alternate translation: “sincere expectation” or “sure hope” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

74PHP120tk7lfigs-abstractnounsκατὰ τὴν ἀποκαραδοκίαν καὶ ἐλπίδα μου1but in everything have boldness

Both expectation and hope are abstract nouns. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express them together in a verb phrase. Alternate translation: “because I fully believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

75PHP120jz1zfigs-metonymyἐν τῷ σώματί μου1Christ will be exalted in my body

Here, the phrase in my body is used figuratively to mean the activities that Paul does with his body. Paul speaks of his body because it was with his earthly body that he would serve God on earth until he died, as he explains in more detail in 1:22-24. Alternate translation: “in everything that I do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

76PHP120ystyfigs-doublenegativesἐν οὐδενὶ αἰσχυνθήσομαι, ἀλλ’1Christ will be exalted in my body

If the double-negative phrase in nothing be ashamed would be confusing in your language, you could translate it in a positive way. Alternate translation: “I will always do the right thing and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

77PHP120ch6vfigs-abstractnounsἐν πάσῃ παρρησίᾳ1whether through life or through death

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun boldness with a similar adverb. Alternate translation: “always act boldly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

78PHP120y78kfigs-abstractnounsεἴτε διὰ ζωῆς εἴτε διὰ θανάτου1whether through life or through death

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns life and death with their verbal forms. Alternate translation: “whether I live or I die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

79PHP121n3jdfigs-abstractnounsκέρδος1to die is gain

If the abstract noun gain would be unclear in your language, you may express the meaning behind this word by using a verb phrase. Alternate translation: “to die is to go to Christ” or “to die would give me more blessing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

80PHP122a21cfigs-synecdocheἐν σαρκί1Now if to live in the flesh

Here Paul is using the word flesh figuratively to refer to his entire body. The phrase in the flesh then refers to living as physical beings. If this would be confusing in your language, consider using a different word or phrase that refers to this present physical life. Alternate translation: “on this earth” or “in this world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

81PHP122mwl6figs-metaphorτοῦτό μοι καρπὸς ἔργου1this is fruitful labor for me

Here, the word fruitful refers to Pauls work producing good results. This is a metaphor in which Pauls anticipated productive work is compared to a plant or tree which produces good fruit. Alternate translation: “this will mean effectively serving God” or “this will mean productively working for the advancement of the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

82PHP122kxuufigs-abstractnounsτοῦτό μοι καρπὸς ἔργου1

If the an abstract noun labor would be unclear in your language, you may express the meaning behind this word by using a verb phrase. Alternate translation: “I will accomplish something important” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

83PHP123tq29figs-metaphorσυνέχομαι δὲ ἐκ τῶν δύο1But I am hard pressed between the two

The phrase I am hard pressed between the two is a metaphor. Paul speaks as if he were experiencing literal pressure from two opposite sides at the same time. Paul uses this figurative expression to show his difficulty in deciding which decision is best, if given the option between living or dying. If this would be confusing in your language, you could translate this phrase using a metaphor that would make sense in your language, or you could choose to use plain language to express it. Alternate translation: “both options have their advantages, so the decision is not an easy one for me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

84PHP123j1svfigs-activepassiveσυνέχομαι1

The phrase I am hard pressed is in passive form. If this would be confusing in your language, you could express the meaning behind this phrase by using a verb phrase that is in the active voice. Alternate translation: “It is not easy for me to decide” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

85PHP123q0n1figs-explicitτῶν δύο1

Here, the phrase the two refers to the two options regarding what decision is best. The choice of continuing to live on earth and serve Christ or its alternative, the choice of leaving earth to be with Christ. If the phrase the two would be confusing in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “these two options” or “these two choices” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

86PHP123u1zsfigs-abstractnounsτὴν ἐπιθυμίαν ἔχων1

If the word abstract noun desire would be unclear in your language, you could express the meaning of this word by using the verbal form. Alternate translation: “yearning” or “preferring” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

87PHP123hhjrfigs-euphemismἀναλῦσαι1

Here Paul is referring to his death with the phrase to depart. Instead of focusing on the unpleasantness of death, Paul is using the word depart to focus on the positive result of his death, namely, that his physical death will result in his being with Christ. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a different euphemism or express this plainly. Alternate translation: “to leave this life” or “to depart from this earth” or “to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

88PHP124etlyfigs-synecdocheτὸ δὲ ἐπιμένειν ἐν τῇ σαρκὶ1

The phrase but remain in the flesh means to remain alive in ones body on earth. See how you translated flesh in 1:22. If this would be unclear in your language, consider stating this plainly. Alternate translation: “but to continue in the body” or “but to continue to live on this earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

89PHP124k2j7figs-ellipsisἀναγκαιότερον1

In the phrase is more necessary Paul leaves out the implied words “than departing” because he knows that his readers will understand them from the context. If this would be unclear in your language, consider supplying these omitted words in your translation. Alternate translation: “rather than departing is more necessary” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

90PHP124hnl7ὑμᾶς1

See how you translated the word your in 1:5.

91PHP125bu8dfigs-explicitκαὶ τοῦτο πεποιθὼς1having been persuaded of this

The word this refers back to 1:24 where Paul said that he believed it was more necessary that he remain alive on earth so that he could continue helping the Philippian Christians mature in their faith. If this would be unclear in your language, consider further explaining the word this in your translation. Alternate translation: “And being sure that it is better for you that I remain” or “And having been convinced that I should remain here on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

92PHP125xwl1figs-activepassiveτοῦτο πεποιθὼς1I know that I will remain

If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “because I am sure of this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

93PHP125kmp4figs-explicitμενῶ1I know that I will remain

Here, the word remain refers to remaining alive on earth in ones body in contrast to dying and leaving the earth to be with Christ. See how you translated the word remain in 1:24 and make the meaning the same here. Alternate translation: “I will continue living on this earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

94PHP125hzmdfigs-doubletμενῶ καὶ παραμενῶ1I know that I will remain

These two words mean very similar things. The first is more general and the second is more specific about remaining with someone. If your language has one word for both of these meanings, you could use that here. Alternate translation: “I will continue with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

95PHP125rruyfigs-yousingularὑμῖν1

See how you translated the word you in 1:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

96PHP125xvx9figs-abstractnounsεἰς τὴν ὑμῶν προκοπὴν καὶ χαρὰν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns progress and joy with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “so that you will advance and be joyful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

97PHP125vnn9figs-hendiadysεἰς τὴν ὑμῶν προκοπὴν καὶ χαρὰν1

This phrase, progress and joy, may be expressing a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word joy tells how it feels to progress in faith. Alternate translation: “joyful progress” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

98PHP125h6f2ὑμῶν1

See how you translated the word your in 1:5.

99PHP125zse3figs-abstractnounsτῆς πίστεως1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun faith with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “in trusting Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

100PHP126viwqgrammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα1

Here, the phrase so that indicates that what follows is the purpose of what came before it. The purpose of Paul remaining alive, (1:25), was to increase the Philippians boasting in Christ. In your translation, use the method your language uses to indicate purpose. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

101PHP126d906figs-abstractnounsκαύχημα…ἐν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun boasting by expressing its meaning in a verb phrase or in some other way that would be natural in your language. Alternate translation: “glorying in” or “rejoicing in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

102PHP126j1d2figs-goπαρουσίας1

Here the word coming describes Pauls travel from the perspective of the Philippians. In your language, it may be more natural to describe his travel from Pauls perspective and use a word such as “going.” Here and in verse 27, use the word or phrase that is most natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

103PHP126ay37grammar-connect-logic-resultδιὰ τῆς ἐμῆς παρουσίας1

Here the word through could refer to: (1) the reason the Philippians would greatly boast in Christ. Therefore, the word through means “because”. Alternate translation: …because of my coming” (2) the means by which the Philippians would greatly boast in Christ. Therefore, the word through means “by”. Alternate translation: “by my coming” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

104PHP127bwmqfigs-goἐλθὼν1

Your language may have a different way of expressing the motion described by the word come. Here, the word come refers to Paul traveling to where the Philippians live and visiting them. See how you translated the form of this word in the previous verse, 1:26. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

105PHP127yddqfigs-yousingularἀξίως τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τοῦ Χριστοῦ πολιτεύεσθε1

This is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

106PHP127u09zfigs-metaphorστήκετε1

Here, the phrase stand firm is used figuratively to mean not changing ones beliefs but, rather, remaining steadfast in what one believes. If this would be unclear in your language, consider using an equivalent expression from your language, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “you be unmoved” or “you remain strong in your faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

107PHP127kmn8figs-doubletἐν ἑνὶ πνεύματι, μιᾷ ψυχῇ1

Here, the phrases in one spirit and with one soul mean essentially the same thing and are used together to emphasize the importance of unity. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate them together as one expression and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “unified as one spirit” or “with complete unity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

108PHP127jfxpfigs-metaphorἐν ἑνὶ πνεύματι, μιᾷ ψυχῇ1

Here, the phrases in one spirit and with one soul are used figuratively to mean “to have unity in ones primary purposes and beliefs.” Both phrases refer to being in agreement about what matters. If these expressions would be confusing in your language, you may use plain language or use a similar expression from your language. Alternate translation: “with one mind” or “with singleness of purpose” or “in full agreement” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

109PHP127ej2sσυναθλοῦντες1striving together

Alternate translation: “cooperating together in the work”

110PHP127ya3hfigs-abstractnounsτῇ πίστει τοῦ εὐαγγελίου1for the faith of the gospel

Here, the abstract noun faith in the phrase the faith of the gospel refers to what believers understand and do as a result of believing the gospel, which is Gods message about Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

111PHP128u9anfigs-explicitτῶν ἀντικειμένων1

The phrase those opposing you refers to the people who were opposing the Philippian Christians and causing them trouble. If this would be unclear in your language, consider stating this plainly. Alternate translation: “the people opposing you” or “the people opposing you because you believe in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

112PHP128l495writing-pronounsἥτις ἐστὶν αὐτοῖς ἔνδειξις1

The word This in the phrase This is a sign to them refers to the lack of fear because of their faith that the Philippian believers will have when they are opposed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

113PHP128t225figs-abstractnounsἀπωλείας1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun destruction by using a verb form or by expressing it in some other way that would be clear in your language. Alternate translation: “that God will destroy them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

114PHP128ypn8figs-abstractnounsσωτηρίας1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun salvation by using a verb form of this word or by expressing it in some other way that would be clear in your language. Alternate translation: (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

115PHP128nb4bwriting-pronounsτοῦτο ἀπὸ Θεοῦ1

The word this in the phrase this from God could refer to: (1) what comes before it in this verse, both the courage God gives the Philippian Christians and the sign that their courage gives to those opposing them. Alternate translation: “your lack of fear and the evidence it gives is all from God” (2) the sign given to those who oppose the Philippian Christians. Alternate translation: “this sign is from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

116PHP129qousfigs-activepassiveὑμῖν ἐχαρίσθη τὸ1

you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “God has graciously granted to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

117PHP130x4z3figs-abstractnounsτὸν αὐτὸν ἀγῶνα ἔχοντες1having the same struggle which you saw in me, and now you hear in me

If the abstract noun struggle would be confusing in your language, you can express it with a verb phrase, as the UST does, or by expressing the idea behind this word in some other way that would be clear in your language. Alternate translation: “facing the same strife” or “enduring the same trials” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

118PHP130cewffigs-metaphorτὸν αὐτὸν ἀγῶνα ἔχοντες, οἷον εἴδετε ἐν ἐμοὶ1

Here, the word struggle is a figurative way of referring to the conflict that Paul and the Philippian believers had with people who opposed them because of their faith. Paul speaks of it here as if it were a military battle or an athletic competition. If this would be unclear in your language, you could state this in plain language. Alternate translation: “as you experience the same opposition from people that you saw that I experienced” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

119PHP130hnecfigs-idiomεἴδετε ἐν ἐμοὶ, καὶ νῦν ἀκούετε ἐν ἐμοί1

Here, the phrase in me occurs twice, both times referring to what Paul is experiencing. If this would be unclear in your language, you could express this in a way that is understandable in your language. Alternate translation: “you saw me experience and now hear that I am experiencing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

120PHP2introixw80

Philippians 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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.

Special concepts in this chapter

Practical instructions

In this chapter Paul gives many practical instructions to the church in Philippi.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“If there is any”

This appears as though it is 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.”

