Philippians 1:8
What does Philippians 1:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Philippians 1:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philippians 1:8 means
Paul calls God as witness to the sincerity and depth of his longing for the Philippians. His affection is shaped by the compassion of Christ Jesus, not by mere human sentimentality. The apostle’s love is Christlike—tender, steadfast, and holy. It is possible to love a church with Christ’s own heart, even from a prison cell. By appealing to God’s knowledge, Paul underscores that his feelings are honest and intense. This prepares the ground for his prayer that their love would likewise mature. Genuine pastoral care seeks not just closeness but Christ’s likeness in the beloved, aiming for their growth in truth and purity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For God is my witness, how my love goes out to you all in the loving mercies of Christ Jesus.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862For God is my witness, how I long for you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For God is my witness how I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890ForGod is my witness how I long after you all in [the] bowels of Christ Jesus.
Context
After describing shared grace and partnership, Paul adds a solemn affirmation of his deep affection. This builds relational trust and shows the Christ-centered source of his emotions. The next verses (9–11) naturally present the prayer that flows from this love: that their love would abound in wise discernment, leading to a life that honors Christ until His day. Thus, personal affection moves seamlessly into spiritual intercession and practical holiness.
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.
v.8This passage
v.9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philemon 1:20
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my heart in Christ.
- Philippians 4:1
Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.
- Romans 1:9
For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you, always in my prayers
- Romans 9:1
I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience bearing witness with me in the Holy Spirit,
- 2 Corinthians 6:12
Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own affections.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:8
even so, being affectionately desirous of you, we were well pleased to impart unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were become very dear to us.
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