Devine Scripture

Philippians 2:26

What does Philippians 2:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 2:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 2:26 means

Epaphroditus deeply longed for the Philippians and was distressed because they had heard he was ill. His concern was not centered on himself but on their anxiety for him. This reveals a tender, others-focused heart that mirrors the chapter’s emphasis on looking to others’ interests. Even in weakness, he thought of their peace. Such affection knits a church together across distance. It also shows why Paul is eager to send him: reunited with his home church, their mutual concern will turn into shared joy. True Christian love feels the burdens of others and seeks to relieve them, even when personally suffering.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

since he longed after you all, and was sore troubled, because ye had heard that he was sick:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

since he longed after you all, and was sore troubled, because ye had heard that he was sick:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because his heart was with you all, and he was greatly troubled because you had news that he was ill:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

seeing he was longing after you all, and in heaviness, because ye heard that he ailed,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For indeed he longed after you all: and was sad, for that you had heard that he was sick.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

since he had a longing desire after you all, and was distressed because ye had heard that he was sick;

Context

Having introduced Epaphroditus and his roles (v. 25), Paul explains his inner posture and circumstances (v. 26): he longs for the Philippians and is troubled by their worry over his sickness. Verse 27 will reveal the severity of his illness and God’s mercy in sparing his life. Then Paul will describe his purpose in sending him quickly (v. 28), instructing the church to receive and honor him (vv. 29–30). The flow highlights Epaphroditus as a living picture of humble concern, deepening the chapter’s call to Christlike love.

v.25But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need;

v.26This passage

v.27for indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 69:20

    Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: And I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; And for comforters, but I found none.

  • Philippians 1:8

    For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.

  • 2 Samuel 13:39

    And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.

  • 1 Peter 1:6

    Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials,

  • Romans 9:2

    that I have great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart.

  • Ephesians 3:13

    Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory.

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