Philippians 2:16
What does Philippians 2:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Philippians 2:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philippians 2:16 means
Believers are to hold fast and hold forth the word of life—the gospel that gives life—so their radiant living is anchored in truth. This steadfast witness assures Paul that his ministry among them will not prove empty. He looks ahead to the day of Christ, desiring to boast in their perseverance as evidence that his running and labor were fruitful. The verse ties the church’s mission and maturity directly to Scripture and the gospel. A shining life without a clear word lacks direction; a preached word without a distinctive life lacks credibility. Paul seeks both: a community gripped by the gospel and displaying its power until Christ returns.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Offering the word of life; so that I may have glory in you in the day of Christ, because my running was not for nothing and my work was not without effect.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862the word of life holding forth, for rejoicing to me in regard to a day of Christ, that not in vain did I run, nor in vain did I labour;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Holding forth the word of life to my glory in the day of Christ: because I have not run in vain, nor laboured in vain.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890holding forth [the] word of life, so as to be a boast for me in Christ's day, that I have not run in vain nor laboured in vain.
Context
After urging a blameless, shining witness (v. 15), Paul specifies the means and the outcome (v. 16): clinging to and proclaiming the word of life, thereby validating his ministry in the final reckoning. Verses 17–18 will pivot to Paul’s own possible martyrdom, yet with joy, calling the Philippians to share that joy. Then he will outline plans to send Timothy and Epaphroditus (vv. 19–30), providing concrete examples of the Christlike mindset he has been advocating since verse 5.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 John 1:1
That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we beheld, and our hands handled, concerning the Word of life
- 1 Thessalonians 3:5
For this cause I also, when I could no longer forbear, sent that I might know your faith, lest by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor should be in vain.
- John 6:63
It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life.
- Luke 12:8
And I say unto you, Every one who shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
- Isaiah 49:4
But I said, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nought and vanity; yet surely the justice due to me is with Jehovah, and my recompense with my God.
- Psalms 40:9
I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great assembly; Lo, I will not refrain my lips, O Jehovah, thou knowest.
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