Devine Scripture

Philippians 4:17

What does Philippians 4:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 4:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 4:17 means

Paul states he is not seeking the gift itself. What he desires is the fruit that increases to the Philippians’ account. He uses the language of profit to depict spiritual reward: their generosity yields a harvest recognized by God. Giving becomes participation in mission and investment in eternity. This reframing protects against manipulation and flatters neither poverty nor wealth; it dignifies the giver’s faith and love. Paul’s pastoral aim is their growth and blessing, not his enrichment. He wants them to see their support as worship and as seed that God credits, ensuring that their resources are tied to what truly lasts.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Not that I am looking for an offering, but for fruit which may be put to your credit.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

not that I seek after the gift, but I seek after the fruit that is overflowing to your account;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Not that I seek the gift: but I seek the fruit that may abound to your account.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Not that I seek gift, but I seek fruit abounding to your account.

Context

After recounting their steady support, Paul zeroes in on motive. He reassures them that he is not using gratitude to secure more funds. This prepares for verse 18, where he will confirm that he is fully supplied and elevate their gift with sacrificial imagery. Then, in verse 19, he will pronounce a promise: the God who received their offering will also meet their needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

v.16for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my need.

v.17This passage

v.18But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Timothy 3:3

    no brawler, no striker; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money;

  • Micah 7:1

    Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grape gleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat; my soul desireth the first-ripe fig.

  • Acts 20:33

    I coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.

  • Hebrews 6:10

    for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward his name, in that ye ministered unto the saints, and still do minister.

  • Proverbs 19:17

    He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto Jehovah, And his good deed will he pay him again.

  • 1 Peter 5:2

    Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

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