Philippians 1:3
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
Original Language Analysis
Εὐχαριστῶ
I thank
G2168
Εὐχαριστῶ
I thank
Strong's:
G2168
Word #:
1 of 9
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
3 of 9
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐπὶ
upon
G1909
ἐπὶ
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:4I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;2 Timothy 1:3I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;1 Thessalonians 3:9For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;2 Thessalonians 1:3We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
Historical Context
Ancient letters typically opened with thanksgiving to the gods or health wishes. Paul Christianizes this convention, directing thanks to the one true God for spiritual realities rather than material prosperity. The Philippian church, begun with Lydia's conversion and the jailer's household (Acts 16), remained Paul's most stable, generous congregation through decades of ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- Who in your life prompts thanksgiving to God whenever you remember them, and why?
- How can you cultivate the habit of gratitude even in imprisonment or hardship like Paul?
- What does it reveal about a church when an apostle can thank God for them without qualification?
Analysis & Commentary
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you (Εὐχαριστῶ τῷ θεῷ μου, Eucharistō tō theō mou)—The verb eucharistō ("I give thanks") begins Paul's thanksgiving section, a standard epistolary feature elevated to profound gratitude. My God expresses intimate personal relationship, not private possession. The phrase upon every remembrance (ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ μνείᾳ, epi pasē tē mneia) could mean "every time I remember you" or "in all my remembrance of you."
Philippians is Paul's most affectionate letter, written to his first European congregation and most faithful financial supporters (4:15-16). Unlike Galatians (no thanksgiving) or Corinthians (qualified thanks), this opening radiates warm pastoral love. Thanksgiving pervades Philippians—eucharistō family words appear throughout despite Paul's imprisonment.