Philippians 1:22
But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαρκί
the flesh
G4561
σαρκί
the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
6 of 15
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
ἔργου
of my labour
G2041
ἔργου
of my labour
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
10 of 15
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
καὶ
yet
G2532
καὶ
yet
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
12 of 15
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Cross References
1 Peter 4:2That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.Galatians 2:20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.Philippians 1:24Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.Acts 3:17And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.Psalms 71:18Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.2 Corinthians 10:3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
Historical Context
Paul wrote facing real possibility of execution under Nero. His uncertainty about preference reveals authentic humanity—he's not detached Stoic, indifferent to life/death, but pastor torn between desire for Christ and fruitfulness among believers. Ancient readers would've found this candor remarkable—most philosophical schools prescribed indifference to death.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you view continued earthly life—as an opportunity for 'fruit of labor' or self-focused pursuits?
- If you could sovereignly choose life or death (like Paul hypothetically), what would guide your decision?
- What does Paul's perplexity teach about holding ministry calling and heaven-longing in tension?
Analysis & Commentary
But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not (εἰ δὲ τὸ ζῆν ἐν σαρκί, τοῦτό μοι καρπὸς ἔργου· καὶ τί αἱρήσομαι οὐ γνωρίζω, ei de to zēn en sarki, touto moi karpos ergou; kai ti hairēsomai ou gnōrizō)—En sarki ("in the flesh") means embodied earthly existence, not sinful flesh. Continued life means fruit of my labour (καρπὸς ἔργου, karpos ergou)—gospel harvest through ministry. Paul values life instrumentally: opportunity for fruitful service.
What I shall choose I wot not (τί αἱρήσομαι οὐ γνωρίζω, ti hairēsomai ou gnōrizō)—hairēsomai (future middle, "I shall choose for myself") imagines preference if Paul had sovereign choice. Ou gnōrizō ("I don't know") admits genuine perplexity. Not indifference—he genuinely can't decide because both options have compelling value. This isn't death-wish but death-readiness balanced with ministry passion.