Devine Scripture

Philippians 3:1

What does Philippians 3:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 3:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 3:1 means

Paul calls the believers to keep their joy anchored “in the Lord.” Christian rejoicing is not naive optimism but confidence in God’s character and work. He admits he has told them similar things before, yet repeats himself gladly because repetition is safe. Sound reminders build spiritual stability, especially when dangers threaten. Joy itself functions as a safeguard, lifting hearts above circumstances and keeping them from being lured into self-reliance or fear. A pastor who loves his flock does not tire of rehearsing the basics—truths about Christ, grace, and steadfast hope—because such rehearsals strengthen faith and guard the soul from error and despair.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not irksome, but for you it is safe.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not irksome, but for you it is safe.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For the rest, my brothers, be glad in the Lord. Writing the same things to you is no trouble to me, and for you it is safe.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

As to the rest, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord; the same things to write to you to me indeed is not tiresome, and for you <FI>is<Fi> sure;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

As to the rest, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not wearisome, but to you is necessary.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For the rest, my brethren, rejoice in [the] Lord: to write the same things to you, to me [is] not irksome, and for you safe.

Context

After a warm and joyful opening to the letter, Paul transitions toward warning and exhortation. Verse 1 bridges encouragement and caution: it commands joy and explains why Paul revisits familiar themes. This sets the tone for the sharp warning in verse 2 against destructive teachers. The frame matters: joy in the Lord is not a distraction from discernment; it is the right posture to hear hard truths. The repetition prepares the Philippians to receive correction without losing heart, leading directly to Paul’s urgent call to beware.

v.1This passage

v.2Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the concision:

Cross references

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

  • 1 Chronicles 15:28

    Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of Jehovah with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, sounding aloud with psalteries and harps.

  • Romans 5:11

    and not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

  • 1 Samuel 2:1

    And Hannah prayed, and said: My heart exulteth in Jehovah; My horn is exalted in Jehovah; My mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; Because I rejoice in thy salvation.

  • 2 Peter 3:1

    This is now, beloved, the second epistle that I write unto you; and in both of them I stir up your sincere mind by putting you in remembrance;

  • James 1:2

    Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations;

  • 2 Chronicles 30:26

    So there was great joy in Jerusalem; for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem.

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