Devine Scripture

Philippians 1:21

What does Philippians 1:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 1:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 1:21 means

Paul summarizes his life: to live is Christ, and to die is gain. While alive, Christ is the source, meaning, and goal of everything—service, joy, and fruit. Death is gain because it brings him into the presence of Christ, which is better than any earthly blessing. This is not a death-wish but a Christ-wish: both life and death are interpreted by union with Jesus. When Christ is the treasure, nothing is ultimately loss. This verse captures Christian identity at its core and explains Paul’s peace and joy amid uncertainty, anchoring him in the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For to me life is Christ and death is profit.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for to me to live <FI>is<Fi> Christ, and to die gain.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For to me, to live is Christ: and to die is gain.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For for me to live [is] Christ, and to die gain;

Context

This pivotal statement distills the hope of verse 20. It introduces Paul’s personal dilemma in verses 22–24: fruitful work argues for continued life, but being with Christ is far better. Verses 25–26 will resolve the tension provisionally—Paul expects to remain for the Philippians’ progress and joy. Then verses 27–30 will turn from Paul’s situation to exhort the church to live worthy of the gospel.

v.20according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing shall I be put to shame, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death.

v.21This passage

v.22But if to live in the flesh,—if this shall bring fruit from my work, then what I shall choose I know not.

Cross references

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

  • Philippians 2:21

    For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ.

  • Romans 8:35

    Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

  • Revelation 14:13

    And I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.

  • Philippians 1:20

    according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing shall I be put to shame, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:6

    Being therefore always of good courage, and knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13

    But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning them that fall asleep; that ye sorrow not, even as the rest, who have no hope.

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