Philippians 1:3
What does Philippians 1:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Philippians 1:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philippians 1:3 means
Paul thanks God every time the Philippians come to mind. His gratitude is God-centered; he sees God as the one who began and is sustaining their life together. This verse shows a heart shaped by remembering God’s work in people, not merely their personalities or gifts. Gratitude becomes a reflex when we view fellow believers as recipients of grace. Paul’s thanksgiving will soon turn into prayer for their continued growth, but here he simply testifies that their memory triggers worship. In this way, Christian relationships become occasions for praise—not flattery of people, but thanksgiving to the God who formed and keeps them.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you,
KJV
King James Version · 1611I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I give praise to my God at every memory of you,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I give thanks to my God upon all the remembrance of you,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I give thanks to my God in every remembrance of you:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I thank myGod for my whole remembrance of you,
Context
The letter now moves from greeting to thanksgiving. Paul wants the church to know that his thoughts of them produce joy before God. This sets up the emphasis on partnership in the gospel (verse 5) and confidence in God’s ongoing work (verse 6). Verses 4–8 will expand the nature and reasons for his thanksgiving, showing both his constant intercession and the deep affection he holds for them, even while imprisoned.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 6:17
But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered;
- 1 Corinthians 1:4
I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus;
- Romans 1:8
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:2
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mentionof youin our prayers;
- 1 Thessalonians 3:9
For what thanksgiving can we render again unto God for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
- Colossians 1:3
We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
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