Philippians 2:18
What does Philippians 2:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Philippians 2:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philippians 2:18 means
Paul urges the Philippians to rejoice with him in the face of his possible martyrdom. Joy here is an act of faith, rooted in the shared offering of their lives to God. It does not deny grief or danger, but it refuses to let fear define the moment. By joining Paul in gladness, the church testifies that the gospel is worth any cost and that death cannot sever fellowship in Christ. This mutual rejoicing strengthens hearts, lightens burdens, and keeps the community aligned with the values of the kingdom, where service and sacrifice are honored by God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and in the same manner do ye also joy, and rejoice with me.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and in the same manner do ye also joy, and rejoice with me.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And in the same way do you be glad and have a part in my joy.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because of this do ye also rejoice and joy with me.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And for the selfsame thing, do you also rejoice and congratulate with me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890In like manner do ye also rejoice, and rejoice with me.
Context
Following his own joyful perspective on being poured out (v. 17), Paul invites the Philippians into the same joy (v. 18). With that, the personal exhortations (vv. 12–18) conclude, and Paul turns to travel plans (vv. 19–30). These plans are more than logistics; Timothy and Epaphroditus exemplify the mindset described earlier—genuine concern for others, proven service, and sacrificial risk. The flow ties doctrine, exhortation, and example together to encourage the Philippians’ perseverance and unity.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 3:1
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not irksome, but for you it is safe.
- James 1:2
Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations;
- Ephesians 3:13
Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory.
- Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.
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