Devine Scripture

Philippians 1:6

What does Philippians 1:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 1:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 1:6 means

Paul is certain that God, who began a good work in the Philippians, will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ. Their perseverance rests not on their resolve but on God’s faithfulness. The “good work” includes their salvation and its fruits—their growth, unity, and witness. The “day of Jesus Christ” points to the future when Christ returns and believers are fully perfected. This assurance does not breed passivity; it fuels hopeful effort, knowing God finishes what He starts. Paul’s confidence for them is ultimately confidence in God’s character, which steadies them amid opposition and encourages continued partnership in the gospel.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For I am certain of this very thing, that he by whom the good work was started in you will make it complete till the day of Jesus Christ:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

having been confident of this very thing, that He who did begin in you a good work, will perform <FI>it<Fi> till a day of Jesus Christ,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Being confident of this very thing: that he who hath begun a good work in you will perfect it unto the day of Christ Jesus.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

having confidence of this very thing, that he who has begun in you a good work will complete it unto Jesus Christ's day:

Context

Flowing from their past and present partnership (verse 5), Paul grounds his confidence in God’s future work. This sets the theological foundation for the exhortations that will come later in the chapter and letter. Verse 7 will explain why such confidence is appropriate, appealing to the Philippians’ participation in grace during Paul’s imprisonment and defense of the gospel. Verse 8 will underline Paul’s deep, Christ-shaped affection for them.

v.5for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now;

v.6This passage

v.7even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 16:14

    And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one that worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened to give heed unto the things which were spoken by Paul.

  • James 1:16

    Be not deceived, my beloved brethren.

  • 1 Peter 5:10

    And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.

  • Philippians 1:10

    so that ye may approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and void of offence unto the day of Christ;

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:11

    To which end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfil every desire of goodness and every work of faith, with power;

  • Acts 11:18

    And when they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then to the Gentiles also hath God granted repentance unto life.

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