Philippians 1:23
For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Original Language Analysis
συνέχομαι
I am in a strait
G4912
συνέχομαι
I am in a strait
Strong's:
G4912
Word #:
1 of 18
to hold together, i.e., to compress (the ears, with a crowd or siege) or arrest (a prisoner); figuratively, to compel, perplex, afflict, preoccupy
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)
ἐκ
betwixt
G1537
ἐκ
betwixt
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχων
having
G2192
ἔχων
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
8 of 18
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀναλῦσαι
depart
G360
ἀναλῦσαι
depart
Strong's:
G360
Word #:
11 of 18
to break up, i.e., depart (literally or figuratively)
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
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
13 of 18
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
πολλῷ
which is far
G4183
πολλῷ
which is far
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
16 of 18
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
μᾶλλον
G3123
Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:8We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.Psalms 17:15As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.Revelation 14:13And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.Acts 7:59And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.Luke 23:43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.John 17:24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.2 Timothy 4:6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.Psalms 49:15But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.John 12:26If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.John 14:3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Historical Context
Paul's confidence in conscious intermediate state between death and resurrection refutes soul-sleep or annihilationism. First-century Jews debated the soul's state between death and resurrection; Paul affirms immediate Christ-presence for believers (cf. 2 Cor 5:8, "absent from the body, present with the Lord"). This undergirded Christian martyrdom—death wasn't oblivion but promotion to Christ's presence.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you genuinely desire 'to depart and be with Christ' as better than earthly life?
- How does belief in conscious intermediate state (not soul-sleep) affect your view of death?
- What 'presses' you from both sides—competing desires for heaven and earthly ministry?
Analysis & Commentary
For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better (συνέχομαι δὲ ἐκ τῶν δύο, τὴν ἐπιθυμίαν ἔχων εἰς τὸ ἀναλῦσαι καὶ σὺν Χριστῷ εἶναι, synechomai de ek tōn dyo, tēn epithymian echōn eis to analysai kai syn Christō einai)—Synechomai ("I am pressed, constrained") pictures being squeezed from both sides. Ek tōn dyo ("from the two") are the competing desires: fruitful ministry (v. 22) versus Christ-presence (v. 23).
Desire to depart (ἐπιθυμίαν ἔχων εἰς τὸ ἀναλῦσαι, epithymian echōn eis to analysai)—analysai ("to loose, depart") is nautical (weighing anchor) or military (striking camp). Death is departure, not annihilation. To be with Christ (σὺν Χριστῷ εἶναι, syn Christō einai) is death's essence—conscious, personal communion. Which is far better (πολλῷ [γὰρ] μᾶλλον κρεῖσσον, pollō [gar] mallon kreisson)—double comparative emphasizes degree: "very much more better!"