Philippians 1:26
What does Philippians 1:26 mean?
A plain-English look at Philippians 1:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philippians 1:26 means
Paul wants the Philippians’ boasting to abound in Christ Jesus on account of him, through his coming to them again. If God grants his return, their joy and confidence in Christ will rise, not because Paul is great, but because Christ’s grace is displayed in preserving and using His servant. Their “glorying” is Christ-centered celebration, stirred by Paul’s presence and testimony. This keeps the focus where it belongs: on Jesus as the giver of leaders and the sustainer of ministry. The hoped-for reunion is thus a means to magnify Christ, strengthening the church’s worship and witness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000that your glorying may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again.
KJV
King James Version · 1611That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901that your glorying may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So that your pride in me may be increased in Christ Jesus through my being present with you again.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862that your boasting may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence again to you.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752That your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus for me, by my coming to you again.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890that your boasting may abound in Christ Jesus through me by my presence again with you.
Context
This verse completes Paul’s expectation to remain (verse 25) by stating the desired effect: increased boasting in Christ tied to his renewed presence. With that, Paul turns a corner in verse 27 from reporting and hoping to exhorting. He will call the church to live worthily of the gospel, to stand firm together, and to strive as one for the faith amid opposition (verses 27–30).
v.25And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide, yea, and abide with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith;
v.26This passage
v.27Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Song of Solomon 5:1
I am come into my garden, my sister, my bride: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, O friends; Drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.
- 2 Corinthians 1:14
as also ye did acknowledge us in part, that we are your glorying, even as ye also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus.
- 2 Corinthians 7:6
Nevertheless he that comforteth the lowly, even God, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
- Philippians 4:10
But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity.
- Philippians 3:3
for we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh:
- Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.
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