Philippians 1:12

Authorized King James Version

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But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

Original Language Analysis

Γινώσκειν should understand G1097
Γινώσκειν should understand
Strong's: G1097
Word #: 1 of 15
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
δὲ But G1161
δὲ But
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 15
but, and, etc
ὑμᾶς ye G5209
ὑμᾶς ye
Strong's: G5209
Word #: 3 of 15
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
βούλομαι I would G1014
βούλομαι I would
Strong's: G1014
Word #: 4 of 15
to "will," i.e., (reflexively) be willing
ἀδελφοί brethren G80
ἀδελφοί brethren
Strong's: G80
Word #: 5 of 15
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὅτι that G3754
ὅτι that
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 6 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὰ G3588
τὰ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατ' the things which happened unto G2596
κατ' the things which happened unto
Strong's: G2596
Word #: 8 of 15
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἐμὲ me G1691
ἐμὲ me
Strong's: G1691
Word #: 9 of 15
me
μᾶλλον rather G3123
μᾶλλον rather
Strong's: G3123
Word #: 10 of 15
(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather
εἰς unto G1519
εἰς unto
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 11 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
προκοπὴν the furtherance G4297
προκοπὴν the furtherance
Strong's: G4297
Word #: 12 of 15
progress, i.e., advancement (subjectively or objectively)
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εὐαγγελίου of the gospel G2098
εὐαγγελίου of the gospel
Strong's: G2098
Word #: 14 of 15
a good message, i.e., the gospel
ἐλήλυθεν have fallen out G2064
ἐλήλυθεν have fallen out
Strong's: G2064
Word #: 15 of 15
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Analysis & Commentary

But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel (Γινώσκειν δὲ ὑμᾶς βούλομαι, ἀδελφοί, ὅτι τὰ κατ᾽ ἐμὲ μᾶλλον εἰς προκοπὴν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ἐλήλυθεν, Ginōskein de hymas boulomai, adelphoi, hoti ta kat' eme mallon eis prokopēn tou euangeliou elēlythen)—Boulomai ("I wish, desire") expresses deliberate intention to inform. Ta kat' eme ("the things concerning me") euphemistically refers to his imprisonment.

Furtherance (προκοπή, prokopē, "progress, advancement") was Stoic terminology for moral progress; Paul repurposes it for gospel advance. What seemed a setback—imprisonment—became strategic advantage. Mallon ("rather, instead") indicates surprising reversal: chains advanced rather than hindered the gospel. This introduces 1:12-26, Paul's reflection on how imprisonment served evangelism. Providence orchestrates apparent disasters for redemptive purposes.

Historical Context

Paul's Roman imprisonment (c. AD 60-62) occurred under house arrest (Acts 28:16, 30), allowing visitors and correspondence. Far from ending ministry, it gave access to Caesar's household and Praetorian Guard—strategic mission fields otherwise unreachable. Ancient prisoners depended on friends for provisions, creating opportunities for gospel conversation.

Questions for Reflection