Philippians 1:18
What does Philippians 1:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Philippians 1:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philippians 1:18 means
Paul’s settled response is joy: whether Christ is proclaimed with false motives or true, he rejoices and will keep rejoicing. His priority is the message, not his reputation. Joy here is not naive; it is a deliberate choice to value Christ’s name above personal comfort or standing. This perspective disarms envy by making the gospel’s progress the measure of success. Paul models a Christ-centered evaluation of ministry that frees him from bitterness. He trusts that God will sort motives while using even flawed messengers to spread the truth about Jesus. Therefore, his present and future outlook is rejoicing.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000What then? only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and therein I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
KJV
King James Version · 1611What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901What then? only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and therein I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949What then? only that in every way, falsely or truly, the preaching of Christ goes on; and in this I am glad, and will be glad.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862what then? in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed--and in this I rejoice, yea, and shall rejoice.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But what then? So that by all means, whether by occasion or by truth, Christ be preached: in this also I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890What is it then? at any rate, in every way, whether in pretext or in truth, Christ is announced; and in this I rejoice, yea, also I will rejoice;
Context
Having exposed the mixed motives of some preachers (verses 15–17), Paul now reveals his big-hearted conclusion: Christ’s proclamation brings joy, regardless of human intentions. This forward-looking joy bridges to verses 19–20, where Paul expresses confidence that through the Philippians’ prayers and the Spirit’s supply, his situation will end in salvation and magnifying Christ, whether in life or death. Verse 21 will then encapsulate his life principle.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 9:50
But Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against you is for you.
- 2 John 1:9
Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son.
- Matthew 23:13
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye enter not in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering in to enter.
- Mark 9:38
John said unto him, Teacher, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followed not us.
- Philippians 1:14
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.
- Mark 12:40
they that devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers; these shall receive greater condemnation.
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