121PHP21v4nsgrammar-connect-words-phrasesοὖν1

The word Therefore indicates that what follows is the natural result of or conclusion to what preceded it. Use the most natural form in your language to show this relationship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

122PHP21b1q7figs-explicitεἴ τις…παράκλησις ἐν Χριστῷ, εἴ τι παραμύθιον ἀγάπης, εἴ τις κοινωνία Πνεύματος, εἴ τις σπλάγχνα καὶ οἰκτιρμοί1If there is any encouragement in Christ

The phrase if there is any, which occurs one time in this verse, and the phrase if any, which occurs three times in this verse, appear to be hypothetical statements. However, they are not hypothetical, because they each express things which are true. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning of these phrases explicitly. Alternate translation: “because of the encouragement which comes from Christ, because there is comfort from his love, because of the fellowship of the Spirit, because you have affections and compassions” or “since Christ has encouraged you, since there is comfort from his love, since there is fellowship in the Spirit, since you have affections and compassions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

123PHP21del5figs-ellipsisεἴ τι παραμύθιον ἀγάπης, εἴ τις κοινωνία Πνεύματος, εἴ τις σπλάγχνα καὶ οἰκτιρμοί1

In the three occurrences of the phrase if any in this verse, the missing words, “there is,” are implied and can be supplied in your translation if omitting them would cause confusion. Alternate translation: “if there is any comfort from love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if there are any affections and compassions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

124PHP21xye5figs-abstractnounsεἴ τις…παράκλησις ἐν Χριστῷ1Connecting Statement:

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun encouragement by using a verbal form of this word. Alternate translation: “if Christ encourages you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

125PHP21n82sεἴ τις…παράκλησις ἐν Χριστῷ1Connecting Statement:

Here, the word encouragement could refer to: (1) “encouragement” (2) “exhortation” Alternate translation: “if there is any exhortation in Christ” (3) both the idea of “encouragement” and “exhortation” at the same time. Alternate translation: “if there is any encouragement and exhortation in Christ”

126PHP21dapbfigs-explicitεἴ τις…παράκλησις ἐν Χριστῷ1Connecting Statement:

Here, the phrase, encouragement in Christ probably means the encouragement that Christ gives to believers because they are in union with him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “because of the encouragement which comes from Christ” or “if Christ encourages you” or “because you are encouraged by being in Christ” or “since you are encouraged because of your union with Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

127PHP21k1b2figs-explicitεἴ τι παραμύθιον ἀγάπης1if any comfort of love

Here, love probably refers to Christs 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

128PHP21d63efigs-abstractnounsεἴ τι παραμύθιον ἀγάπης1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns comfort and love by using verbal forms of these words and/or using them in a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “if Christs love for you has comforted you” or “if being loved by Christ has comforted you” or “if Christs love comforts you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

129PHP21ub8efigs-explicitεἴ τι παραμύθιον ἀγάπης1

The phrase comfort of love refers to the comfort which the Philippian believers received from Christs love. If it would be clearer in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “if you have received any comfort from Christs love” or “if Christs love comforts you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

130PHP21m84kεἴ τις κοινωνία Πνεύματος1if any fellowship of the Spirit

The phrase fellowship of the Spirit could refer to: (1) the Holy Spirit giving the Philippian Christians fellowship with each other. Alternate translation: “if the Spirit has produced any fellowship among you” or “if the Spirit has given you fellowship with each other” (2) the Philippian Christians fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “if you have fellowship with the Spirit” (3) both the Holy Spirit giving the Philippian Christians fellowship with each other and to their having fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “if you have any fellowship with the Spirit and the Spirit has produced in you any fellowship with each other”

131PHP21quhqfigs-abstractnounsεἴ τις κοινωνία Πνεύματος1if any fellowship of the Spirit

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun fellowship by using it in a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “if the Spirit has produced any fellowship among you” or “if the Spirit has given you fellowship with each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

132PHP21l2pxfigs-abstractnounsεἴ τις σπλάγχνα καὶ οἰκτιρμοί1if any affections and compassions

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns affections and compassions by using them in a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “if you feel any affection and compassion for one another” or “if you have any affection and compassion for each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

133PHP21u3dzfigs-explicitσπλάγχνα καὶ οἰκτιρμοί1if any affections and compassions

The phrase if any affections and compassions probably refers to the Philippian believers affection and compassion toward each other. If it would be clearer in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “if you have any affection and compassion toward one another”. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

134PHP22j5v2figs-abstractnounsπληρώσατέ μου τὴν χαρὰν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of joy, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun joy by using an adjective or verb. Alternate translation: “make me overflow with happiness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

135PHP22jxq2τὸ αὐτὸ φρονῆτε1fulfill my joy

Alternate translation: “you think together as one”

136PHP22ve0wfigs-abstractnounsτὴν αὐτὴν ἀγάπην ἔχοντες1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of love, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun love with an adjective or verb. Alternate translation: “love each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

137PHP22yo7jfigs-idiomσύνψυχοι1

Pauls use of the idiom, united in soul, is a figurative way of asking the Philippians to be unified and to agree about what is important. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “be one in spirit” or “be one in heart and will” or “agree about what is important” or “be unified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

138PHP22b8gzτὸ ἓν φρονοῦντες1

Alternate translation: “being concerned about the same things”

139PHP23p0v0μηδὲν κατ’ ἐριθείαν1

Alternate translation: “Do not be selfishly ambitious” or “Do not do anything with an attitude of self-importance”

140PHP23y1leμηδὲ κατὰ κενοδοξίαν1

Alternate translation: “or with empty pride”

141PHP23xmeyfigs-abstractnounsμηδὲ κατὰ κενοδοξίαν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun conceit by using an adjective or some other way. Alternate translation: “or with prideful motives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

142PHP23kzj6figs-abstractnounsἀλλὰ τῇ ταπεινοφροσύνῃ ἀλλήλους ἡγούμενοι ὑπερέχοντας ἑαυτῶν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun humility by using an adjective or some other way. Alternate translation: “but rather, act in a humble way by considering others more important than yourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

143PHP24ezk6μὴ τὰ ἑαυτῶν ἕκαστος σκοποῦντες, ἀλλὰ καὶ τὰ ἑτέρων ἕκαστοι1each one not considering the things of himself, but also the things of each other

Alternate translation: “each of you caring not only about what you need, but also about what others need”

144PHP24nowdfigs-explicitἕκαστος1

The phrase each one here means “each person” and refers to all of the Philippian believers. If it would be clearer in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “every one of you” or “each of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

145PHP24ob45μὴ…σκοποῦντες1

Alternate translation: “not thinking about”

146PHP24l3q0figs-pronounsἑαυτῶν1

Here, the reflexive pronoun themselves is plural in form in the original language in which Paul wrote this letter. If your language has a plural form for this pronoun, consider using it here. Alternate translation: “of yourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

147PHP24qmzlfigs-rpronounsἑαυτῶν1

Here, the reflexive pronoun themselves refers back to each one at the beginning of the verse. Alternate translation: “of yourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

148PHP25pqdcτοῦτο φρονεῖτε ἐν ὑμῖν, ὃ καὶ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1

Alternate translation: “Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had”

149PHP25rh98figs-abstractnounsτοῦτο φρονεῖτε ἐν ὑμῖν, ὃ καὶ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1Have this attitude in you which also was in Christ Jesus

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of attitude, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun attitude with a verb such as “think.” Alternate translation: “Think about one another the way Christ Jesus thought of people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

150PHP25kwoefigs-yousingularτοῦτο φρονεῖτε1

This is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian believers. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. Alternate translation: “Every one of you should have this attitude” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

151PHP25acmufigs-explicitτοῦτο φρονεῖτε ἐν ὑμῖν, ὃ καὶ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1

Here the phrase Have this attitude in you which was also in Christ Jesus means that a believer is to have the same attitude and disposition which Christ Jesus had and which characterized his behavior. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, consider stating it explicitly. Alternate translation: “Think the same way that Christ Jesus did” or “Have the same values which Christ Jesus also had” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

152PHP26xo2lἐν μορφῇ Θεοῦ ὑπάρχων1

The phrase existing in the form of God means that Jesus had the very nature of God. It does not mean that Jesus only appeared to be God, but was not God. This phrase is saying that Jesus was fully God. The rest of this verse and the next two verses explain that Jesus, while being fully God, humbled himself and acted as a servant, in obedience to God. Avoid any translation that would suggest that Jesus was not fully God. Alternate translation: “being fully God” or “though everything that is true of God is true of him”

153PHP26kd1lοὐχ…ἡγήσατο1

Alternate translation: “did not think” or “did not regard”

154PHP26els2ἁρπαγμὸν1did not consider being equal with God something to be grasped

Alternate translation: “something to be held onto” or “something to be retained”

155PHP27x5rtgrammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλὰ1

The word Instead introduces a contrast between the preceding clause in 2:6 and what is expressed about Jesus in this verse and the next two verses. The contrast is made between Jesus choice to retain his divine rights and privileges, or to surrender them. Choose the best form in your language to show the contrast that Instead expresses here. Alternate translation: “On the contrary” or “Rather” or “But instead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

156PHP27kvjdwriting-pronounsἀλλὰ ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν1

Here, the pronoun he refers to Jesus. If your readers would misunderstand this, consider the best way to express the meaning of he to show that it refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “Instead, Jesus emptied himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

157PHP27c64ifigs-rpronounsἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν1

Here, the reflexive pronoun himself refers to Jesus and is used to emphasize the fact that Jesus freely and intentionally chose to empty himself of divine rights and privileges. Consider the best way to express the emphatic element of this pronoun in your language. Alternate translation: “he willingly set aside divine privileges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

158PHP27yu25figs-metaphorἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν1he emptied himself

Here, Paul statement that Christ emptied himself is figurative, and not literal. By using the figurative phrase he emptied himself, Paul is vividly expressing that Christ chose to give up his divine rights and privileges when he became human. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “he gave up divine rights and privileges” or “he willingly set aside divine privileges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

159PHP27r5dnμορφὴν δούλου λαβών1

The phrase, having taken the form of a servant, means that Jesus acted as a servant while on earth. It does not mean that Jesus simply appeared to be a servant. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, consider using an equivalent expression from your language, or state this in plain language. Alternative translation, “and acted as a servant”

160PHP27qetlἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων γενόμενος1

The phrase having been born in the likeness of men means that Jesus became a human being. It does not mean that Jesus only appeared to be human. Rather, it means that Jesus, who always existed as God, chose to take on a human body and appear on earth in human form. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, consider saying this in plain language. Alternate translation: “having become a human being”

161PHP27tc8nfigs-gendernotationsἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων1in the likeness of men

Here, the word men is emphasizing the idea of Jesus humanity rather than his gender. The word men is plural in form to emphasize the idea that Jesus resembled humanity in general. Consider the best way in your language to express this emphasis on Jesus humanity. Alternate translation: “in the likeness of human beings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

162PHP27uizdκαὶ σχήματι εὑρεθεὶς ὡς ἄνθρωπος1

The phrase having been found in appearance as a man does not mean that Jesus appeared to be a man but was not a man. Rather, this phrase continues the thought of the previous phrase, having been born in the likeness of men, and means that Jesus became a human being and therefore was fully human in appearance. The phrase, in appearance, points out that Jesus appeared in all ways to be fully human. It also indicates that while being fully human, Jesus was distinct from the rest of humanity: He retained his full deity while being human and, therefore, he was both human and divine at the same time. Alternate translation: “and while being found in the form of a human being”

163PHP27jmr8figs-gendernotationsἄνθρωπος1

Here the word man is emphasizing the idea of Jesus humanity rather than his gender. If your language has a way of expressing this emphasis on Jesus humanity, consider using the term that would most clearly express this. See how you translated the word men earlier in this verse. Alternate translation: “a human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

164PHP28t8a6ἐταπείνωσεν ἑαυτὸν, γενόμενος ὑπήκοος μέχρι θανάτου1having become obedient to the point of death

The phrase having become clarifies or introduces the way that Jesus humbled himself. Choose the most natural form in your language to express this meaning. Alternate translation: “Jesus humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of dying” or “Jesus humbled himself this way, by obeying to the point of death” or “Jesus humbled himself, specifically, by obeying God to the point of death”

165PHP28ttysfigs-rpronounsἑαυτὸν1

The reflexive pronoun himself, which refers to Jesus, is used here to emphasize Jesus action of humbling himself. Consider the best way in your language to express the emphatic element of this pronoun. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

166PHP28r5f0figs-abstractnounsγενόμενος ὑπήκοος μέχρι θανάτου, θανάτου δὲ σταυροῦ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the two occurrences in this verse of the abstract noun death with a verb such as “dying”. Alternate translation: “ having become obedient to the point of dying, even dying on a cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

167PHP28l1fkfigs-idiomγενόμενος ὑπήκοος μέχρι θανάτου1

The phrase to the point of is an English idiom that translates a single Greek preposition. This preposition emphasizes the intensity of Jesus obedience to the Father by showing that death that follows as the extreme result of that obedience. Alternate translation: “ remaining obedient even though it resulted in him dying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

168PHP28flk2θανάτου δὲ σταυροῦ1

The phrase even death on a cross emphasizes that dying on a cross was a very humiliating way to die. By using the word even and repeating the word death, Paul is emphasizing the great extent of Jesus humility and obedience. Think about the best way in your language to show the emphasis provided by the phrase even death on a cross. Alternate translation: “even so far as dying on a cross” or “even to the extent of dying on a cross”

169PHP29f3ekgrammar-connect-logic-resultδιὸ1

The word Therefore shows the reason and result relationship between what comes before this word and what follows it. Here, Therefore introduces the result of Jesus humbling himself, as was described in 2:6-8. Choose the form in your language that best expresses the reason and result relationship expressed by the word Therefore. Alternate translation: “Because of this” or “Because Jesus acted this way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

170PHP29wmvdαὐτὸν ὑπερύψωσεν1

Alternate translation: “greatly honored him”

171PHP29mvb7figs-metonymyτὸ ὄνομα τὸ ὑπὲρ πᾶν ὄνομα1the name that is above every name

Here, name is a metonym that refers to the status or position associated with someones name. Alternate translation: “the position that is above every other position” or “the position that is higher than any other position” or “the rank that is above every other rank” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

172PHP210b3aigrammar-connect-logic-resultἵνα1

The phrase so that connects this verse with the preceding verse, 2:9 and shows that this verse and the next verse are the result of 2:9. Use the most natural form in your language to show this connection. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

173PHP210tk45figs-idiomἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ, πᾶν γόνυ κάμψῃ1at the name of Jesus every knee would bend

Here, every knee bending is an idiomatic way of saying that Jesus will be worshiped and honored by all. If this would be clear in your language, consider using this expression, but if your readers would misunderstand this phrase, consider using an equivalent expression to communicate the idea of worship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

