Philippians 1:19
For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
Original Language Analysis
οἶδα
I know
G1492
οἶδα
I know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 18
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἀποβήσεται
shall turn
G576
ἀποβήσεται
shall turn
Strong's:
G576
Word #:
6 of 18
literally, to disembark; figuratively, to eventuate
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
διὰ
through
G1223
διὰ
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
9 of 18
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
G4151
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
16 of 18
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
Cross References
Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.Acts 16:7After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.2 Corinthians 1:11Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.Galatians 4:6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.Romans 8:9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Historical Context
Paul frequently requested prayer (Rom 15:30-32; 2 Cor 1:11; Eph 6:19; Col 4:3), valuing partnership in ministry. The Job 13:16 allusion is significant—Job's vindication through suffering parallels Paul's confidence. The 'Spirit of Jesus Christ' (rare title) emphasizes the Spirit's christological focus and Christ's sovereign distribution of the Spirit (cf. Acts 16:7, 'Spirit of Jesus').
Questions for Reflection
- How seriously do you take others' requests for prayer, knowing it's instrumental in their 'salvation'?
- What does the 'supply of the Spirit' look like practically in sustaining ministry through hardship?
- How does confidence in providential outcomes (v. 19) relate to the Spirit's work and intercessory prayer?
Analysis & Commentary
For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (Οἶδα γὰρ ὅτι τοῦτό μοι ἀποβήσεται εἰς σωτηρίαν διὰ τῆς ὑμῶν δεήσεως καὶ ἐπιχορηγίας τοῦ πνεύματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, Oida gar hoti touto moi apobēsetai eis sōtērian dia tēs hymōn deēseōs kai epichorēgias tou pneumatos Iēsou Christou)—Oida ("I know," perfect tense) indicates settled confidence. Touto ("this") refers to his circumstances, especially imprisonment and contested preaching.
Salvation (σωτηρία, sōtēria) likely means vindication/deliverance (possibly from trial) rather than eternal salvation, echoing Job 13:16 LXX. Two means secure this: your prayer (τῆς ὑμῶν δεήσεως, tēs hymōn deēseōs) and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (ἐπιχορηγίας τοῦ πνεύματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, epichorēgias tou pneumatos Iēsou Christou). Epichorēgia ("supply, support") originally meant funding a dramatic chorus; here it's lavish divine provision through the Spirit.