Devine Scripture

Philippians 2:27

What does Philippians 2:27 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 2:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 2:27 means

Epaphroditus had indeed been gravely ill—near death. God had mercy, healing him and also sparing Paul from crushing grief upon grief. Here we see both the reality of suffering in faithful service and the tender providence of God. Paul does not minimize the danger; he magnifies the mercy. Deliverance leads to gratitude, not presumption. The verse reminds believers that costly service can bring real risk, and that recovery is a gift, not a guarantee. God’s compassion is personal: He saw Paul’s sorrow and Epaphroditus’s peril, and He acted to preserve them for further ministry and mutual joy.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For in fact he was ill almost to death: but God had mercy on him; and not only on him but on me, so that I might not have grief on grief.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for he also ailed nigh to death, but God did deal kindly with him, and not with him only, but also with me, that sorrow upon sorrow I might not have.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For indeed he was sick, nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him. And not only on him, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for he was also sick close to death, butGod had mercy on him, and not indeed on him alone, but also on me, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.

Context

Following Epaphroditus’s longing and distress for the Philippians (v. 26), Paul confirms the seriousness of his illness and God’s merciful intervention (v. 27). This sets up Paul’s resolution to send him back quickly (v. 28) to turn anxiety into rejoicing, and his charge to the church to receive him with honor (vv. 29–30). The flow underscores God’s care in the midst of ministry hardships and the importance of recognizing and supporting those who hazard themselves for Christ’s work.

v.26since he longed after you all, and was sore troubled, because ye had heard that he was sick:

v.27This passage

v.28I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 103:3

    Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases;

  • 2 Corinthians 2:7

    so that contrariwise ye should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his overmuch sorrow.

  • Psalms 34:19

    Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But Jehovah delivereth him out of them all.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:13

    There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.

  • Jeremiah 10:24

    O Jehovah, correct me, but in measure; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.

  • John 11:3

    The sisters therefore sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

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