174PHP210xz1ufigs-metonymyἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ, πᾶν γόνυ κάμψῃ1at the name of Jesus every knee would bend

Here, name is a metonym for the person, telling who it is they will worship. Alternate translation: “before the person of Jesus” or “every person and being will worship Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

175PHP210xn7aἐπουρανίων καὶ ἐπιγείων καὶ καταχθονίων1

Paul uses the phrase in heaven and on earth and under the earth to include to all beings, including human beings and angels. This phrase emphasizes that all beings everywhere will bow in reverence to Jesus. Consider the best way to express this in your language. Alternate translation: “every being in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth”

176PHP211xy4ffigs-metonymyπᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσηται1every tongue

Here Paul uses the word tongue figuratively to represent the mouth and what comes out of the mouth. Paul is figuratively describing what is said by associating it with the tongue. If this is not clear in your language, you could use an equivalent expression, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “every mouth will declare” or “every being will say” or “everyone will say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

177PHP211mr2igrammar-connect-logic-goalεἰς δόξαν Θεοῦ Πατρὸς1to the glory of God the Father

Here the word to expresses result. Alternate translation: “with the result that God the Father will be honored” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

178PHP211equsfigs-abstractnounsεἰς δόξαν Θεοῦ Πατρὸς1to the glory of God the Father

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun glory by using a verbal form of this word or by some other way. Alternate translation: “and honor God the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

179PHP212jnp3grammar-connect-words-phrasesὥστε1Connecting Statement:

The phrase So then shows that what follows it is the desired result of what preceded it in 2:5-11. Use the most natural form in your language to show this relationship. Alternate translation: “Therefore” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

180PHP212e359ἀγαπητοί μου1my beloved

Here, the word beloved refers to the believers in Philippi. Paul uses this word to express how much he loves them. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent phrase in your language that expresses love and affection. Alternate translation: “my dear fellow believers”

181PHP212c1ixὡς ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ μου1in my presence

Alternate translation: “when I was present with you”

182PHP212u5ngἐν τῇ ἀπουσίᾳ μου1in my absence

Alternate translation: “when I am not there with you”

183PHP212j897figs-abstractnounsμετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου τὴν ἑαυτῶν σωτηρίαν κατεργάζεσθε1work out your own salvation with fear and trembling

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of salvation, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun salvation by using a verbal form of this word or expressing it in some other way which describes Gods saving work. Alternate translation: “with fear and trembling, continue to work hard to do that which is proper for those whom God saves” or “with awe and reverence for God, work to do good things, as those whom God has saved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

184PHP212cm1sfigs-doubletμετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου1with fear and trembling

Paul uses the words fear and trembling together to show the attitude of reverence that people should have for God. Consider the best way to express this idea in your language. These words have very similar meanings, so you can express them as one idea or translate them as two separate expressions. Alternate translation: “with awe and reverence for God” or “with deep reverence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

185PHP213fc9lἐνεργῶν1

In the original language in which Paul wrote this letter, the word working expresses continuous action and emphasizes the ongoing nature of Gods work in believers. Consider the best way to express the continuous nature of this word in your language. Alternate translation: “continually working”

186PHP213qy5xfigs-extrainfoἐν ὑμῖν1

The phrase in you could refer to: (1) God working individually within the heart of each of the Philippian believers. (2) God working among the Philippian believers as a whole. Alternate translation: “among you” (3) both option one and two simultaneously. Alternate translation: “in and among you” If your language allows you to keep the object of Gods work ambiguous, as it is in the ULT, this is the preferable option. If your language does not allow for this, choose one of the options above. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])

187PHP213m6b8καὶ τὸ θέλειν, καὶ τὸ ἐνεργεῖν, ὑπὲρ τῆς εὐδοκίας1both to will and to work for his good pleasure

Alternate translation: “to enable you to both desire to do, and to do, the things which him happy” or “so that you will want to do what pleases him, and will be able to do what pleases him”

188PHP214gy6pfigs-yousingularπάντα ποιεῖτε χωρὶς γογγυσμῶν καὶ διαλογισμῶν1

The phrase Do all things without is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. Alternate translation: “Every one of you, make sure that you do not complain or argue in anything you do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

189PHP215z2lzfigs-doubletἄμεμπτοι καὶ ἀκέραιοι1blameless and pure

The words blameless and pure are very similar in meaning and are used together to emphasize the idea of living a morally pure life. You may translate these words individually, as the ULT does, or combine them together into one idea and express their meaning together as a single expression. Consider what would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “completely innocent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

190PHP215sp0gfigs-metaphorτέκνα Θεοῦ1

The phrase children of God is a metaphorical way of describing people who have entered into a father-child relationship with God by putting their faith and trust in Jesus. Here, children does not refer to those who are young, but only to the relationship that people have at any age to their father. If you translate children using a literal term, choose a word that can refer to people of any age in relation to their fathers. Alternate translation: “Gods spiritual offspring” or “spiritual children of God” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)

191PHP215im15figs-explicitἄμωμα1

The phrase without blemish means being free from flaws or defects. Here the phrase without blemish specifically means being free from moral flaws or corruption. Consider using an equivalent phrase from your language that would be understood in this context, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “who abstain from all evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

192PHP215f957figs-metonymyἐν οἷς φαίνεσθε ὡς φωστῆρες ἐν κόσμῳ1

Paul is figuratively describing people by associating them with the world in which they live. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could use an equivalent expression, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “among whom you shine as lights before the people in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

193PHP215p71ufigs-metaphorφαίνεσθε ὡς φωστῆρες ἐν κόσμῳ1you shine as lights in the world

Here, the word lights represents believers who are living in a righteous way that shows other people what is true and good. “Light”, is often used metaphorically in the Bible to represent truth and the righteous living that aligns with truth. In the Bible, light is often contrasted with darkness, which represents falsehood and living according to it. To shine as lights in the world means to live in a way that helps people see Gods truth and character. You can retain this metaphor or express this using plain language. Alternate translation: “you will be examples of Gods goodness and truth in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

194PHP215jb7yfigs-doubletμέσον γενεᾶς σκολιᾶς καὶ διεστραμμένης1in the world, in the midst of a crooked and depraved generation

The words crooked and perverted are used together to emphasize the idea of extreme sinfulness. These two words are very similar in meaning. You may translate these words individually, as the ULT does, or combine them together into one idea and express their meaning together as a single expression. Consider what would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “among people who are very sinful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

195PHP216u3qbλόγον ζωῆς ἐπέχοντες1holding forth the word of life

Here, holding forth could mean: (1) holding out to others the word of life. Alternate translation: “holding out the word of life” or “offering the word of life” (2) holding firmly to the word of life. Alternate translation: “holding tightly to the word of life” or “holding firmly to the word of life”

196PHP216cherλόγον ζωῆς ἐπέχοντες1

The phrase holding forth the word of life continues the thought from the previous verse and shows in more detail how Christians can become “blameless and pure, children of God” who “shine as lights in the world.” Consider the best way to show this connection in your language. Alternate translation: “as you hold forth the word of life”

197PHP216eq86figs-explicitλόγον ζωῆς1the word of life

The phrase word of life refers to the good news about Jesus. If this would be unclear in your language, consider translating this phrase in plain language. Alternate translation: “the message that gives life” or “the life-giving gospel” or “the life-giving message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

198PHP216nmixfigs-metonymyλόγον1

Here the phrase the word means “the gospel.” In his writings, Paul often uses word to refer to the message of the gospel. In doing this, Paul is figuratively describing something Christians communicate to others by associating it with words. If this is not clear in your language, you could use an equivalent expression, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “the message” or “the gospel” or “the good news” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

199PHP216i448figs-explicitλόγον ζωῆς1

The phrase the word of life could mean: (1) the word that gives people life. Alternate translation: “the word that gives life” (2) the word that is about life and that gives life. Alternate translation: “the word that is about life and gives life” (3) the word which contains life and has the ability to give people life. Alternate translation: “the word that contains and gives life” If your language allows you to keep the phrase the word of life ambiguous, this is the best option. If your language does not allow you to do this, you may specify clearly how the phrase of life is related to the word. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

200PHP216fz1dfigs-abstractnounsλόγον ζωῆς1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the abstract noun life by using it in a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “the life-giving word” or “the word which gives life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

201PHP216s3z9grammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς καύχημα ἐμοὶ εἰς ἡμέραν Χριστοῦ, ὅτι οὐκ εἰς κενὸν ἔδραμον, οὐδὲ εἰς κενὸν ἐκοπίασα1

With the phrase for my boasting on the day of Christ, Paul introduces a reason that the Philippian believers should try to live out the things he has just told them to do in 2:12 and ending with the phrase holding forth the word of life. Paul here gives one reason for what he has just asked them to do. He says that if they live out what he has just told them, then when Christ returns, he can be proud of the fact that he did not work in vain among them. Consider the best way in your language to show this reason-result relationship. Alternate translation: “so that I will be able to boast on the day Christ returns that I did not run in vain or labor in vain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

202PHP216esvdfigs-explicitεἰς καύχημα ἐμοὶ1

Here, boasting refers to Paul being rightfully proud of Gods work in the lives of the Philippian believers. If it would be clearer in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “so that I may be rightfully proud of Gods work in you” or “so that I might glory in Gods work in you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

203PHP216heo4εἰς καύχημα ἐμοὶ1

Alternate translation: “so that I may boast” or “in order that I have good reason to glory”

204PHP216q7y8figs-explicitεἰς ἡμέραν Χριστοῦ,1on the day of Christ

The phrase the day of Christ refers to the time in the future when Christ will return. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “when Christ returns” or “at the time Christ returns” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

205PHP216m5aqfigs-parallelismοὐκ εἰς κενὸν ἔδραμον, οὐδὲ εἰς κενὸν ἐκοπίασα1I did not run in vain nor labor in vain

The phrases run in vain and labor in vain have very similar meanings here. Paul uses these two phrases together to emphasize how hard he has worked to help people believe in Christ and mature in their obedience and love for him. You may translate these two phrases separately, as the ULT does, or if it would be clearer in your language, you may translate them together as a single phrase. Alternate translation: “I did not work so hard for nothing” or “I did not work hard with no lasting results” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

206PHP216m1z7figs-metaphorοὐκ εἰς κενὸν ἔδραμον1I did … run

Here Paul uses the word run metaphorically to mean “work.” Here Paul specifically means that he worked for the advancement of the gospel among the Philippians. Paul uses the word run to bring to the Philippians minds the image of a runner who is racing toward a finish line in order to win a prize. If this image is familiar to people in your culture, consider using this metaphor. But if this image is not familiar to your readers, consider stating this idea in plain language. Alternate translation: “I did not work for the advancement of the gospel uselessly” or “I did not work for the spread of the good news for nothing” or “I did not run the race uselessly”( See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

207PHP216wyygfigs-abstractnounsεἰς κενὸν…εἰς κενὸν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the abstract noun vain using an adjectival phrase. Alternate translation: “with no results” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

208PHP216btgufigs-explicitοὐδὲ εἰς κενὸν ἐκοπίασα1

Here Paul uses the word labor to refer to his spiritual work of sharing the gospel with the Philippian believers and working to help them grow in spiritual maturity. Paul assumes that his readers will know that he is referring to his spiritual work among them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “or work hard for nothing, trying to help you believe in Christ and obey him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

209PHP217p9kmgrammar-connect-words-phrasesἀλλ’ εἰ καὶ1

But even if connects the idea of running and laboring for the advance of the gospel, which Paul discussed in 2:16, with what he says in the rest of this verse. Consider how to translate this phrase in your language in a way that shows this connection. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

210PHP217j2ovtranslate-symactionσπένδομαι ἐπὶ τῇ θυσίᾳ καὶ λειτουργίᾳ τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν1

The phrase I am being poured out as an offering on the sacrifice uses imagery from the Old Testament Jewish sacrificial system. A priest would sacrifice an animal on the altar as a burnt offering to God and then pour out wine as a drink offering to God, in order to make the sacrifice complete. See Num 28:7. If there is a gesture with similar meaning in your culture, consider using it here, but if this imagery would be confusing in your culture, consider translating this imagery using plain language. Alternate translation: “I work and give my life for your sake in order to complete the sacrificial service of your faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

211PHP217xlv0figs-metaphorσπένδομαι1

Paul uses the phrase I am being poured out as an offering to figuratively depict his imprisonment and suffering for the advancement of the gospel. Paul probably is also thinking of the fact that he could be killed in the future for preaching the gospel. If this metaphor would not be clear in your language, consider using plain language to express this idea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

212PHP217ji4wfigs-abstractnounsσπένδομαι1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the abstract noun offering by using a verbal form. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

213PHP217thi0figs-activepassiveἐπὶ τῇ θυσίᾳ καὶ λειτουργίᾳ τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “on your sacrifice and service which you offer because you believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

214PHP217ip8ifigs-hendiadysἐπὶ τῇ θυσίᾳ καὶ λειτουργίᾳ τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν1

The words sacrifice and service express a single idea by using two words connected by and. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this meaning as a single idea or phrase. Alternate translation: “to complete your sacrificial service which you offer because you believe the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

215PHP217s1j9χαίρω καὶ συνχαίρω πᾶσιν ὑμῖν1

The phrase I rejoice and rejoice with you all is Pauls summary of his attitude toward his hard work and suffering on behalf of the Philippians, which he described in 2:16 and in this verse.

