Philippians 4:3
What does Philippians 4:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Philippians 4:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philippians 4:3 means
Paul enlists a “true yokefellow”—a trusted partner—to help Euodia and Syntyche reconcile. These women had labored alongside him in gospel work, together with Clement and other coworkers. He honors their past service and affirms their standing: their names are in the “book of life,” God’s register of his people. This is not a petty squabble between fringe members; it involves valuable servants. Therefore, mediation is worth the effort. The appeal models how the church should deal with conflict: involve wise helpers, remember each person’s dignity in Christ, and aim for restored fellowship. The ultimate identity of believers—as those kept by God—should guide how we treat one another.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Yea, 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Yea, 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And I make request to you, true helper in my work, to see to the needs of those women who took part with me in the good news, with Clement and the rest of my brother-workers whose names are in the book of life.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and I ask also thee, genuine yoke-fellow, be assisting those women who in the good news did strive along with me, with Clement also, and the others, my fellow-workers, whose names <FI>are<Fi> in the book of life.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And I entreat thee also, my sincere companion, help those women who have laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement and the rest of my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890yea, I ask thee also, true yokefellow, assist them, who have contended along with me in the glad tidings, with Clement also, and my other fellow-labourers, whose names [are] in [the] book of life.
Context
Paul’s command to stand firm now drills into peacemaking. Naming a mediator indicates reconciliation often needs outside help. Mentioning the “book of life” anchors the conversation in eschatological hope and shared salvation. With this relational business acknowledged, Paul will pivot to broader exhortations: rejoicing always, public gentleness, freedom from anxiety through thankful prayer, and a guarded mind. These commands provide the spiritual climate where reconciled relationships can thrive. Unity and joy are not separate topics; peace with one another is nourished by peace with God, which Paul unfolds next.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 69:28
Let them be blotted out of the book of life, And not be written with the righteous.
- Philemon 1:8
Wherefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to enjoin thee that which is befitting,
- Philippians 2:20
For I have no man likeminded, who will care truly for your state.
- Exodus 32:32
Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
- Ezekiel 13:9
And my hand shall be against the prophets that see false visions, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the council of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord Jehovah.
- Revelation 21:27
and there shall in no wise enter into it anything unclean, or he that maketh an abomination and a lie: but only they that are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Philippians 4
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Philippians 4.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Abiding in Christ
Key scriptures reveal what it means to abide in Christ, emphasizing our continuous connection and dependence on Him for spiritual life and fruitfulness.
Topic
Bible Verses About Contentment
True contentment is a deeply spiritual state, a gift from God that brings peace and satisfaction regardless of outward circumstances
Topic
Bible Verses About Depression
The Bible acknowledges the reality of depression, offering comfort, hope, and guidance for enduring difficult seasons.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Worried About Money
When the bills outpace the paycheck — verses for a steadier kind of provision.