Devine Scripture

Philippians 4:16

What does Philippians 4:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 4:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 4:16 means

Even when Paul was in Thessalonica, the Philippians sent help repeatedly to meet his needs. This underlines their eagerness and perseverance in supporting gospel work. Thessalonica was a nearby city where Paul’s ministry was active and contested; their ongoing assistance enabled him to preach without being a financial burden. The repetition shows planned generosity, not a one-time impulse. It also highlights their trust in Paul’s stewardship. By recalling specific instances, Paul makes his gratitude tangible and reminds them that God used their steady care to sustain him through demanding seasons of ministry.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my need.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my need.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to me in my need.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

because also in Thessalonica, both once and again to my need ye sent;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For unto Thessalonica also you sent once and again for my use.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for also in Thessalonica once and even twice ye sent to me for my need.

Context

The example of Thessalonica adds weight to the claim that the Philippians alone partnered consistently in practical ways. Having affirmed their history, Paul will now clarify that his joy is not rooted in receiving money but in the spiritual fruit that accrues to their account (verse 17). He will then declare himself amply supplied and describe their gift as a fragrant sacrifice to God, delivered by Epaphroditus (verse 18).

v.15And ye yourselves also know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but ye only;

v.16This passage

v.17Not that I seek for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that increaseth to your account.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:9

    For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:18

    because we would fain have come unto you, I Paul once and again; and Satan hindered us.

  • Acts 17:1

    Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:

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