216PHP218bicjfigs-explicitτὸ…αὐτὸ1

The phrase in the same manner refers to the Philippian Christians rejoicing in the same manner that Paul said he would rejoice in previous verse 2:17. If this would be unclear in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “in the same way that I rejoice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

217PHP218dr9cfigs-yousingularκαὶ ὑμεῖς χαίρετε καὶ συνχαίρετέ μοι1Connecting Statement:

The phrases you also rejoice and rejoice with me are both commands or instructions given to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. Alternate translation: “I urge each of you to rejoice, and also to rejoice with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

218PHP219gml9figs-abstractnounsἐλπίζω δὲ ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ1Now I hope in the Lord Jesus

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hope, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun hope with a verb form such as “hoping.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

219PHP219pq9gtranslate-namesΤιμόθεον1

Timothy is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

220PHP220d9mwοὐδένα γὰρ ἔχω ἰσόψυχον1For I have no one like-minded

Alternate translation: “For I have no one else who loves you like I do”

221PHP221b922figs-explicitοἱ πάντες γὰρ τὰ ἑαυτῶν ζητοῦσιν, οὐ τὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1For they all

Here the words they and their refer to a group of people Paul does not think he can trust to help the believers in Philippi. If your readers would misunderstand this, consider stating that explicitly. Alternate translation: “All the other people I might send to you seek what they want and not the things Jesus Christ wants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

222PHP222gm8ifigs-simileὡς πατρὶ τέκνον, σὺν ἐμοὶ ἐδούλευσεν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον1as a child with his father, he served with me

The point of this comparison is that children learn from their fathers and try to follow and imitate them as they work alongside them. Paul was not Timothys biological father, but he uses this simile to illustrate how Timothy worked alongside him and learned from him as, together, they advanced the gospel. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “he learned from me and did what I did as he served with me in the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

223PHP222clvwfigs-abstractnounsτὴν δὲ δοκιμὴν αὐτοῦ γινώσκετε1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun worth with an adjective such as “valuable” or in some other way. Alternate translation: “But you know how valuable Timothy is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

224PHP222xdn5figs-metonymyεἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον1in the gospel

Here, the gospel means the work of advancing the gospel. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “in gospel work” or “in working to spread the gospel” or “in the work of telling people the good news about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

225PHP224yn62πέποιθα…ἐν Κυρίῳ, ὅτι καὶ αὐτὸς ταχέως ἐλεύσομαι1I am confident in the Lord that I myself will also come soon

Alternate translation: “I am sure, if it is the Lords will, that I will also come soon”

226PHP224qqpofigs-explicitὅτι καὶ αὐτὸς ταχέως ἐλεύσομαι.1

Here, the word also expresses that Paul was confident that he would be able to visit the Philippian Christians too, in addition to sending Timothy to them. If your readers would misunderstand this, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “that I myself, in addition to Timothy, will also come soon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

227PHP224wbpcfigs-goὅτι καὶ αὐτὸς ταχέως ἐλεύσομαι1

Your language may say “go” instead of come in contexts such as this. Alternate translation: “that I myself will also go soon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

228PHP225k4wztranslate-namesἘπαφρόδιτον1Epaphroditus

Epaphroditus 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]])

229PHP225csw5figs-metaphorἀδελφὸν…μου1

Here the phrase my brother does not mean that Epaphroditus was Pauls biological brother. Rather, Paul calls Epaphroditus his brother because they were both members of Gods spiritual family through their faith in Jesus Christ. If this would be unclear in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “my spiritual brother” or “my brother in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

230PHP225c3cefigs-metaphorσυνστρατιώτην1fellow worker and fellow soldier

Here the phrase fellow soldier does not mean that Epaphroditus and Paul were actual soldiers in a military. What Paul means is that he and Epaphroditus were spiritual soldiers fighting together beside God in the spiritual battle against Satan and evil. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could express this explicitly or modify the phrase fellow soldier to further explain what Paul means, or you could express the meaning of fellow soldier by turning it into a simile, as the UST does. Alternate translation: “fellow believer who works and struggles along with us” or “fellow soldier of God” or “fellow warrior for God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

231PHP225qsd6ὑμῶν…ἀπόστολον καὶ λειτουργὸν τῆς χρείας μου1your messenger and minister for my needs

Alternate translation: “who brings your messages to me and helps me in my need”

232PHP226gxn9ἐπιποθῶν ἦν πάντας ὑμᾶς, καὶ ἀδημονῶν1he is longing to be with you all and he is distressed

Alternate translation: “he has wanted to be with you all and is deeply concerned”

233PHP226wdvhwriting-pronounsἐπειδὴ ἐπιποθῶν ἦν πάντας ὑμᾶς, καὶ ἀδημονῶν διότι ἠκούσατε ὅτι ἠσθένησεν1

In this verse all three uses of the pronoun he refer to Epaphroditus. If your readers would misunderstand this, consider clarifying this in your translation in a way that would be natural. Alternate translation: “seeing that Epaphroditus has been longing to be with you all and is distressed because you heard that he was sick” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

234PHP227d3ouwriting-pronounsκαὶ γὰρ ἠσθένησεν παραπλήσιον θανάτῳ, ἀλλὰ ὁ Θεὸς ἠλέησεν αὐτόν, οὐκ αὐτὸν δὲ μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐμέ, ἵνα μὴ λύπην ἐπὶ λύπην σχῶ1

Here the pronoun he refers to Epaphroditus, as do both uses of the pronoun him. If this would be unclear in your language, consider clarifying this in your translation. Alternate translation: “For indeed Epaphroditus was sick nearly to death. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but also on me, so that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

235PHP227rl0mfigs-abstractnounsἠσθένησεν παραπλήσιον θανάτῳ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun death with an adjective such as “dying” or with a verbal form such as died, as the UST does. Alternate translation: “he was sick nearly to the point of dying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

236PHP227n0zdfigs-abstractnounsἀλλὰ ὁ Θεὸς ἠλέησεν αὐτόν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of mercy, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun mercy with an adjective such as “merciful” or in some other way. Alternate translation: “but God was merciful to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

237PHP227ioqqfigs-explicitλύπην ἐπὶ λύπην1

If your readers would misunderstand the expression sorrow upon sorrow, consider using an equivalent expression, or state the meaning of this phrase explicitly. Alternate translation: “sorrow added to sorrow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

238PHP227dzgzλύπην ἐπὶ λύπην1

The expression sorrow upon sorrow could mean: (1) adding the sorrow of Epaphroditus death to the sorrow of Epaphroditus sickness. Alternate translation: “the sorrow of Epaphroditus death added to the sorrow of his sickness” (2) adding the sorrow of Epaphroditus death to the sorrow of Pauls imprisonment. Alternate translation: “the sorrow of Epaphroditus death added to the sorrow of my imprisonment”

239PHP228kt1dwriting-pronounsσπουδαιοτέρως οὖν ἔπεμψα αὐτὸν, ἵνα ἰδόντες αὐτὸν πάλιν, χαρῆτε κἀγὼ ἀλυπότερος ὦ1

Here, both occurrences of the pronoun him refer to Epaphroditus. If your readers would misunderstand this, consider clarifying who him is referring to in a way that would be natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Therefore, I sent Epaphroditus all the more eagerly, so that, having seen him again, you might rejoice, and I might be free from pain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

240PHP228y5gcfigs-abstractnounsκἀγὼ ἀλυπότερος ὦ1and I might be free from pain

Here when Paul refers to pain, he is referring to emotional pain. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of pain, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun pain with an adjective such as “anxious” or “concerned” or in some other way. Alternate translation: “and I might be less anxious” or “and I might be less concerned about you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

241PHP229y95xfigs-yousingularπροσδέχεσθε…αὐτὸν1Therefore welcome him

The word welcome is a command or instruction in plural form to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. Alternate translation: “I exhort all of you to welcome him” or “all of you receive him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

242PHP229qx14figs-abstractnounsἐν Κυρίῳ μετὰ πάσης χαρᾶς1in the Lord with all joy

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of joy, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun joy with an adverb such as “joyfully,” as the UST does, or you can use a verbal form of this word such as “rejoicing.” Alternate translation: “Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with rejoicing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

243PHP229l59wfigs-yousingularἐντίμους ἔχετε1

The phrase hold in honor is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. Alternate translation: “I exhort each of you to hold in honor” or “each of you honor” or “all of you honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

244PHP229lk2bfigs-abstractnounsἐντίμους ἔχετε1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of honor, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun honor with a verbal form of honor as the UST does, or in some other way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

245PHP230ns1ywriting-pronounsὅτι διὰ τὸ ἔργον Χριστοῦ μέχρι θανάτου ἤγγισεν, παραβολευσάμενος τῇ ψυχῇ, ἵνα ἀναπληρώσῃ τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα, τῆς πρός με λειτουργίας1he came near even to death

Here, the pronouns he and him refer to Epaphroditus. If your readers would misunderstand this, consider clarifying this in a way that would be natural in your language. Alternate translation: “since for the sake of the work of Christ, Epaphroditus came near even to death, risking his life so that he might make up your lack of service to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

246PHP230vj8bfigs-possessionδιὰ τὸ ἔργον Χριστοῦ1he came near even to death

In the phrase the work of Christ, Paul is using the possessive form to describe work that is done for Christ. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you can state this in some other way. Alternate translation: “for the sake of working for Christ” or “as a result of working for Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

247PHP230nhjafigs-abstractnounsδιὰ τὸ ἔργον Χριστοῦ1he came near even to death

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of work, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun work with a verbal form such as “working.” Alternate translation: “for the sake of working for Christ” or “as a result of working for Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

248PHP230fflyfigs-abstractnounsμέχρι θανάτου ἤγγισεν1he came near even to death

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of death, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun death with an adjective such as “dying” or with a verbal form such as died, as the UST does. Alternate translation: “he was close to dying” or “he came close to dying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

249PHP230kjtifigs-abstractnounsπαραβολευσάμενος τῇ ψυχῇ1he came near even to death

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of life, you could express the idea behind the phrase risking his life in some other way. Alternate translation: “running the risk of dying” or “taking the risk that he would die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

250PHP230x4rlfigs-abstractnounsἵνα ἀναπληρώσῃ τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα, τῆς πρός με λειτουργίας1he came near even to death

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of service, you could express the idea behind the word service by using a verb form such as “serve.” Alternate translation: “so that he might make up for your being unable to serve me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

251PHP230g98zfigs-explicitἵνα ἀναπληρώσῃ τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα, τῆς πρός με λειτουργίας1he might make up your lack of service to me

The lack of service Paul speaks of here is the inability of the Philippian believers to be present with him in prison. By sending Epaphroditus to Paul, the Philippian believers ministered to Pauls needs through Epaphroditus, and so Epaphroditus supplied what they could not. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “so that he might supply what you could not give me” or “so that he might make up for what you could not give” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

252PHP3introbtx30

Philippians 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In verses 4-8, Paul lists the ways 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]])

Special concepts in this chapter

Dogs

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.

Resurrected bodies

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]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Prize

Paul uses an extended illustration to describe the Christian life. The goal of the Christian life is to grow to be like Christ while we live on earth. We can never achieve this goal perfectly, but we must strive for it.

253PHP31zu9lfigs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1brothers

Paul is using the term brothers figuratively here to refer to anyone who is a fellow believer in Jesus. If this is not clear in your language, you can express this plainly. See how you translated this word in Philippians 1:12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

254PHP31ymm2figs-yousingularχαίρετε ἐν Κυρίῳ1rejoice in the Lord

The word rejoice is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. Alternate translation: “I exhort each of you to rejoice in the Lord” or “each of you rejoice in the Lord” or “all of you rejoice in the Lord” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular)

255PHP31b8y6ἐν Κυρίῳ1rejoice in the Lord

Alternate translation: “in your relationship with the Lord” or “in who the Lord is and what he has done”

256PHP31qb78figs-explicitὑμῖν δὲ ἀσφαλές1and is a safeguard for you

If it would be helpful in your language, you could state explicitly how writing these things is a safeguard for the Philippians. Alternate translation: “and these teachings will protect you from those who teach what is false” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

257PHP32ttwsfigs-yousingularβλέπετε-1

All three times that the phrase Beware occurs in this verse, it is a command or instruction given to all of the Philippian believers. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. Alternate translation: “I exhort each of you to beware of” or “Each of you beware of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

258PHP32ny6yβλέπετε-1Beware

Alternate translation: “Watch out for” or “Look out for” or “Be on guard against”

259PHP32zin8τοὺς κύνας…τοὺς κακοὺς ἐργάτας…τὴν κατατομήν1the dogs … the evil workers … the mutilation

The phrases the dogs, the evil workers, and the mutilation are three different ways of describing the same group of Jewish teachers who were corrupting the gospel. Paul uses strong expressions to convey his feelings about these Jewish teachers.

