Philippians 1:7
Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
Original Language Analysis
δίκαιον
meet
G1342
δίκαιον
meet
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
3 of 36
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
φρονεῖν
to think
G5426
φρονεῖν
to think
Strong's:
G5426
Word #:
6 of 36
to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d
ὑπὲρ
of
G5228
ὑπὲρ
of
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
7 of 36
"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
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
10 of 36
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχειν
I have
G2192
ἔχειν
I have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
12 of 36
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίᾳ
heart
G2588
καρδίᾳ
heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
16 of 36
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
τε
inasmuch as both
G5037
τε
inasmuch as both
Strong's:
G5037
Word #:
19 of 36
both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεσμοῖς
bonds
G1199
δεσμοῖς
bonds
Strong's:
G1199
Word #:
21 of 36
a band, i.e., ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); figuratively, an impediment or disability
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
26 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
32 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάριτος
grace
G5485
χάριτος
grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
33 of 36
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
Cross References
2 Corinthians 7:3I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.Philippians 1:5For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;2 Timothy 2:9Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.Colossians 4:18The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.Acts 20:23Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.Ephesians 6:20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.Ephesians 3:1For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,Philippians 4:14Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.Hebrews 3:1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;Acts 21:33Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.
Historical Context
Paul's 'bonds' (δεσμοῖς, desmois) refer to Roman imprisonment. His 'defense' may allude to preliminary hearings before Caesar's tribunal. Philippi's partnership included financial support during imprisonment and possibly advocacy or testimony on Paul's behalf. In Roman legal culture, character witnesses from prominent cities (like the colony Philippi) carried weight.
Questions for Reflection
- Who do you 'have in your heart' with the depth of affection Paul shows the Philippians?
- How are you a 'fellow-partaker' in gospel defense and confirmation in your cultural context?
- What does it mean to share in someone's apostolic 'grace'—their calling and consequent suffering?
Analysis & Commentary
Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart (καθώς ἐστιν δίκαιον ἐμοὶ τοῦτο φρονεῖν, kathōs estin dikaion emoi touto phronein)—Dikaion ("right, just, proper") indicates Paul's confidence is morally fitting, grounded in evidence. I have you in my heart (διὰ τὸ ἔχειν με ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ ὑμᾶς, dia to echein me en tē kardia hymas) could be translated "you have me in your heart"—Greek word order allows both. Mutual affection characterizes this relationship.
Inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace (ἐν τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου καὶ ἐν τῇ ἀπολογίᾳ καὶ βεβαιώσει τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, en tois desmois mou kai en tē apologia kai bebaiōsei tou euangeliou)—Apologia ("defense") and bebaiōsis ("confirmation, establishment") suggest legal and theological vindication. Synkoinōnoi ("fellow-partakers") indicates shared participation in Paul's gospel-commission and attendant suffering. My grace (τῆς χάριτός μου, tēs charitos mou) is apostolic grace—the privileged suffering appointed to Paul's ministry.