Philippians 1:18
What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
Original Language Analysis
τί
What
G5101
τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 18
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
γάρ
then
G1063
γάρ
then
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πλὴν
notwithstanding
G4133
πλὴν
notwithstanding
Strong's:
G4133
Word #:
3 of 18
moreover (besides), i.e., albeit, save that, rather, yet
τρόπῳ
way
G5158
τρόπῳ
way
Strong's:
G5158
Word #:
5 of 18
a turn, i.e., (by implication) mode or style (especially with preposition or relative prefix as adverb, like); figuratively, deportment or character
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
χαρήσομαι
I
G5463
χαρήσομαι
I
Strong's:
G5463
Word #:
15 of 18
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
ἀλλὰ
yea
G235
ἀλλὰ
yea
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Cross References
Luke 9:50And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.1 Corinthians 15:11Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.1 Corinthians 14:15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
Historical Context
Paul's response was countercultural in honor-shame societies where personal reputation and vindication were paramount. His Christ-centeredness relativized personal affronts. This verse also distinguishes content (Christology) from motive (psychology)—both matter, but content is primary. Paul would vigorously oppose false gospels (Gal 1:8-9) but tolerate impure motives if the gospel was true.
Questions for Reflection
- Can you rejoice when God is glorified through people you dislike or who oppose you?
- How do you balance Paul's magnanimity here with his anathema on false gospels (Gal 1:8)?
- What would it take for you to say 'I rejoice and will rejoice' about rivals in ministry?
Analysis & Commentary
What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice (Τί γάρ; πλὴν ὅτι παντὶ τρόπῳ, εἴτε προφάσει εἴτε ἀληθείᾳ, Χριστὸς καταγγέλλεται, καὶ ἐν τούτῳ χαίρω, Ti gar? plēn hoti panti tropō, eite prophasei eite alētheia, Christos katangelletai, kai en toutō chairō)—Ti gar? ("What then? What of it?") dismisses concern over motives. Plēn ("nevertheless, only this matters") focuses on the essential: Christ is preached (Χριστὸς καταγγέλλεται, Christos katangelletai, present passive).
Prophasei ("in pretense, as a pretext") versus alētheia ("in truth, sincerely") contrasts false and genuine motives. Paul's double affirmation—I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice (χαίρω, ἀλλὰ καὶ χαρήσομαι, chairō, alla kai charēsomai, present and future tenses)—shows settled, continuing joy. This remarkable magnanimity prioritizes gospel content and Christ's fame over personal honor. Where Christ is biblically proclaimed, Paul rejoices, whatever the preacher's motives.