260PHP32yeaxtranslate-unknownτοὺς κύνας1the dogs

Paul speaks of the Jewish teachers who were corrupting the gospel as though they were dogs in order to show strong contempt for them. A dog is an animal that is common in many parts of the world. Dogs are despised in some cultures but not despised in other cultures, so using the term dogs in some cultures may not have the same derogatory or negative meaning that Paul intended. If you have a different animal in your culture that is despised or whose name is used as an insult, you could use this animal instead, if it would fit well in this context. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

261PHP32n44afigs-explicitκακοὺς ἐργάτας1

Here, the phrase evil workers refers to Jewish teachers who were teaching things that were contrary to the gospel. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you can state this using plain language. Alternate translation: “false teachers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

262PHP32vc2utranslate-unknownτὴν κατατομήν1

The word mutilation is a sarcastic way of referring to circumcision, and the phrase the mutilation is a sarcastic way of referring to the people who taught that circumcision was necessary in order to be in right standing with God. By using the term mutilation, Paul is showing the Philippian believers that those who trust in circumcision, and not solely in Christ, mistakenly think that they can earn Gods favor by cutting their bodies. Consider the term that would best communicate this idea in your language, or you can state this using plain language. Alternate translation: “those who cut themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

263PHP32x8r2figs-metonymyτὴν κατατομήν1the mutilation

Here, the mutilation refers to the Jewish teachers, all circumcised, who were corrupting the gospel by teaching that it was necessary to be circumcised. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

264PHP33y8ytfigs-exclusiveἡμεῖς γάρ ἐσμεν1For we are

Here Paul uses we to refer to himself and the Philippian believers and anyone else who believes in Christ, so we is inclusive. Your language may require you to mark this form. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

265PHP33xt5rfigs-metonymyἡ περιτομή1the circumcision

In contrast to its normal usage in the Bible, here Paul uses the term the circumcision as a metonym to refer to all true Christians. Normally, the term the circumcision was used to refer to Jewish males, all circumcised, but here Paul intentionally uses this term with a spiritual sense to refer to all Christians, both Jews and non-Jew. This would have been surprising to his readers. Pauls use of the circumcision here refers to the inward, spiritual circumcision that the Holy Spirit performs in the hearts of all true Christians. If your readers would misunderstand this term, you could state this using plain language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

266PHP33wn2nοἱ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ λατρεύοντες1

Alternate translation: “the ones who are empowered by Gods Spirit to worship him” or “the ones who are enabled to worship God by his Spirit” or “the ones who worship God through his Spirit”

267PHP33k8phfigs-explicitοὐκ ἐν σαρκὶ πεποιθότες1having no confidence in the flesh

You can state explicitly that Paul did not have any confidence in the “works of” the flesh. Alternate translation: “having no confidence in the works of the flesh” or “not trusting that circumcision will please God” or “not trusting that being circumcized will earn Gods favor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

268PHP33nkrsκαυχώμενοι ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, καὶ οὐκ ἐν σαρκὶ πεποιθότες1

The phrase boasting in Christ Jesus and the phrase and having no confidence in the flesh are complementary ideas which express a similar truth. If people truly place their confidence in Christ as their only means of earning Gods favor, they will not put their confidence in themselves or religious acts. Conversely, if people put their confidence in religious rituals and observances, they cannot place their full confidence in Christ. Consider the best way to clearly express these coordinate ideas in your language.

269PHP33ox7yfigs-abstractnounsκαὶ οὐκ ἐν σαρκὶ πεποιθότες1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of confidence, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun confidence with an adjective such as trusting or a verbal form such as trust. Alternate translation: “and we do not trust in our flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

270PHP34upw5figs-hypoἐγὼ ἔχων πεποίθησιν καὶ ἐν σαρκί. εἴ τις δοκεῖ ἄλλος πεποιθέναι ἐν σαρκί, ἐγὼ μᾶλλον1I myself, having confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else seems to have confidence in the flesh, I even more

Using a type of hypothetical situation, Paul recites his own credentials to illustrate that if observing the law could earn Gods favor, then he had more reason to boast than anyone else. His purpose is to teach the Philippian believers that they should only trust in Christ and not trust in other things to earn Gods favor. Paul explains in 3:711 that his hope is in Christ and not in the things he lists in the next two verses. Alternate translation: “We do not trust in those rituals to make us acceptable to God, although I could very well do that if it would be useful for me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

271PHP35d5bqπεριτομῇ ὀκταήμερος ἐκ γένους Ἰσραήλ φυλῆς Βενιαμείν, Ἑβραῖος ἐξ Ἑβραίων, κατὰ νόμον Φαρισαῖος1

In this verse and the next verse, Paul lists a total of seven things in which he put his confidence before he believed in Christ. In this verse he lists five of those things and in the next verse he lists the remaining two.

272PHP35yq98figs-explicitφυλῆς Βενιαμείν1circumcision

The phrase of the tribe of Benjamin means that Paul was from the Israelite tribe of Benjamin and therefore descended from Jacobs son Benjamin. Consider the best way to say this in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

273PHP35p4ikἙβραῖος ἐξ Ἑβραίων1a Hebrew of Hebrews

The phrase a Hebrew of Hebrews could mean: (1) that Paul had retained Hebrew customs and spoke the language of the Hebrew people, which was Aramaic. (2) that Paul had no Gentile ancestors, but rather was a pure-blooded Hebrew. Alternate translation: “a Hebrew whose parents and ancestors are all full-blooded Jews” (3) a combination of both of the above. Alternate translation: “a full-blooded Jew who has retained the Hebrew culture, customs, and language”

274PHP35we4tκατὰ νόμον Φαρισαῖος1according to the law, a Pharisee

The phrase according to the law, a Pharisee means that prior to his conversion Paul had been a Pharisee. He related to the law of Moses as a Pharisee and, therefore, strictly obeyed it as well as the many rules scribes had added to try to safeguard the law of Moses. Alternate translation: “in relation to the law of Moses, I was a Pharisee” or “in relation to how I observed the law of Moses, I was a Pharisee, and therefore, I strictly obeyed every detail of it including the teachings of the scribes”

275PHP36f81sκατὰ ζῆλος διώκων τὴν ἐκκλησίαν, κατὰ δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐν νόμῳ γενόμενος ἄμεμπτος1

In this verse Paul finishes naming the things in which he put his confidence before he believed in Christ.

276PHP36ksr3figs-explicitκατὰ ζῆλος διώκων τὴν ἐκκλησίαν1according to zeal, persecuting the church

Here, the phrase persecuting the church is explaining the extent of Pauls zeal. Before Paul believed in Jesus, he thought that by persecuting the church, he was serving God and ensuring that the law of Moses was honored and obeyed. If your readers would misunderstand the meaning of the phrase according to zeal, persecuting the church, consider stating this plainly. Alternate translation: “having so much desire to serve God that I persecuted the church” or “wanting so much to honor God, I persecuted the church” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

277PHP36n51bgrammar-collectivenounsτὴν ἐκκλησίαν1persecuting the church

Here, church is a collective noun. The phrase the church refers to Christians as a whole and includes anyone belonging to the group of people who follow Jesus. What Paul means by saying that he had persecuted the church is that he formerly persecuted anyone who was a Christian. Alternate translation: “persecuting Christians” or “persecuting anyone who was a Christian” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])

278PHP36hln8figs-explicitκατὰ δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐν νόμῳ γενόμενος ἄμεμπτος1according to righteousness that is under the law, having become blameless

The phrase righteousness that is in the law refers to obeying the righteous guidelines for living that the law of Moses required. Paul obeyed the law so carefully that he believed that no one could find any part of it that he disobeyed. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, consider stating it plainly. Alternate translation: “As regards obeying the law of Moses, no one could say that I ever disobeyed the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

279PHP37i2tdgrammar-connect-logic-contrastἅτινα ἦν μοι κέρδη, ταῦτα ἥγημαι διὰ τὸν Χριστὸν ζημίαν1

This entire verse is Pauls response to the seven things he listed in 3:56, which he once considered to be spiritually and religiously profitable to himself. In this verse Paul contrasts his former way of viewing things when he was a Pharisee with his new way of viewing things now that he believes in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

280PHP37lb8ffigs-metaphorἅτινα ἦν μοι κέρδη, ταῦτα ἥγημαι διὰ τὸν Χριστὸν ζημίαν1a profit … loss

In the original language in which Paul wrote this letter, the words gains and loss were common business terms used for accounting to describe things a business person determined to be either profitable or unprofitable. Here, Paul is using these two terms metaphorically to portray the things he considers spiritually profitable and unprofitable. If your language has similar business or accounting terms that would be natural to use in this context, consider using them here. Alternate translation: “Whatever things I formerly counted as gains, these things I now count as loss for the sake of Christ” or “Whatever things I formerly accounted as gains, these things I now account as loss for the sake of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

281PHP37n4lgfigs-explicitἅτινα ἦν μοι κέρδη1Whatever was a profit for me

Here, the phrase Whatever was profit to me refers specifically to the list of seven things that Paul has just listed in 3:56 and to anything else in which he would have put confidence before he believed in Christ. Alternate translation: “Whatever things I formerly considered profitable” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

282PHP37nwdifigs-abstractnounsἅτινα ἦν μοι κέρδη1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of profit, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun profit by using an adjective such as profitable, or you could express it in some other way. Alternate translation: “Whatever things were profitable for me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

283PHP37yxtxfigs-abstractnounsταῦτα ἥγημαι διὰ τὸν Χριστὸν ζημίαν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of loss, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun loss by using a verbal phrase such as “worth losing”. Alternate translation: “I consider these things worth losing for the sake of Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

284PHP38e1fpfigs-metaphorἀλλὰ μενοῦνγε καὶ ἡγοῦμαι πάντα ζημίαν εἶναι, διὰ τὸ ὑπερέχον τῆς γνώσεως Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου μου, δι’ ὃν τὰ πάντα ἐζημιώθην καὶ ἡγοῦμαι σκύβαλα, ἵνα Χριστὸν κερδήσω1I consider even all things to be loss

In this verse Paul continues the business metaphor which he began in 3:7. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

285PHP38eptsἡγοῦμαι1

See how you translated the word consider in 3:7.

286PHP38wugjfigs-abstractnounsζημίαν1

See how you translated the abstract noun loss in 3:7. Alternate translation: “worth losing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

287PHP38iji5figs-abstractnounsκαὶ ἡγοῦμαι πάντα ζημίαν εἶναι, διὰ τὸ ὑπερέχον τῆς γνώσεως Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου μου1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of value, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun value with an adjective such as “valuable.” Alternate translation: “I consider everything worth losing for the sake of what is most valuable, namely, knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

288PHP38dxqlfigs-abstractnounsδιὰ τὸ ὑπερέχον τῆς γνώσεως Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου μου1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of knowledge, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun knowledge with a verbal form such as “knowing.” Alternate translation: “because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

289PHP38cv55διὰ τὸ ὑπερέχον τῆς γνώσεως Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου μου1because of the surpassing value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord

Alternate translation: “because knowing Christ Jesus my Lord is worth so much more”

290PHP38g1hyfigs-explicitτῆς γνώσεως Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου μου1

Here, the word knowledge does not refer to simply being mentally aware of something or someone, but rather, it refers to having a deep, intimate, personal knowledge or experience of someone or something. Here, it refers to having an intimate and personal knowledge or experience of Christ. Consider the best way to express this meaning in your language. Alternate translation: “of intimately knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” or “of deeply knowing and experiencing Christ Jesus my Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

291PHP38dh2dfigs-abstractnounsδι’ ὃν τὰ πάντα ἐζημιώθην1

See how you translated the abstract noun loss earlier in this verse and in 3:7. Alternate translation: “for whom I have willingly lost all things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

292PHP38cez0ἡγοῦμαι2

See how you translated the word consider earlier in this verse and in 3:7.

293PHP38ovd9translate-unknownσκύβαλα1

During Pauls time this word was used to refer to excrement and things which were considered worthless and worthy of being thrown out. In the original language in which Paul wrote this letter, the term dung was a crude term that referred to things that were discarded as garbage, including dung, and the specific meaning was determined by context. Here, this word could be referring to: (1) excrement, since in the preceding verses Paul has been discussing what comes from the flesh. Alternate translation: “excrement” or “crap” (2) garbage, since Paul is discussing what he now considers worth throwing away in order to gain and know Christ. Alternate translation: “garbage” or “refuse” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

294PHP38vgf5κερδήσω1

See how you translated the word gains in 3:7.

295PHP38h3kqgrammar-connect-logic-goalἵνα Χριστὸν κερδήσω1

The phrase so that is a purpose clause. In your translation, follow the conventions of your language for purpose clauses. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of gaining Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

296PHP39iy4kfigs-activepassiveκαὶ εὑρεθῶ ἐν αὐτῷ1be found in him

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the passive verbal phrase be found with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “and God might find me belonging to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

297PHP39ubvrfigs-abstractnounsμὴ ἔχων ἐμὴν δικαιοσύνην, τὴν ἐκ νόμου1be found in him

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun righteousness in some other way. Alternate translation: “not being able to please God by keeping the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

298PHP39w62gfigs-abstractnounsἀλλὰ τὴν διὰ πίστεως Χριστοῦ1be found in him

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the idea behind faith by using a verbal form. Alternate translation: “but that which comes by believing in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

299PHP39g9a9figs-explicitἀλλὰ τὴν διὰ πίστεως Χριστοῦ1not having my own righteousness that is from the law

Here, the word that refers to “righteousness.” Paul assumes his readers will know this from the context. If this would be unclear in your language, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “but the righteousness which is through faith in Christ” or “but the righteousness which comes by faith in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

300PHP39pbgffigs-abstractnounsτὴν ἐκ Θεοῦ δικαιοσύνην ἐπὶ τῇ πίστε1be found in him

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun righteousness in some other way. See how you translated righteousness earlier in this verse. Alternate translation: “being pleasing to God by believing in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

301PHP39jmqffigs-abstractnounsτὴν ἐκ Θεοῦ δικαιοσύνην ἐπὶ τῇ πίστε1be found in him

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the idea behind faith by using a verbal form. See how you translated faith earlier in this verse. Alternate translation: “but the righteousness from God, which comes by believing in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

302PHP39delyfigs-ellipsisἐπὶ τῇ πίστει1

In the phrase by faith, Paul is leaving out some words that would be needed to complete the sentence in many languages. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “which comes by faith” or “which is received through faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

303PHP310ot4awriting-pronounsτοῦ γνῶναι αὐτὸν, καὶ τὴν δύναμιν τῆς ἀναστάσεως αὐτοῦ, καὶ κοινωνίαν παθημάτων αὐτοῦ, συμμορφιζόμενος τῷ θανάτῳ αὐτοῦ1

All occurrences of the pronouns him and his in this verse refer to Christ. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could clarify this in a way that would be natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

304PHP310vj4sgrammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ1the power of his resurrection

The first occurrence of the word and indicates that what follows is the Pauls explanation of how specifically he wants to know Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

305PHP310tam1τοῦ γνῶναι αὐτὸν, καὶ τὴν δύναμιν τῆς ἀναστάσεως αὐτοῦ, καὶ κοινωνίαν παθημάτων αὐτοῦ1

In the original language in which Paul wrote this letter, he closely connects the phrase the power of his resurrection and the phrase the fellowship of his sufferings. He does this because in Pauls mind these two things are inseparably linked, and a person cannot know the power of Christs resurrection without first sharing in Christs suffering. Consider the best way to show the close connection between these two phrases in your language.

