Devine Scripture

Philippians 1:14

What does Philippians 1:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 1:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 1:14 means

Most of the brothers and sisters in the Lord have gained confidence from seeing Paul’s imprisonment and now speak God’s word more boldly, without fear. Courage is contagious. When believers watch someone suffer faithfully, it strengthens their resolve. Paul’s suffering becomes a catalyst, not a caution. Their fear shrinks as their vision of Christ and His worth grows. This does not mean recklessness; it means freed tongues and steady hearts. The Lord uses the example of a chained apostle to unleash many voices, multiplying the witness. Thus, what seemed to silence one preacher actually mobilizes an army of proclaimers.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and that most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and that most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And most of the brothers in the Lord, taking heart because of my chains, are all the stronger to give the word of God without fear.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the greater part of the brethren in the Lord, having confidence by my bonds, are more abundantly bold--fearlessly to speak the word.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And many of the brethren in the Lord, growing confident by my bands, are much more bold to speak the word of God without fear.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and that the most of the brethren, trusting in [the] Lord through my bonds, dare more abundantly to speak the word ofGod fearlessly.

Context

Following the spread of the gospel to the praetorian guard (verse 13), Paul notes the internal effect on the Christian community: rising boldness. This sets the stage for the next complexity—varied motives among preachers (verses 15–17). Even with mixed motives, Paul will maintain joy because the central fact remains: Christ is proclaimed (verse 18). Then he will turn to his confident expectation regarding the outcome of his case (verses 19–20).

v.13so that my bonds became manifest in Christ throughout the whole prætorian guard, and to all the rest;

v.14This passage

v.15Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ephesians 3:13

    Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:2

    but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as ye know, at Philippi, we waxed bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God in much conflict.

  • Philippians 4:1

    Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.

  • Luke 12:5

    But I will warn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, who after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

  • Colossians 4:4

    that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

  • Colossians 4:7

    All my affairs shall Tychicus make known unto you, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord:

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