Devine Scripture

Philippians 2:28

What does Philippians 2:28 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 2:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 2:28 means

Because Epaphroditus’s illness had caused distress, Paul is all the more eager to send him back, so that the Philippians’ joy may be restored and Paul’s own sorrow eased. Pastoral wisdom seeks to turn worry into worship by reuniting loved ones and confirming God’s mercy. Paul recognizes the emotional burdens within the church and acts to relieve them. Joy shared multiplies; sorrow shared lessens. This verse shows practical love at work—timely communication, thoughtful decisions, and sensitivity to the hearts of fellow believers—all aimed at the building up of the body.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I have sent him, then, the more gladly, so that when you see him again, you may be happy and I may have the less sorrow.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

The more eagerly, therefore, I did send him, that having seen him again ye may rejoice, and I may be the less sorrowful;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Therefore, I sent him the more speedily: that seeing him again, you may rejoice, and I may be without sorrow.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that seeing him ye might again rejoice, and that I might be the less sorrowful.

Context

After recounting Epaphroditus’s near-fatal sickness and God’s mercy (v. 27), Paul explains his urgency to send him so the church may rejoice and he may be less sorrowful (v. 28). He will then instruct them to receive Epaphroditus with joy and to honor such men (v. 29), giving the reason for this honor in verse 30. The movement from danger to mercy to reunion portrays the rhythms of gospel partnership: risk, prayer, relief, and renewed joy that strengthens communal bonds.

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.

v.28This passage

v.29Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy; and hold such in honor:

Cross references

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

  • Acts 20:38

    sorrowing most of all for the word which he had spoken, that they should behold his face no more. And they brought him on his way unto the ship.

  • Genesis 46:29

    And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen; and he presented himself unto him, and fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.

  • 2 Timothy 1:4

    longing to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

  • 1 John 1:3

    that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you also, that ye also may have fellowship with us: yea, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ:

  • Philippians 2:26

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

  • 2 Corinthians 2:3

    And I wrote this very thing, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

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