306PHP310ngz6τοῦ γνῶναι αὐτὸν1

See how you translated the word “knowledge” in 3:8. Here, the word know does not refer to simply being mentally aware of something or someone, but rather, it refers to having a deep, intimate, personal knowledge or experience of something or someone. Here, it refers to having an intimate and personal knowledge or experience of Christ. Consider the best way to express this meaning in your language. Alternate translation: “to intimately know Christ” or “to deeply know and experience him”

307PHP310fpijfigs-abstractnounsδύναμιν1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of power, you could express the idea behind power by using an adverb such as “powerfully,” as modeled in UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

308PHP310vqb6figs-abstractnounsκαὶ κοινωνίαν παθημάτων αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use abstract noun for the idea of fellowship, you could express the idea behind this word by using a verbal form such as “participate” or “sharing.” Alternate translation: “and to participate in his sufferings” or “and the sharing of his sufferings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

309PHP310qm5nfigs-abstractnounsκαὶ κοινωνίαν παθημάτων αὐτοῦ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of suffering, you could express the idea behind the word sufferings by using a verbal form such as “suffer.” Alternate translation: “and to suffer with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

310PHP310r3gzgrammar-connect-words-phrasesκαὶ2

Here, the word and indicates that what follows is the second aspect of knowing Christ, which Paul introduces in explanation of how specifically he wants to know Christ. Alternate translation: “and to know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

311PHP310xw42figs-activepassiveσυμμορφιζόμενος τῷ θανάτῳ αὐτοῦ1being conformed to his death

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the phrase being conformed to with an active form. Alternate translation: “taking on the likeness of his death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

312PHP310ps0jfigs-abstractnounsσυμμορφιζόμενος τῷ θανάτῳ αὐτοῦ1being conformed to his death

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of death, you could express the idea behind this word by using a verbal form such as “die.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

313PHP311l4rmτὴν ἐξανάστασιν τὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν1if somehow I might attain to the resurrection that is from the dead

Alternate translation: “the resurrection from the dead”

314PHP312xk5qfigs-extrainfoοὐχ ὅτι ἤδη ἔλαβον1Connecting Statement:

The word it in the phrase Not that I already received it could be referring to: (1) spiritual perfection and completion. This phrase would then mean that Paul is saying that he is not yet spiritually perfect or complete. Alternate translation: “Not that I have already attained spiritual perfection” or “Not that I am already spiritually complete” or “Not that Gods work in me is already complete” or “Not that Gods work in me is already perfected” (2) that Paul has not yet reached the goals he has for himself and so has not received his reward. Alternate translation: “Not that I have yet reached my goals and received my reward from God” (3) Paul has not yet finished the work God gave him to do with his life, and then died and received his reward from God. Alternate translation: “Not that I have finished my work and received my reward from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])

315PHP312ms3vfigs-activepassiveἢ ἤδη τετελείωμαι1I already received it

If it would be more natural in your language, you could express the phrase been made perfect with an active form. Alternate translation: “or think that God has already made me perfect” or “or think that God has already completed his work in me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

316PHP312h8p7figs-extrainfoἤδη τετελείωμαι1or have already been made perfect

In the original language in which Paul wrote this letter, the word perfect means that someone or something has reached full completion and therefore reached its intended purpose or goal. It can also refer to someone reaching full maturity and is used in the New Testament of Christians reaching completeness of Christ-like character. Alternate translation: “been brought to completion” or “have already been made complete” or “have already reached full maturity” or “have already reached full Christ-likeness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])

317PHP312k9arfigs-activepassiveἤδη τετελείωμαι1or have already been made perfect

If it would be more natural in your language, you could translate the phrase been made perfect with an active form. Alternate translation: “that God has already perfected me” or “that God has already perfected his work in me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

318PHP312m52vfigs-activepassiveκαταλάβω, ἐφ’ ᾧ καὶ κατελήμφθην ὑπὸ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ1I might grasp that for which I was also grasped by Christ Jesus

If it would be more natural in your language, you could translate the phrase I was also grasped by Christ Jesus with an active form. Alternate translation: “I might grasp the things for which Christ Jesus grasped me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

319PHP313tzg8ἀδελφοί1Brothers

See how you translated the word brothers in Philippians 1:12 and 3:1.

320PHP313kqk7figs-extrainfoἐγὼ ἐμαυτὸν οὐ λογίζομαι κατειληφέναι1I do not consider myself to have grasped it

Paul does not explicitly state what it is that he has not yet grasped. He is probably referring to becoming perfectly like Jesus and to fully knowing Jesus. You may choose to state this in your translation, as the UST does, or you may leave it ambiguous, as the ULT does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])

321PHP313hjs9figs-ellipsisἓν δέ1forgetting what is behind and straining for what is ahead

In the phrase But one thing, Paul is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “But take note of this one thing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

322PHP313ia2bfigs-metaphorτὰ μὲν ὀπίσω ἐπιλανθανόμενος, τοῖς δὲ ἔμπροσθεν ἐπεκτεινόμενος1forgetting what is behind and straining for what is ahead

In the phrase forgetting what is behind and straining for what is ahead, Paul is using the imagery of a person who is in a race to win a prize. Paul portrays himself as a runner in this metaphor, and he continues using this metaphor until the end of Philippians 3:14. If this metaphor is unfamiliar in your culture, consider using another metaphor that would be familiar to your readers, or you may state this in plain language, as the UST does. Alternate translation: “like a runner, I forget what is behind me and put all of my effort into running toward the finish line in front of me” or “like a runner, I have one focus, and therefore I do not look backward as I run, but only look forward as I strain with all my might so that I will reach the finish line” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

323PHP314z39sfigs-metaphorκατὰ σκοπὸν διώκω εἰς τὸ βραβεῖον1I press on toward the goal to the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus

In this verse Paul continues using the metaphor of a runner who is competing in a foot race in order to win a prize. In this verse Paul says that his goal, which he works hard for, is to win the prize which God promises to give every person who obediently follows Christ. If this metaphor would be unfamiliar in your culture, consider using another metaphor, or use plain language to translate the idea behind this metaphor. Alternate translation: “I do all I can to pursue the goal of winning the prize of Gods upward call in Christ Jesus” or “I work hard so that I can reach my goal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

324PHP314jhtvσκοπὸν…εἰς τὸ βραβεῖον τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ1I press on toward the goal to the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus

The phrases the goal and the prize could be related to each other in one of two ways. They could: (1) be focusing on the same basic idea. Alternate translation: “the goal, which is to be given the prize of Gods upward call” or “my goal, which is to receive the prize of Gods upward call” (2) be focusing on different things, in which case the goal is referring to the goal of Pauls life, while the prize is referring to what Paul hopes to receive once he has successfully achieved his goal. Alternate translation: “the goal and toward being given the prize of Gods upward call” or “the goal and toward receiving the prize of Gods upward call”

325PHP314lmr6figs-extrainfoτὸ βραβεῖον τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ1of the upward calling

The phrase the prize of the upward calling of God could mean: (1) that the prize is the upward calling of God. Alternate translation: “receive the prize of Gods upward call” or “receive the prize of Gods heavenward invitation” (2) that the upward calling of God is a call to come and receive Gods prize. Alternate translation: “answer Gods upward call to receive his prize” or “answer Gods invitation to receive his prize” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])

326PHP314cq3ffigs-extrainfoτῆς ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ1of the upward calling

The word upward probably refers to both the origin of Gods call and to the direction of Gods call. In other words, the phrase the upward calling of God probably refers both to the fact that the calling is from God and that the calling is also a heavenly calling to move towards God. Alternate translation: “Gods heavenward call” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])

327PHP314agwgfigs-explicitκατὰ σκοπὸν διώκω εἰς τὸ βραβεῖον τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1of the upward calling

The phrase in Christ Jesus could be: (1) modifying the phrase the upward calling of God. (2) modifying the phrase I press on. Alternate translation: “I press on in Christ Jesus toward the goal for the prize of the upward calling of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

328PHP314d75hfigs-abstractnounsκατὰ σκοπὸν διώκω εἰς τὸ βραβεῖον τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1of the upward calling

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of a goal, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun goal in another way. Alternate translation: “I make it my main focus to win the prize of Gods upward calling in Christ Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

329PHP315de4ygrammar-connect-words-phrasesοὖν1as many as are perfect should think this way

The word Therefore indicates that Paul is transitioning from teaching the Philippians by using his personal experience (Philippians 3:4-14) to exhorting them (Philippians 3:15-17). Use the form that would best express this meaning in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

330PHP315ki7ffigs-ellipsisὅσοι1God will also reveal that to you

The phrase as many as is missing some words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “as many of you as” or “all of you who” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

331PHP315pb9pὅσοι…τέλειοι1God will also reveal that to you

Here, the word perfect does not mean “without sin,” but rather it means “spiritually mature.” Alternate translation: “as many as are spiritually mature”

332PHP315yy22καὶ τοῦτο ὁ Θεὸς ὑμῖν ἀποκαλύψει1God will also reveal that to you

Alternate translation: “God will also make it clear to you” or “God will make sure you know it”

333PHP316pxn9figs-exclusiveεἰς ὃ ἐφθάσαμεν, τῷ αὐτῷ στοιχεῖν1in what we have attained, we should live in it

When Paul says we in this verse, he is speaking of himself and the Philippian Christians, so we is inclusive here. Your language may require you to mark these two uses of we as inclusive forms. Alternate translation: “let us all continue obeying the same truths we have already received” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

334PHP316p3pmεἰς ὃ ἐφθάσαμεν, τῷ αὐτῷ στοιχεῖν1in what we have attained, we should live in it

Alternate translation: “in the things that we have attained so far, we should live in them” or “in the things that we have believed so far, we should obey them” or “in the things that we have believed so far, we should act on them”

335PHP317jed4συνμιμηταί μου γίνεσθε1Become imitators of me

Alternate translation: “Do what I do” or “Live as I live”

336PHP317yvorfigs-yousingularγίνεσθε1Become imitators of me

The word Become is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. Alternate translation: “I exhort each of you to become” or “Each of you become” or “I command each of you to become” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular)

337PHP317uxc5ἀδελφοί1brothers

See how you translated the word brothers in Philippians 1:12.

338PHP317mo8afigs-yousingularσκοπεῖτε1those who are thus walking, just as you have us as an example

The phrase watch closely is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. Alternate translation: “I exhort each of you to watch closely” or “each of you watch closely” or “I urge each of you to watch closely” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular)

339PHP317h4tvτοὺς οὕτω περιπατοῦντας, καθὼς ἔχετε τύπον ἡμᾶς1those who are thus walking, just as you have us as an example

Alternate translation: “those people who are already living just as I live and follow our example” or “those people who are already doing what I do and imitating us”

340PHP318ab61figs-metonymyπολλοὶ γὰρ περιπατοῦσιν1many walk … as enemies of the cross of Christ

Here, the word walk is a Jewish figure of speech meaning to “live” or to “conduct ones life.” In Jewish culture a persons behavior was spoken of as if that person was walking along a path. If your readers would misunderstand this term, consider stating this in plain language. Alternate translation: “For many live” or “For many people conduct their lives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

341PHP318zwp3figs-ellipsisπολλοὶ γὰρ1I have often told you

The phrase For many leaves out a word that would be needed in some languages to be completely clear. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply the missing word from the context. Alternate translation: “For many people walk” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

342PHP318h6pcνῦν δὲ καὶ κλαίων1weeping, I say

Alternate translation: “but now telling you with great sadness”

343PHP318n8q2figs-metonymyτοὺς ἐχθροὺς τοῦ σταυροῦ τοῦ Χριστοῦ1as enemies of the cross of Christ

Paul is figuratively describing the good news of Jesus death and resurrection and the work of sharing this good news by associating these things with the cross of Christ. Here, the phrase the cross of Christ is synonymous with the gospel message and the work of spreading the gospel message. The phrase enemies of the cross of Christ refers to the people who are opposed to the message of the gospel and who oppose the people who share the gospel with others. If this is not clear in your language, you could express this with plain language. Alternate translation: “as enemies of the good news about Jesus” or “as enemies of the message about Jesus and enemies of those who proclaim it” or “as enemies of the message about Jesus and enemies of those who share it with others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

344PHP319v8gvfigs-abstractnounsὧν τὸ τέλος ἀπώλεια1whose end is destruction

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of end, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun end in another way. Alternate translation: “whom God will destroy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

345PHP319vcapfigs-abstractnounsὧν τὸ τέλος ἀπώλεια1whose end is destruction

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of destruction, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun destruction by using a verb such as “destroy.” Alternate translation: “whom God will destroy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

