Devine Scripture

Philippians 2:29

What does Philippians 2:29 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 2:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 2:29 means

Paul instructs the Philippians to welcome Epaphroditus in the Lord with full joy and to hold people like him in honor. Christian communities should celebrate and esteem those who serve sacrificially, not merely the prominent. Receiving “in the Lord” means recognizing Christ’s work in a brother and embracing him as a gift to the church. Honor guards against ingratitude and discouragement among faithful servants. Joyful reception and public appreciation foster unity and set a culture where humble, costly service is valued—just the kind of culture Philippians 2 calls the church to cultivate under the example of Jesus Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So take him to your hearts in the Lord with all joy, and give honour to such as he is:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

receive him, therefore, in the Lord, with all joy, and hold such in honour,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Receive him therefore with all joy in the Lord: and treat with honour such as he is.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Receive him therefore in [the] Lord with all joy, and hold such in honour;

Context

Having resolved to send Epaphroditus promptly (v. 28), Paul tells the church how to receive him—joyfully and with honor (v. 29). The next verse provides the reason: his near-death risk for the work of Christ (v. 30). This conclusion to the chapter returns to its main theme—Christlike humility and service—by recognizing and commending those who embody it. The flow reinforces practical expressions of unity: joyful welcome, public honor, and gratitude for sacrificial partners in the gospel.

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.

v.29This passage

v.30because for the work of Christ he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 8:8

    And there was much joy in that city.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:12

    But we beseech you, brethren, to know them that labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

  • John 13:20

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:2

    Open your hearts to us: we wronged no man, we corrupted no man, we took advantage of no man.

  • 1 Timothy 5:17

    Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.

  • Acts 2:46

    And day by day, continuing stedfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart,

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