Philippians 2:17
What does Philippians 2:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Philippians 2:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philippians 2:17 means
Paul pictures himself as a drink offering poured out on the sacrifice and service of the Philippians’ faith. Even if his life is expended to complement their offering to God, he rejoices. This imagery conveys both the costliness and the worshipful nature of their partnership in the gospel. Paul’s potential death is not a defeat but a final act of service alongside their ongoing faith and ministry. He invites them to see suffering in light of worship and shared mission. Joy emerges not from ease but from knowing our lives, even when poured out, are offered to God for His purposes and the good of His people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Yea, and if I am offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Yea, and if I am offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And even if I am offered like a drink offering, giving myself for the cause and work of your faith, I am glad and have joy with you all:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but if also I am poured forth upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and joy with you all,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Yea, and if I be made a victim upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and congratulate with you all.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But if also I am poured out as a libation on the sacrifice and ministration of your faith, I rejoice, and rejoice in common with you all.
Context
After focusing on the Philippians’ witness and perseverance (vv. 15–16), Paul reflects on his own situation (v. 17). Facing possible execution, he frames it as a sacrificial libation and rejoices. Verse 18 will call them to share this joy. Then, in verses 19–30, Paul will discuss sending Timothy and Epaphroditus—living models of the same selfless, Christlike service. The flow demonstrates that the theology of the Christ-hymn (vv. 5–11) is not abstract; it shapes how Paul views life, ministry, suffering, and joy.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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.
- Philippians 1:20
according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing shall I be put to shame, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death.
- Philippians 2:30
because for the work of Christ he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:7
for this cause, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction through your faith:
- 2 Corinthians 12:15
And I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?
- Philippians 4:18
But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.
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