346PHP319hn9ifigs-synecdocheὧν ὁ Θεὸς ἡ κοιλία1whose god is their belly

Here Paul uses belly figuratively to represent all physical desires for pleasure. By Paul calling their belly their god, he means that these people love and serve their physical desire for pleasure rather than loving and serving God. If your readers would misunderstand this term, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture, or you can use plain language. Alternate translation: “who serve their desire for food and other pleasures rather than serve God” or “who obey their physical appetites instead of obeying God” or “who love pleasure more than they love God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

347PHP319u9clfigs-metonymyἡ δόξα ἐν τῇ αἰσχύνῃ αὐτῶν1their glory is in their shame

Here, shame stands for the actions that people should be ashamed of but are not. Alternate translation: “they are proud of the things that should cause them shame” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

348PHP319exy0figs-abstractnounsἡ δόξα ἐν τῇ αἰσχύνῃ αὐτῶν1their glory is in their shame

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun glory by using an adjective such as “proud.” Alternate translation: “who take pride in what should bring them shame” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

349PHP319r3t0figs-abstractnounsἡ δόξα ἐν τῇ αἰσχύνῃ αὐτῶν1their glory is in their shame

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of shame, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun shame by using an adjective such as “ashamed.” Alternate translation: “ who take pride in what should cause them to be ashamed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

350PHP319sv5zfigs-metonymyοἱ τὰ ἐπίγεια φρονοῦντες1who are thinking about earthly things

Here, earthly refers to all the things that pertain to everyday living on earth. Alternate translation: “who only think about the things here on this earth” or “who only think about the things of this life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

351PHP319n8e3figs-explicitοἱ τὰ ἐπίγεια φρονοῦντες1who are thinking about earthly things

The implied contrast that Paul is making here is between earthly things and spiritual things. Alternate translation: “who think about is earthly things instead of the things of God” or “who only think about earthly things instead of the things of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

352PHP320q1ccfigs-exclusiveἡμῶν…ἀπεκδεχόμεθα1

Here when Paul uses our and we, he is referring to himself and the believers in Philippi, so our and we are inclusive. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

353PHP320u8yrfigs-abstractnounsπολίτευμα1our citizenship exists in heaven

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of citizenship, you could express the idea behind citizenship with a concrete noun such as “citizen.” Alternate translation: “status as citizens” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

354PHP321r3zwwriting-pronounsσώματι τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ1our citizenship exists in heaven

Here, the pronoun his refers to Christ. Alternate translation: “to Christs glorious body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

355PHP321decifigs-abstractnounsτοῦ δύνασθαι αὐτὸν1our citizenship exists in heaven

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of power, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun power in some other way. Alternate translation: “of his might and ability” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

356PHP41oax3grammar-connect-words-phrasesὥστε1brothers

Here Paul uses the word Therefore as a transition word to introduce the exhortations to the Philippian Christians which he is about to give and which are based on the things that he has said before this verse. Consider the best word or phrase to use in your language to show this meaning. Alternate translation: “So then” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

357PHP41ngs7figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1brothers

See how you translated the word brothers in Philippians 1:12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

358PHP41fe2yἀγαπητοὶ καὶ ἐπιπόθητοι1my brothers, beloved and longed for

Alternate translation: “whom I love and greatly desire to see”

359PHP41wx5wfigs-abstractnounsχαρὰ καὶ στέφανός μου1my joy and crown

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of joy, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun joy by using a verbal form such as “rejoice” or by using an adjective such as “happy.” Alternate translation: “who cause me to be very happy and are my crown” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

360PHP41lg9afigs-extrainfoχαρὰ καὶ στέφανός μου1my joy and crown

The phrase my joy and crown could refer to: (1) Pauls current feelings of joy regarding the Philippian Christians and his future hope of being rewarded for his labor among them. Alternate translation: “my source of joy and my future hope of being rewarded when Christ returns” (2) Pauls joy and reward in the future when Christ returns. Alternate translation: “my hope for joy and reward when Christ returns” (3) Pauls present joy in the Philippian believers and his present feeling that they are his reward for his work among them. Alternate translation: “my joy and reward” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])

361PHP41kvskfigs-metaphorστέφανός1my joy and crown

Paul speaks figuratively of the Philippian Christians as if they were his crown. At the time Paul wrote this letter, a crown was made of leaves and was worn by a person on their head as a sign of their achievement after they had won an important victory. Here, the word crown means that the Philippian Christians brought great honor to Paul before God and were a sign of his hard work among them. If your readers would not understand the meaning of this metaphor, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture or state the meaning in plain language. Alternate translation: “my reward” or “my honor” or “the sign of my hard work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

362PHP41t07jοὕτως στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ, ἀγαπητοί1in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved

Alternate translation: “so continue living for the Lord in the way that I have taught you, dear friends”

363PHP41dz44οὕτως στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ, ἀγαπητοί1in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved

The phrase in this way could refer to: (1) what comes before it, in which case this phrase would mean, “in the way that I have just explained to you” Alternate translation: “stand firm in the Lord in the way that I have just explained to you, beloved” (2) what Paul commands the Philippian Christians to do in Philippians 4:2-9. Alternate translation: “stand firm in the Lord, beloved, in this way”

364PHP41zu0ifigs-yousingularστήκετε1in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved

The phrase stand firm is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

365PHP41j6fpfigs-metaphorστήκετε1in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved

Here the phrase stand firm is used figuratively to refer to the imagery of a soldier remaining in place, not moved by the enemy. Here, Paul gives this metaphor a spiritual meaning to exhort the Philippian Christians to not change their minds but continue believing what they have already believed. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, consider using another metaphor that would make sense in your culture, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “remain unmoved in your belief in Christ” or “remain firm in your faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

366PHP41i8adοὕτως στήκετε ἐν Κυρίῳ1in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved

Alternate translation: “stand firm in your union and relationship with the Lord” or “stand firm in your union and communion with the Lord”

367PHP42x5qftranslate-namesΕὐοδίαν…Συντύχην1I urge Euodia, and I urge Syntyche

Euodia and Syntyche are the names of women. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

368PHP43yb3ffigs-yousingularσέ1I also ask you

Here, you refers to the true companion and is singular. This is the only occurrence of the word you in Philippians that is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

369PHP43hdz7γνήσιε σύνζυγε1true companion

The phrase true companion refers to a person with whom the Philippian believers were familiar at that time but whose identity is no longer known. Alternate translation: “my faithful helper in the work of the gospel”

370PHP43wkp7figs-ellipsisαἵτινες ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ συνήθλησάν μοι1with also Clement

In the phrase the gospel, Paul is leaving out some of the words that would be needed in many languages for the sentence to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “who have labored with me in the work of spreading the gospel” or “who have labored with me in the work of telling people the gospel” or “who have labored with me in the work of sharing the gospel with people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

371PHP43lb79figs-metonymyτῷ εὐαγγελίῳ1with also Clement

Here Paul is using the phrase the gospel to refer specifically to the work of telling other people about Jesus. If your readers would misunderstand this term, you can state this plainly. Alternate translation: “the work of spreading the gospel” or “the work of telling people the gospel” or “the work of sharing the gospel with people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

372PHP43gfq5τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ1with also Clement

See how you translated the phrase the gospel in Philippians 1:5.

373PHP43cm3utranslate-namesΚλήμεντος1with also Clement

Clement is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

374PHP43s9h9ὧν τὰ ὀνόματα ἐν βίβλῳ ζωῆς1whose names are in the Book of Life

Alternate translation: “whose names God has written in the Book of Life”

375PHP44elt7χαίρετε ἐν Κυρίῳ1Rejoice in the Lord

See how you translated the phrase Rejoice in the Lord in Philippians 3:1.

376PHP44sbdpfigs-yousingularχαίρετε ἐν Κυρίῳ πάντοτε, πάλιν ἐρῶ, χαίρετε!1

Both occurrences of the word Rejoice are commands or instructions to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. Alternate translation: “I urge you all to rejoice in the Lord at all times. Again I will say it, I urge each of you to rejoice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

377PHP45hopffigs-yousingularτὸ ἐπιεικὲς ὑμῶν γνωσθήτω1The Lord is near

The phrase Let your gentleness be known is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

378PHP45mo7gfigs-gendernotationsπᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις1The Lord is near

Although the term men is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a general sense to mean all people in general, including women. Alternate translation: “to all people” or “to everyone.” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations)

379PHP45snk5ὁ Κύριος ἐγγύς1The Lord is near

The phrase The Lord is near could mean: (1) that the day that Jesus will return is coming soon. Alternate translation: “The Lord will return soon” or “The Lord is coming is near” or “The second coming of the Lord is near” (2) the Lord was near to the Philippian believers. Alternate translation: “The Lord is near to you”

380PHP46w5gkfigs-yousingularμηδὲν μεριμνᾶτε1in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God

Be anxious about nothing is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

381PHP46h63ggrammar-connect-logic-contrastἀλλ’1in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God

Here, the word but shows a contrast between the phrase Be anxious and the phrase by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. Consider the best way to show this contrast in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

382PHP46mcvtfigs-extrainfoἐν παντὶ1in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God

The phrase in everything could refer to: (1) all situations. Alternate translation: “in all situations” or “in all circumstances.” (2) time. Alternate translation: “at all times” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])

383PHP46ahulfigs-doubletτῇ προσευχῇ καὶ τῇ δεήσει1in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God

The words prayer and petition mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used both for emphasis and comprehensiveness. Petition is a type of prayer in which a person asks God for things. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these two words. Alternate translation: “by prayer” or “in prayer”. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

384PHP46stabfigs-abstractnounsτῇ προσευχῇ καὶ τῇ δεήσει1in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of prayer, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun prayer with a verb such as “praying” or in some other way. Alternate translation: “by praying and making a petition” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

385PHP46pqyrfigs-abstractnounsτῇ προσευχῇ καὶ τῇ δεήσει1in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of petition, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun petition by using a verbal form such as “petitioning” or in some other way. Alternate translation: “by praying and petitioning God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

386PHP46izqifigs-abstractnounsμετὰ εὐχαριστίας1in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of thanksgiving, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun thanksgiving with a verb such as “thank” or in a verbal phrase such as “giving thanks.” Alternate translation: “and giving thanks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

387PHP46f4t5figs-yousingularτὰ αἰτήματα ὑμῶν γνωριζέσθω1in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God

The phrase let your requests be known is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

388PHP46a443figs-abstractnounsτὰ αἰτήματα ὑμῶν γνωριζέσθω πρὸς τὸν Θεό1in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of requests, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun requests in some other way. Alternate translation: “tell God your needs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

389PHP47jgbagrammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ1the peace of God

Here, the word and shows that what follows is the result of practicing what comes before and in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “and then” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

390PHP47u1szfigs-extrainfoἡ εἰρήνη τοῦ Θεοῦ1the peace of God

The phrase the peace of God refers to the peace which God gives. Alternate translation: “the peace that God gives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])

391PHP47gejdfigs-abstractnounsΘεοῦ ἡ ὑπερέχουσα πάντα νοῦν1the peace of God

If your readers not understand the abstract noun peace, you could express the meaning with an adjectival phrase such as “at peace” or in some other way. Alternate translation: “then God will help you be confident in God, even if you dont understand everything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

392PHP47zr4xἡ ὑπερέχουσα πάντα νοῦν1which surpasses all understanding

The phrase which surpasses all understanding could mean: (1) that the peace God gives is so great that human minds are not able to understand it. Alternate translation: “which is greater than we can understand” (2) that the peace that God gives is superior to anything that humans can contrive through their own efforts. Alternate translation: “which humans cannot accomplish or attain by their own efforts”

393PHP47saucfigs-abstractnounsἡ ὑπερέχουσα πάντα νοῦν1which surpasses all understanding

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of understanding, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun understanding by using a verbal form such as “understand.” Alternate translation: “which is greater than we can understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

394PHP47sb6sfigs-metaphorφρουρήσει τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν καὶ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν1will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ

The word guard is a military term which refers to a soldier guarding a city or a fortress in order to protect it from enemy attacks. Here Paul presents Gods peace as if it were a soldier who protects hearts and minds from worrying, and so this phrase literally means “will be like a soldier and guard your hearts and minds” or “will be like a soldier standing guard to protect your hearts and minds.” If your readers would not understand this metaphor in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express Pauls meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “will keep your hearts and minds safe from attacks of worry and fear” or “will keep your hearts and minds safe” or “will protect your hearts and minds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

395PHP47tsz6ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ

See how you translated the phrase in Christ Jesus in Philippians 1:1.

