Philippians 2:16

Authorized King James Version

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λόγον
G3056
the word
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#2
ζωῆς
G2222
of life
life (literally or figuratively)
#3
ἐπέχοντες
G1907
Holding forth
to hold upon, i.e., (by implication) to retain; (by extension) to detain; (with implication, of g3563) to pay attention to
#4
εἰς
G1519
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#5
καύχημα
G2745
may rejoice
a boast (properly, the object; by implication, the act) in a good or a bad sense
#6
ἐμοὶ
G1698
I
to me
#7
εἰς
G1519
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#8
ἡμέραν
G2250
the day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#9
Χριστοῦ
G5547
of Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#10
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#11
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#12
εἰς
G1519
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#13
κενὸν
G2756
vain
empty (literally or figuratively)
#14
ἔδραμον
G5143
I have
which uses ????? <pronunciation strongs="drem'-o"/> (the base of g1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figurativ
#15
οὐδὲ
G3761
neither
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
#16
εἰς
G1519
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#17
κενὸν
G2756
vain
empty (literally or figuratively)
#18
ἐκοπίασα
G2872
laboured
to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Philippians. The concept of life reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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