Philippians 2:16
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.
Original Language Analysis
λόγον
the word
G3056
λόγον
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
1 of 18
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
ἐπέχοντες
Holding forth
G1907
ἐπέχοντες
Holding forth
Strong's:
G1907
Word #:
3 of 18
to hold upon, i.e., (by implication) to retain; (by extension) to detain; (with implication, of g3563) to pay attention to
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καύχημα
may rejoice
G2745
καύχημα
may rejoice
Strong's:
G2745
Word #:
5 of 18
a boast (properly, the object; by implication, the act) in a good or a bad sense
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἡμέραν
the day
G2250
ἡμέραν
the day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
8 of 18
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
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἔδραμον
I have
G5143
ἔδραμον
I have
Strong's:
G5143
Word #:
14 of 18
which uses ????? <pronunciation strongs="drem'-o"/> (the base of g1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figurativ
Cross References
1 Corinthians 9:26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:Galatians 2:2And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.1 John 1:1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;John 6:68Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.2 Corinthians 1:14As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are our's in the day of the Lord Jesus.John 6:63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.1 Thessalonians 3:5For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.Luke 12:8Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.Isaiah 49:4Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God.
Historical Context
Paul frequently uses athletic imagery (1 Cor 9:24-27; Gal 2:2; 2 Tim 4:7). Greco-Roman games (Olympics, Isthmian) were culturally prominent. 'Day of Christ' (eschatological judgment) will reveal ministry authenticity. Paul's validation isn't earthly acclaim but eschatological vindication—disciples who persevere. Itinerant teachers in antiquity sought followers for personal glory; Paul sought converts for Christ's glory.
Questions for Reflection
- How are you 'holding forth the word of life' (logon zōēs) in your sphere of influence?
- What would it mean for your ministry or witness to be 'in vain' (eis kenon)?
- How does living toward 'the day of Christ' reshape your priorities and validate faithful labor?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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 (λόγον ζωῆς ἐπέχοντες, εἰς καύχημα ἐμοὶ εἰς ἡμέραν Χριστοῦ, ὅτι οὐκ εἰς κενὸν ἔδραμον οὐδὲ εἰς κενὸν ἐκοπίασα, logon zōēs epechontes, eis kauchēma emoi eis hēmeran Christou, hoti ouk eis kenon edramon oude eis kenon ekopiasa)—Epechontes ("holding forth, holding fast") can mean holding out (offering) or holding onto (maintaining). Likely both: guarding gospel truth while proclaiming it. Logon zōēs ("word of life") is the gospel—life-giving message.
Eis kauchēma emoi ("for a boast to me") means ground of rejoicing. Eis hēmeran Christou ("in/for the day of Christ")—eschatological accountability (1:6, 10). Paul's labor finds validation in Philippians' perseverance. Ouk eis kenon edramon ("I did not run in vain")—edramon ("I ran") is athletic metaphor. Ekopiasa ("I labored") suggests exhausting toil. Eis kenon ("in vain, for nothing") is Paul's fear—wasted ministry. Philippians' faithfulness proves his ministry fruitful.