Philippians 2:12
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Original Language Analysis
Ὥστε
Wherefore
G5620
Ὥστε
Wherefore
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
1 of 29
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
ὑπηκούσατε
obeyed
G5219
ὑπηκούσατε
obeyed
Strong's:
G5219
Word #:
6 of 29
to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
7 of 29
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
8 of 29
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρουσίᾳ
presence
G3952
παρουσίᾳ
presence
Strong's:
G3952
Word #:
11 of 29
a being near, i.e., advent (often, return; specially, of christ to punish jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
14 of 29
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
15 of 29
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
πολλῷ
much
G4183
πολλῷ
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
16 of 29
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
22 of 29
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἑαυτῶν
your own
G1438
ἑαυτῶν
your own
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
27 of 29
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
Cross References
1 Corinthians 15:58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.Hebrews 4:11Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.1 Peter 2:11Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;Matthew 11:29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.Philippians 1:27Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;Isaiah 66:2For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.Hebrews 5:9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;Proverbs 13:4The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.2 Timothy 2:10Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Historical Context
The Philippians had demonstrated consistent obedience since their founding (Acts 16). Paul's imprisonment tested their perseverance without apostolic presence. 'Work out salvation' doesn't contradict justification by faith (Eph 2:8-9) but describes sanctification's necessary progress. Ancient philosophers distinguished learning from a teacher versus internalizing teaching independently. Paul calls for mature, self-motivated holiness.
Questions for Reflection
- What's the difference between 'working for' salvation (impossible) and 'working out' salvation (imperative)?
- How does 'fear and trembling' before God differ from servile terror or casual presumption?
- Is your obedience consistent in others' absence, or dependent on accountability and observation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Ὥστε, ἀγαπητοί μου, καθὼς πάντοτε ὑπηκούσατε, μὴ ὡς ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ μου μόνον ἀλλὰ νῦν πολλῷ μᾶλλον ἐν τῇ ἀπουσίᾳ μου, μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου τὴν ἑαυτῶν σωτηρίαν κατεργάζεσθε, Hōste, agapētoi mou, kathōs pantote hypēkousate, mē hōs en tē parousia mou monon alla nyn pollō mallon en tē apousia mou, meta phobou kai tromou tēn heautōn sōtērian katergazesthe)—Hōste ("therefore, so then") applies the Christ-hymn: Christ's obedience (v. 8) models believers' obedience.
Katergazesthe (present middle imperative, "work out, accomplish") is key. Not "work for" (earning) but "work out" (unfolding what's already given). Sōtērian ("salvation") here is sanctification—progressive holiness, not initial justification. Meta phobou kai tromou ("with fear and trembling") indicates reverent seriousness, not terror. The phrase appears in OT (Ps 2:11) and Paul (1 Cor 2:3; 2 Cor 7:15; Eph 6:5) for appropriate awe before God. Obedience in Paul's absence tests genuineness—is it people-pleasing or God-fearing?