Philippians 2:13

Authorized King James Version

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
θεὸς
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#3
γάρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#4
ἐστιν
G2076
it is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#5
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἐνεργεῖν
G1754
to do
to be active, efficient
#7
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
ὑμῖν
G5213
you
to (with or by) you
#9
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
θέλειν
G2309
to will
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#12
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἐνεργεῖν
G1754
to do
to be active, efficient
#15
ὑπὲρ
G5228
of
"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
#16
τῆς
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
εὐδοκίας
G2107
his good pleasure
satisfaction, i.e., (subjectively) delight, or (objectively) kindness, wish, purpose

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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