Devine Scripture

Philippians 1:29

What does Philippians 1:29 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 1:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 1:29 means

Paul reframes suffering as a gracious grant from God, alongside faith. Believing in Christ is a gift, and so is bearing pain for His sake. This dignifies trials and removes the sting of meaninglessness. To suffer for Christ is to share in His path and to be identified openly with Him. Such suffering is not a sign of divine abandonment but of participation in grace. This perspective strengthens endurance and sanctifies hardship, turning it into fellowship with the Lord’s cause. The Philippians are to receive both gifts—trust and trials—as coming from the same gracious hand.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

because to you it hath been granted in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

because to you it hath been granted in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because to you it has been given in the cause of Christ not only to have faith in him, but to undergo pain on his account:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

because to you it was granted, on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also on behalf of him to suffer;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For unto you it is given for Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

because to you has been given, as regards Christ, not only the believing on him but the suffering for him also,

Context

Expanding on verse 28’s theme, Paul explains why fearlessness makes sense: opposition and suffering are part of God’s gracious plan for believers. This aligns their expectations with the reality of following Christ. Verse 30 will tie this directly to Paul’s own experience, reminding them that their struggles mirror what they saw in him earlier and what they now hear he continues to face.

v.28and in nothing affrighted by the adversaries: which is for them an evident token of perdition, but of your salvation, and that from God;

v.29This passage

v.30having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Cross references

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

  • Ephesians 2:8

    for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

  • Acts 14:27

    And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all things that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles.

  • Romans 5:3

    And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness;

  • 1 Peter 4:13

    but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.

  • Acts 14:22

    confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.

  • John 1:12

    But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name:

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