Devine Scripture

Philippians 2:22

What does Philippians 2:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 2:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 2:22 means

The Philippians know Timothy’s proven character. He has served alongside Paul like a son with a father in advancing the gospel. This filial image speaks of loyalty, teachability, and shared labor. Timothy’s faithfulness is not theoretical; it has been tested and observed. He did not pursue status but shouldered work for the gospel’s sake. Paul appeals to their own knowledge of Timothy, strengthening their trust in him. In a world of self-promotion, proven service over time commends a servant of Christ. Timothy stands as a living demonstration of the mindset called for earlier—humble, faithful, and devoted to the interests of Jesus Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But ye know the proof of him, that, as a child serveth a father, so he served with me in furtherance of the gospel.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But ye know the proof of him, that, as a child serveth a father, so he served with me in furtherance of the gospel.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But his quality is clear to you; how, as a child is to its father, so he was a help to me in the work of the good news.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the proof of him ye know, that as a child <FI>serveth<Fi> a father, with me he did serve in regard to the good news;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now know ye the proof of him: that as a son with the father, so hath he served with me in the gospel.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But ye know the proof of him, that, as a child a father, he has served with me in the work of the glad tidings.

Context

Paul counters the self-seeking of many (v. 21) by reminding the Philippians of Timothy’s tested service (v. 22). This grounds Paul’s intention to send Timothy soon (v. 23) and supports the church’s confidence in receiving him. The sequence—commendation, contrast, proof—underscores that character and long obedience matter in gospel work. It also continues the chapter’s practice of providing concrete examples of Christlike humility to embody the theology of verses 5–11.

v.21For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ.

v.22This passage

v.23Him therefore I hope to send forthwith, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Timothy 1:2

    to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:22

    And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest, by reason of the great confidence which he hath in you.

  • Philippians 2:20

    For I have no man likeminded, who will care truly for your state.

  • 2 Timothy 3:10

    But thou didst follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience,

  • 1 Corinthians 4:17

    For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who shall put you in remembrance of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every church.

  • 1 Timothy 1:18

    This charge I commit unto thee, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which led the way to thee, that by them thou mayest war the good warfare;

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