396PHP48b8igτὸ λοιπόν1As to the rest

Here, as Paul comes near to the end of his letter, he gives some final instructions for how believers should live. Alternate translation: “Regarding what remains to be said” or “As to what remains for me to say”

397PHP48fxn5figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1brothers

See how you translated the word brothers in Philippians 1:12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

398PHP48ntejfigs-ellipsisὅσα ἐστὶν ἀληθῆ, ὅσα σεμνά, ὅσα δίκαια, ὅσα ἁγνά, ὅσα προσφιλῆ, ὅσα εὔφημα1as many as lovely

Here Paul is leaving out some of the words that would be needed in many languages in order for these phrases to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “as many things as are true, as many things as are honorable, as many things as are just, as many things as are pure, as many things as are lovely, as many things as are reputable” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

399PHP48r275ὅσα προσφιλῆ1as many as lovely

Alternate translation: “whatever things are pleasing”

400PHP48pv1iὅσα εὔφημα1as many as reputable

Alternate translation: “whatever things people admire” or “whatever things people respect”

401PHP48i5glεἴ τις ἀρετὴ1if anything is virtuous

Alternate translation: “if anything is morally good”

402PHP48e9ebεἴ τις ἔπαινος1if anything is praiseworthy

Alternate translation: “if anything is worth praising”

403PHP48ec9qfigs-yousingularλογίζεσθε1if anything is praiseworthy

The phrase think about is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

404PHP49m145ἃ καὶ ἐμάθετε καὶ παρελάβετε, καὶ ἠκούσατε καὶ εἴδετε, ἐν ἐμοί1And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me

Alternate translation: “And everything that I have taught and shown you”

405PHP49qu8zfigs-doubletἃ καὶ ἐμάθετε καὶ παρελάβετε1And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me

Here, the words learned and received mean basically the same thing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine them into one idea. Alternate translation: “And what you learned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

406PHP49zei1ταῦτα πράσσετε1And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me

Alternate translation: “put these things into practice”

407PHP49i8kifigs-yousingularπράσσετε1And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me

The word do is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

408PHP49mhvbgrammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ5And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me

Here, the word and shows that what follows it is the result of practicing what comes before it. Consider the best way to show this relationship in your language. Alternate translation: “and then” or “and the result will be that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

409PHP49y8xgὁ Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης1And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me

The phrase the God of peace could mean: (1) that God is the giver of peace. Alternate translation: “the God who gives peace” or “God, who gives peace,” (2) that God is characterized by peace. Alternate translation: “the God who is characterized by peace” or “our God who is characterized by peace” (3) God, the source of peace and the giver of peace. Alternate translation: “God, who is both the source of peace and the giver of peace,”

410PHP49poehfigs-abstractnounsκαὶ ὁ Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης ἔσται μεθ’ ὑμῶν1And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me

If your readers would better understand it, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun peace with an adjective such as “peaceful” or in some other way. Alternate translation: “the God who gives us a peaceful spirit will be with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

411PHP410pwh9ἐν Κυρίῳ1Connecting Statement:

See how you translated the phrase in the Lord in Philippians 3:12.

412PHP410xb0nὅτι ἤδη ποτὲ ἀνεθάλετε τὸ ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ φρονεῖν1Connecting Statement:

Alternate translation: “because now at last you revived your concern for me”

413PHP410ge1lἐφ’ ᾧ καὶ ἐφρονεῖτε1Connecting Statement:

Alternate translation: “for whom you were certainly worried”

414PHP410nm86figs-ellipsisἠκαιρεῖσθε δέ1Connecting Statement:

Here Paul is leaving out some of the words that a phrase would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “but you did not have a way to demonstrate it” or “but it was not possible for you to show it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

415PHP411ew5eοὐχ ὅτι καθ’ ὑστέρησιν λέγω1in whatever I am

Alternate translation: “I do not say this because of need”

416PHP411ts2kαὐτάρκης εἶναι1to be content

Alternate translation: “to be satisfied” or “to be happy”

417PHP411uj5zfigs-ellipsisἐν οἷς εἰμι1to be content

Here Paul is leaving out some of the words that a phrase would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “in whatever situation I am in” or “in whatever circumstances I am in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

418PHP412lgp9figs-explicitοἶδα καὶ1I know both how to be brought low and I know how to abound

Here, the phrase I know means “I know from experience” and refers to what Paul knew from his experience. If it would help your readers, consider clarifying this in your translation in some way. Alternate translation: “I have learned both how” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

419PHP412ydodοἶδα καὶ ταπεινοῦσθαι, οἶδα καὶ περισσεύειν…καὶ περισσεύειν καὶ ὑστερεῖσθαι1I know both how to be brought low and I know how to abound

The sentence at the beginning of this verse, I know both how to be brought low and I know how to abound is very similar in meaning to the phrase and to abounding and to being in need at the end of this verse. You can combine the beginning sentence and the closing phrase, as modeled by the UST, if you think it will help your readers.

420PHP412usbefigs-merismοἶδα καὶ ταπεινοῦσθαι, οἶδα καὶ περισσεύειν1I know both how to be brought low and I know how to abound

Here, the phrases to be brought low and to abound refer to two opposite extremes of living and to every living condition between them. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “I know both how to live with very little and how to live with more than I need” or “I know how to live with very little and I know how to live with plenty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

421PHP412lpldfigs-activepassiveταπεινοῦσθαι1I know both how to be brought low and I know how to abound

If it would be more natural in your language, you could express the passive phrase to be brought low with an active form. Alternate translation: “to live with less” or “to live without things I need” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

422PHP412aswcfigs-idiomταπεινοῦσθαι1I know both how to be brought low and I know how to abound

Here the phrase to be brought low is a figurative way of saying “to live with very little.” If it would help your readers, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “to live with very little” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

423PHP412xrp3figs-explicitχορτάζεσθαι καὶ πεινᾶν1to be filled and to be hungry

Here Paul is leaving out some of the words that a phrase would need in many languages to be understandable. If it would help your readers, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “to be full of food and to be hungry” or “to be content when I have plenty of food to eat and to be content when I am hungry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

424PHP412iqtrfigs-merismχορτάζεσθαι καὶ πεινᾶν1to be filled and to be hungry

Here the phrases to be filled and to be hungry refer to two opposite extremes and to everything in between them. If it would help your readers, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “to be hungry and to be filled and to everything in between” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

425PHP412ufv4figs-ellipsisπερισσεύειν καὶ ὑστερεῖσθαι1to abound and to be in need

Here Paul is leaving out some of the words that a phrase would need in many languages to be understandable. If it would help your readers, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “to have an abundance of things I need and to live contentedly when I do not have certain things I need” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

426PHP412fwesfigs-merismπερισσεύειν καὶ ὑστερεῖσθαι1to abound and to be in need

Here, the phrases to abound and to be in need refer to two opposite extremes and to everything in between them. If it would help your readers, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “to abound and to be in need and to everything in between” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

427PHP413z1pbwriting-pronounsπάντα ἰσχύω ἐν τῷ ἐνδυναμοῦντί με1I can do all things in him who strengthens me

Here, the pronoun him refers to Christ. Alternate translation: “I can do all things because Christ gives me strength” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

428PHP413fpo4figs-explicitπάντα ἰσχύω ἐν τῷ ἐνδυναμοῦντί με1I can do all things in him who strengthens me

Here, all things refers to all situations. The phrase I can do all things means “I can handle all situations.” Alternate translation: “I can deal with anything through him who strengthens me” or “I am able to act properly in every situation because Jesus makes me strong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

429PHP414fe2zfigs-explicitσυνκοινωνήσαντές μου τῇ θλίψει1in my affliction

The phrase having shared together in my affliction means that the Philippian believers helped Paul while he was experiencing difficulties by giving him money and sending Epaphroditus to him. If it would help your readers, you can state this explicitly. Alternate translation: “by helping me in my affliction through your gift of money and sending Epaphroditus to me” or “by helping me when I faced difficult circumstances by sending Epaphroditus to encourage me and bring me your gift of money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

430PHP414ulzofigs-abstractnounsμου τῇ θλίψει1in my affliction

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of affliction, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun affliction with an adjective such as difficult or in some other way. Alternate translation: “when I was suffering” or “when I was mistreated” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

431PHP414tlurμου τῇ θλίψει1in my affliction

Alternate translation: “in my trials” or “in my troubles” or “in my difficulties”

432PHP415w23wfigs-explicitἐν ἀρχῇ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου1the beginning of the gospel

Here, in the beginning of the gospel refers to when Paul first began communicating the gospel message to the Philippians. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you can state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “when you first heard me preach the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

433PHP415npphτοῦ εὐαγγελίου1the beginning of the gospel

See how you translated the phrase the gospel in Philippians 1:5 and 4:3.

434PHP415dyf8figs-doublenegativesοὐδεμία μοι ἐκκλησία ἐκοινώνησεν εἰς λόγον δόσεως καὶ λήμψεως, εἰ μὴ ὑμεῖς μόνοι1no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone

You can state no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone in the positive. Alternate translation: “you were the only church that shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

435PHP415bpc2figs-explicitμοι…ἐκοινώνησεν1no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone

Here, shared with me means the Philippians helped Paul financially and in other practical ways. Alternate translation: “were partners with” or “helped me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

436PHP415rgxxεἰς λόγον δόσεως καὶ λήμψεως1no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone

In the original language in which Paul wrote this letter, the phrase giving and receiving could refer either to exchanges that involved money or to exchanges that involved the giving and receiving of non-financial things that would benefit the other party. Here, the phrase giving and receiving may refer to both financial and non-financial gifts because the Philippians helped Paul by sending a gift of money via Epaphroditus, who also helped Paul in other ways. Alternate translation: “by sending money and help to me”

437PHP416getbὅτι καὶ ἐν Θεσσαλονίκῃ1no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone

Alternate translation: “for even when I was in Thessalonica”

438PHP416puarfigs-idiomκαὶ ἅπαξ καὶ δὶς1no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone

The phrase both once and twice is an idiom meaning that something occurred more than one time. If your readers would not understand this idiom, you can use an equivalent idiom from your language, or you can state this in plain language. Alternate translation: “several times” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

439PHP416lqorfigs-ellipsisεἰς τὴν χρείαν μοι ἐπέμψατε1no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone

Paul is leaving out some of the words that this phrase would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “you sent me money to help me with my needs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

440PHP417bh3tfigs-metaphorἐπιζητῶ τὸν καρπὸν τὸν πλεονάζοντα εἰς λόγον ὑμῶν1I seek the fruit that increases to your account

At the time Paul wrote this letter, the word fruit could be used in a business context to refer to what was gained in a financial transaction. When used in a business context, the word fruit meant “profit” or “gain.” Here Paul is using this business meaning figuratively to refer to Gods reward. If your language has an equivalent word that could be used in a business context, consider using it here if it would be natural in your language. Alternately, you may express this meaning using plain language, as the UST does. Alternate translation: “I seek the profit that increases to your account” or “I seek the gain that increases to your account” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

441PHP418fs44ἀπέχω…πάντα1I have everything in full

The phrase I have everything in full could mean: (1) that Paul has received everything that he needs from the Philippian believers and is therefore sufficiently supplied. Alternate translation: “I have everything I need and am content” (2) that Paul is continuing the business metaphor from Philippians 4:17 and is here offering the Philippians a figurative receipt for the gifts they gave him. Alternate translation: “I have received the gift that you sent”

442PHP418en6tfigs-explicitπερισσεύω1I abound

The phrase I abound means that Paul has more than enough of the things that he needs for himself. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, consider stating this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I have more than enough of the things I need” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

443PHP418p6y1figs-activepassiveπεπλήρωμαι, δεξάμενος παρὰ Ἐπαφροδίτου τὰ παρ’ ὑμῶν1Connecting Statement:

If it would be more natural in your language, you could express the phrase I have been filled with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “You have fully provided for me by giving me the things which Epaphroditus brought to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

444PHP418hte4translate-namesἘπαφροδίτου1I abound

Epaphroditus is the name of a man. See how you translated his name in Philippians 2:25. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names)

445PHP418s68vfigs-metaphorὀσμὴν εὐωδίας, θυσίαν δεκτήν, εὐάρεστον τῷ Θεῷ1an aroma, a sweet smell, an acceptable, pleasing sacrifice to God

Here Paul speaks figuratively of the gift from the Philippian believers as if it were a sacrifice offered to God on an altar. If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could express the meaning using plain language. Alternate translation: “which are very pleasing to God” or “which make God happy” or “which I assure you are gifts very pleasing to God, like an acceptable sacrifice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

446PHP419r96pfigs-idiomπληρώσει πᾶσαν χρείαν ὑμῶν1will fulfill all your needs

The word for will fulfill is the same word translated as “have been fulfilled” in verse 18. This phrase is an idiom meaning “will provide everything you need” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

447PHP419xmk2κατὰ τὸ πλοῦτος αὐτοῦ ἐν δόξῃ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus

Alternate translation: “from his glorious riches that he gives through Christ Jesus”

448PHP420fba5figs-exclusiveἡμῶν1Now to our God

When Paul says our, he is speaking of himself and the Philippian believers, so our is inclusive. Your language may require you to mark this form. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

449PHP421h2jrfigs-yousingularἀσπάσασθε1The brothers

This is a command or instruction to all of the Philippian Christians. Use the most natural form in your language to give direction to a group of people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])

450PHP421z65afigs-metaphorοἱ σὺν ἐμοὶ ἀδελφοί1brothers

See how you translated the word brothers in Philippians 1:12. Paul is using the term brothers figuratively here to refer to anyone who is a fellow believer in Jesus. If this is not clear in your language, you can express this plainly. Alternative translation, “My fellow believers here” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

451PHP421kaxzfigs-gendernotationsοἱ σὺν ἐμοὶ ἀδελφοί1brothers

See how you translated the word brothers in Philippians 1:12. Although the term brothers is masculine, Paul is using the word here in a spiritual sense to include both men and women who believe in Jesus. Alternate translation: “The brothers and sisters with me” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations)

452PHP422rg96translate-unknownτῆς Καίσαρος οἰκίας1especially those from the household of Caesar

The phrase the household of Caesar refers to the servants who worked in Caesars palace. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

453PHP423a3f8figs-synecdocheμετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν1be with your spirit

Paul figuratively describes the Philippian Christians as whole persons by reference to their spirit. Alternate translation: “be with you” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche)

454PHP423nd4zfigs-abstractnounsἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν1be with your spirit

The word grace is an abstract noun that can be translated with an adverb. Alternate translation: “May the Lord Jesus Christ act graciously to you” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns)