Philippians 1:8
For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
Original Language Analysis
μάρτυς
record
G3144
μάρτυς
record
Strong's:
G3144
Word #:
1 of 14
a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεός
God
G2316
θεός
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 14
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὡς
how
G5613
ὡς
how
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
7 of 14
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐπιποθῶ
greatly I long after
G1971
ἐπιποθῶ
greatly I long after
Strong's:
G1971
Word #:
8 of 14
to dote upon, i.e., intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully)
σπλάγχνοις
the bowels
G4698
σπλάγχνοις
the bowels
Strong's:
G4698
Word #:
12 of 14
an intestine (plural); figuratively, pity or sympathy
Cross References
Philippians 4:1Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.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;2 Timothy 1:4Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;1 Thessalonians 2:8So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.Romans 9:1I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,Philemon 1:12Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
Historical Context
Ancient Mediterranean culture located emotions in bodily organs (heart, kidneys, bowels) rather than abstractly. Splanchna appears frequently in Philippians (1:8, 2:1) and Paul's letters as the seat of compassionate love. Invoking God as witness to emotions was serious—false oaths invited divine judgment. Paul's oath underscores the authenticity and intensity of his pastoral love.
Questions for Reflection
- What would it mean for you to love others 'in the bowels of Jesus Christ' rather than your own capacity?
- How can we cultivate affections shaped by union with Christ, not just correct doctrine about Him?
- Who could honestly say of you what Paul says here—that you long after them with Christlike compassion?
Analysis & Commentary
For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ (μάρτυς γάρ μου ὁ θεὸς ὡς ἐπιποθῶ πάντας ὑμᾶς, martys gar mou ho theos hōs epipothō pantas hymas)—Paul invokes God as witness (martys) to his internal affection, following ancient oath patterns. Epipothō ("I long for, yearn for") expresses intense desire, the same verb used of deer panting for water (Ps 42:1 LXX).
In the bowels of Jesus Christ (ἐν σπλάγχνοις Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ, en splanchnois Christou Iēsou)—Splanchna (literally "intestines, inward parts") metaphorically signifies deep compassion and affection. Paul's longing is not mere human sentiment but Christ-shaped love; he loves the Philippians with Christ's own affections. This phrase reveals union with Christ produces Christlike emotions toward others—transformed affections, not just doctrine.