Philippians 1:20
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.
Original Language Analysis
κατὰ
According
G2596
κατὰ
According
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
1 of 30
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
7 of 30
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οὐδενὶ
nothing
G3762
οὐδενὶ
nothing
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
9 of 30
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
11 of 30
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
παῤῥησίᾳ
boldness
G3954
παῤῥησίᾳ
boldness
Strong's:
G3954
Word #:
14 of 30
all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
15 of 30
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νῦν
so now
G3568
νῦν
so now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
18 of 30
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
μεγαλυνθήσεται
shall be magnified
G3170
μεγαλυνθήσεται
shall be magnified
Strong's:
G3170
Word #:
19 of 30
to make (or declare) great, i.e., increase or (figuratively) extol
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σώματί
body
G4983
σώματί
body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
23 of 30
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
26 of 30
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Cross References
1 Peter 4:16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.1 Corinthians 6:20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.Isaiah 54:4Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.1 Thessalonians 5:23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.1 John 2:28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.Romans 8:19For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.Philippians 2:17Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.Isaiah 50:7For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.Psalms 119:116Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.1 Corinthians 7:34There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
Historical Context
Roman executions of Christians often occurred publicly to deter others. Paul faced the prospect of martyrdom before Nero. Yet he viewed both acquittal (life) and execution (death) as equally viable platforms for magnifying Christ. This eschatological perspective—living toward Christ's glory, not self-preservation—distinguished Christian martyrs and astonished pagan observers.
Questions for Reflection
- What would 'eager expectation' (apokaradokia) look like in your spiritual life—focused, undistracted hope?
- Can you honestly say both life and death would equally magnify Christ in your circumstances?
- What causes you shame before others, and how does Christ's magnification overcome it?
Analysis & Commentary
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 (κατὰ τὴν ἀποκαραδοκίαν καὶ ἐλπίδα μου ὅτι ἐν οὐδενὶ αἰσχυνθήσομαι, kata tēn apokaradokian kai elpida mou hoti en oudeni aischynthēsomai)—Apokaradokia ("eager expectation") combines apo ("away from"), kara ("head"), and dokeo ("watch")—watching with head turned away from distractions, focused anticipation.
Paul's hope: in nothing I shall be ashamed (ἐν οὐδενὶ αἰσχυνθήσομαι, en oudeni aischynthēsomai)—not losing nerve under pressure. Instead, with all boldness (ἐν πάσῃ παρρησίᾳ, en pasē parrēsia), Christ shall be magnified in my body (μεγαλυνθήσεται Χριστὸς ἐν τῷ σώματί μου, megalynthēsetai Christos en tō sōmati mou). Megalynthēsetai ("shall be magnified, made great") means Christ displayed as supremely valuable. Whether by life or death (εἴτε διὰ ζωῆς εἴτε διὰ θανάτου, eite dia zōēs eite dia thanatou)—both outcomes glorify Christ if received faithfully.