Devine Scripture

Philippians 1:5

What does Philippians 1:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 1:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 1:5 means

The Philippians have shared in the work of the gospel from the first day to the present. Their fellowship is not mere friendship; it is active partnership—praying, giving, and serving with Paul so that Christ is proclaimed. This enduring participation confirms the reality of their faith and explains Paul’s joy. Gospel work binds hearts together more tightly than shared culture or preferences. Their steadfast support shows they grasped from the beginning that the good news is not to be hoarded but advanced. Such partnership reflects the very nature of the gospel, which unites believers in Christ and moves them outward toward the world.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because of your help in giving the good news from the first day till now;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for your contribution to the good news from the first day till now,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For your communication in the gospel of Christ, from the first day unto now.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

because of your fellowship with the gospel, from the first day until now;

Context

Paul now gives the concrete reason for his joyful intercession: the Philippians’ long-standing participation in gospel ministry. This reference reaches back to their early generosity and continues to the present. It leads directly to verse 6, where Paul expresses confidence that God, who started this work in them, will bring it to completion. Verses 7–8 will add personal affection and shared suffering as further reasons for Paul’s warmth toward them.

v.4always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy,

v.5This passage

v.6being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Cross references

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

  • Acts 2:42

    And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers.

  • 1 John 1:7

    but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

  • 1 John 1:3

    that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you also, that ye also may have fellowship with us: yea, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ:

  • 2 Corinthians 8:1

    Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;

  • Philippians 2:12

    So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

  • Philemon 1:17

    If then thou countest me a partner, receive him as myself.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Philippians 1

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Philippians 1.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Philippians 1:5.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary