Philippians 2:1
What does Philippians 2:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Philippians 2:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philippians 2:1 means
Paul appeals to the Philippians on the basis of all the encouragement and comfort they have received in Christ. If they have tasted Christ’s strengthening exhortation, the consoling love they share, the fellowship created by the Holy Spirit, and the tender compassion that flows among believers, then these shared gifts should shape their conduct. He is not doubting these realities; he is stacking them up as powerful motives. The verse invites believers to remember what God has already poured into them together. Unity and humility do not arise from sheer effort, but from the deep experience of Christ’s grace and the Spirit’s bond, which create a family marked by mercy and affection.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions,
KJV
King James Version · 1611If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If then there is any comfort in Christ, any help given by love, any uniting of hearts in the Spirit, any loving mercies and pity,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862If, then, any exhortation <FI>is<Fi> in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of charity, if any society of the spirit, if any bowels of commiseration:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890If then [there be] any comfort in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of [the] Spirit, if any bowels and compassions,
Context
This opening conditional appeal prepares the ground for Paul’s call to unity in verses 2–4. He starts by reminding them of what they already possess in Christ and through the Spirit. Having named their common blessings, he will ask them to complete his joy by living in one-minded love. The flow moves from shared realities (v. 1), to a direct plea for like-mindedness (v. 2), to the practical way this is expressed—humility and caring for others (vv. 3–4). Then he will show the supreme pattern in Christ (vv. 5–11).
v.1This passage
v.2make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 1:5
For as the sufferings of Christ abound unto us, even so our comfort also aboundeth through Christ.
- 1 John 4:16
And we know and have believed the love which God hath in us. God is love; and he that abideth in love abideth in God, and God abideth in him.
- Romans 15:12
And again, Isaiah saith, There shall be the root of Jesse, And he that ariseth to rule over the Gentiles; On him shall the Gentiles hope.
- John 17:13
But now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves.
- John 15:10
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
- Romans 8:26
And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered;
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