A modern English translation drawn directly from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. Translated word-for-word where possible, by a committee with scholarly oversight.
Uses the same source texts as the ESV, NASB, and most academic Bibles, including the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia and the Nestle-Aland critical edition.
Philippians 4
Philippians 4 is the fourth and final chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippians. The 23-verse chapter closes the letter with personal appeals, famous instructions about peace and contentment, and Paul's thanks for a gift.
The chapter opens with an appeal. Paul calls the Philippians his brothers, whom he loves and longs for, his joy and crown. He urges them to stand firm in the Lord.
He then names two women, Euodia and Syntyche, urging them to agree with each other in the Lord. He asks his "true companion" to help these women, who have contended at his side for the gospel, along with Clement and other coworkers whose names are in the book of life.
The chapter then becomes one of Paul's most quoted passages. "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
The instructions continue. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, dwell on these things."
Paul then turns to thank the Philippians for the gift they have sent him through their messenger Epaphroditus. He has learned to be content whatever the circumstances, whether in plenty or in want. He knows what it is to be in need and what it is to have abundance. The famous line follows: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
The chapter closes with greetings to all the saints in Christ Jesus, including those who belong to Caesar's household, and Paul's standard closing benediction.
Verse 1. Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
Verse 2. I urge Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.
Verse 3. Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
Verse 4. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Verse 5. Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near.
Verse 6. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Verse 7. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Verse 8. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.
Verse 9. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Verse 10. Now I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.
Verse 11. I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances.
Verse 12. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need.
Verse 13. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Verse 14. Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction.
Verse 15. And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving.
Verse 16. For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again.
Verse 17. Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.
Verse 18. I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
Verse 19. And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Verse 20. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Verse 21. Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you greetings.
Verse 22. All the saints send you greetings, especially those from the household of Caesar.
Verse 23. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
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