Philippians 1:20

Authorized King James Version

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

Word-by-Word Analysis

κατὰ

G2596

According

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀποκαραδοκίαν

G603

earnest expectation

intense anticipation

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐλπίδα

G1680

my hope

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

μου

G3450

of me

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

οὐδενὶ

G3762

nothing

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

#10

αἰσχυνθήσομαι

G153

I shall be ashamed

to feel shame (for oneself)

#11

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#12

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#13

πάσῃ

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#14

παῤῥησίᾳ

G3954

boldness

all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance

#15

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#16

πάντοτε

G3842

always

every when, i.e., at all times

#17

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

νῦν

G3568

so now

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

#19

μεγαλυνθήσεται

G3170

shall be magnified

to make (or declare) great, i.e., increase or (figuratively) extol

#20

Χριστὸς

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#21

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#22

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#23

σώματί

G4983

body

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

#24

μου

G3450

of me

#25

εἴτε

G1535

if too

#26

διὰ

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#27

ζωῆς

G2222

life

life (literally or figuratively)

#28

εἴτε

G1535

if too

#29

διὰ

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#30

θανάτου

G2288

death

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Philippians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Philippians's theological argument.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding life in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Philippians chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of life differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Peace