Philippians 1:7
What does Philippians 1:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Philippians 1:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philippians 1:7 means
Paul says it is right for him to feel this way because the Philippians share his heart and ministry. Whether he is in chains or speaking publicly to defend and confirm the gospel, they stand with him as partners in the same grace. Their solidarity is not merely emotional; it has been proven through support, prayer, and likely suffering. To be “partakers of grace” with Paul means they are caught up in God’s purpose, bearing the cost together. This validates Paul’s confidence that God is at work among them and deepens the bond between apostle and church, forged in trials and gospel labor.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000even 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Even as it is meet for me to think this 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 of my grace.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901even 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So it is right for me to take thought for you all in this way, because I have you in my heart; for in my chains, and in my arguments before the judges in support of the good news, making clear that it is true, you all have your part with me in grace.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862according as it is righteous for me to think this in behalf of you all, because of my having you in the heart, both in my bonds, and <FI>in<Fi> the defence and confirmation of the good news, all of you being fellow-partakers with me of grace.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752As it is meet for me to think this for you all, for that I have you in my heart; and that, in my bands and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of my joy.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890as it is righteous for me to think this as to you all, because ye have me in your hearts, and that both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the glad tidings ye are all participators in my grace.
Context
This verse justifies the certainty of verse 6 and the joy of verses 3–5. Paul is not indulging in flattery; he points to shared experience under grace, in prison and in public ministry. That mutual participation shows they truly belong to Christ’s mission. Verse 8 will intensify the personal note with a solemn appeal to God as witness of Paul’s affection, and verses 9–11 will unveil the content of his prayer for their growth.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 16:23
And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
- Philippians 1:16
the one do it of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel;
- 2 Timothy 2:9
wherein I suffer hardship unto bonds, as a malefactor; but the word of God is not bound.
- 1 Corinthians 13:7
beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
- Hebrews 6:9
But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak:
- Acts 20:23
save that the Holy Spirit testifieth unto me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
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