Devine Scripture

Philippians 4:2

What does Philippians 4:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 4:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 4:2 means

Paul appeals directly to Euodia and Syntyche to agree “in the Lord.” He does not detail their disagreement or take sides; instead, he places the issue inside the shared lordship of Jesus. Their unity is not a call to uniformity of preference but to a common mind shaped by Christ’s will. By naming them, he treats the conflict seriously and personally, yet tenderly. Disunity among respected workers wounds the church’s health and joy. The path forward is spiritual: remember whose they are, submit to him, and pursue reconciliation. Paul’s pastoral heart seeks restoration, not embarrassment. He trusts that the gospel they served will also mend them.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to be of the same mind in the Lord.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to be of the same mind in the Lord.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I make request to Euodias and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Euodia I exhort, and Syntyche I exhort, to be of the same mind in the Lord;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I beg of Evodia and I beseech Syntyche to be of one mind in the Lord.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I exhort Euodia, and exhort Syntyche, to be of the same mind in [the] Lord;

Context

After urging the whole church to stand fast, Paul turns to a known fracture point, showing that steadfastness includes relational harmony. This practical case embodies what he has already taught about humility and like-mindedness. Verse 3 will widen the circle, asking a trusted coworker and others to help these women. Then, having addressed the relational breach, Paul moves to the theme of communal joy, gentleness, and prayer, which will guard the church’s heart. The sequence demonstrates that unity is both a personal responsibility and a community project under the Lord’s rule.

v.1Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.

v.2This passage

v.3Yea, I beseech thee also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:13

    and to esteem them exceeding highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

  • 1 Peter 3:8

    Finally, be ye all likeminded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded:

  • Psalms 133:1

    Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!

  • Mark 9:50

    Salt is good: but if the salt have lost its saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace one with another.

  • Ephesians 4:1

    I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called,

  • James 3:17

    But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy.

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