Philippians 1:4
Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
Original Language Analysis
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
6 of 13
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 1:2We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;2 John 1:4I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.Romans 1:9For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
Historical Context
Paul wrote from imprisonment (probably Rome, AD 60-62), facing possible execution (1:20-23, 2:17). Yet joy pervades this prison epistle. Roman detention allowed visits and correspondence (Acts 28:30-31), explaining how Epaphroditus delivered the Philippians' gift and Paul could send this letter. Ancient imprisonment was harsh—prisoners depended on outside support for food.
Questions for Reflection
- What would it take for you to pray 'with joy' in circumstances like Paul's imprisonment?
- Do your prayers for others include specific requests (deēsis) or remain vague generalities?
- How can the joy-theme of Philippians reshape your perspective on current trials?
Analysis & Commentary
Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy (πάντοτε ἐν πάσῃ δεήσει μου, pantote en pasē deēsei mou)—The repetition of pas ("all/every") emphasizes comprehensiveness: always...every prayer...for you all. Making request (δέησις, deēsis, specific petition) distinguishes from general prayer (proseuchē), suggesting Paul had particular needs in mind for this congregation.
With joy (μετὰ χαρᾶς, meta charas)—the first of 16 references to joy/rejoicing in Philippians. Paul prays joyfully despite chains, establishing the letter's dominant theme: joy independent of circumstances, rooted in Christ. The preposition meta ("with") shows joy accompanies, permeates, characterizes his intercession. True prayer should be joyful labor, not grim duty.