Philippians 1:26

Authorized King James Version

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That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

Original Language Analysis

ἵνα That G2443
ἵνα That
Strong's: G2443
Word #: 1 of 17
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 2 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καύχημα rejoicing G2745
καύχημα rejoicing
Strong's: G2745
Word #: 3 of 17
a boast (properly, the object; by implication, the act) in a good or a bad sense
ὑμῶν your G5216
ὑμῶν your
Strong's: G5216
Word #: 4 of 17
of (from or concerning) you
περισσεύῃ may be more abundant G4052
περισσεύῃ may be more abundant
Strong's: G4052
Word #: 5 of 17
to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel
ἐν for G1722
ἐν for
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 6 of 17
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
Χριστῷ Christ G5547
Χριστῷ Christ
Strong's: G5547
Word #: 7 of 17
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
Ἰησοῦ Jesus G2424
Ἰησοῦ Jesus
Strong's: G2424
Word #: 8 of 17
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἐν for G1722
ἐν for
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 9 of 17
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
ἐμοὶ me G1698
ἐμοὶ me
Strong's: G1698
Word #: 10 of 17
to me
διὰ by G1223
διὰ by
Strong's: G1223
Word #: 11 of 17
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς G3588
τῆς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐμῆς my G1699
ἐμῆς my
Strong's: G1699
Word #: 13 of 17
my
παρουσίας coming G3952
παρουσίας coming
Strong's: G3952
Word #: 14 of 17
a being near, i.e., advent (often, return; specially, of christ to punish jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect
πάλιν again G3825
πάλιν again
Strong's: G3825
Word #: 15 of 17
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
πρὸς to G4314
πρὸς to
Strong's: G4314
Word #: 16 of 17
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ὑμᾶς you G5209
ὑμᾶς you
Strong's: G5209
Word #: 17 of 17
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Analysis & Commentary

That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again (ἵνα τὸ καύχημα ὑμῶν περισσεύῃ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ ἐν ἐμοὶ διὰ τῆς ἐμῆς παρουσίας πάλιν πρὸς ὑμᾶς, hina to kauchēma hymōn perisseuē en Christō Iēsou en emoi dia tēs emēs parousias palin pros hymas)—Kauchēma ("boasting, rejoicing, ground of confidence") can be positive (boasting in the Lord) or negative (fleshly boasting). Here it's positive: the Philippians' joy in Christ will overflow (perisseuē) at Paul's return.

The phrase in Jesus Christ (ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, en Christō Iēsou) qualifies the rejoicing—Christ-centered, not man-centered. For me (ἐν ἐμοί, en emoi) means "on my account" or "because of me." Paul's release and return would demonstrate God's faithfulness and answer to prayer (1:19), prompting Christ-focused celebration. Parousia ("presence, coming") here refers to Paul's arrival, but the word's eschatological overtones (used of Christ's return) remind readers that all earthly reunions are foretastes of the ultimate reunion.

Historical Context

Ancient letters often expressed hope for reunion. Paul's expected visit would reverse the sorrow of his imprisonment and absence. The Philippians' financial support and prayer for his release (1:19) created anticipation for his return. Reunions after dangerous travels or imprisonments were occasions for celebration and thanksgiving in ancient Mediterranean culture.

Questions for Reflection