Philippians 2:19
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
Original Language Analysis
κυρίῳ
the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 16
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 16
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ταχέως
shortly
G5030
ταχέως
shortly
Strong's:
G5030
Word #:
7 of 16
briefly, i.e., (in time) speedily, or (in manner) rapidly
πέμψαι
to send
G3992
πέμψαι
to send
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
8 of 16
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
κἀγὼ
I also
G2504
κἀγὼ
I also
Strong's:
G2504
Word #:
11 of 16
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
εὐψυχῶ
may be of good comfort
G2174
εὐψυχῶ
may be of good comfort
Strong's:
G2174
Word #:
12 of 16
to be in good spirits, i.e., feel encouraged
γνοὺς
when I know
G1097
γνοὺς
when I know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
13 of 16
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:17For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.1 Thessalonians 3:2And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:Philippians 1:1Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:Philippians 2:28I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
Historical Context
Timothy was Paul's trusted delegate (Acts 16:1-3; 1 Cor 4:17; 16:10). Ancient communication was slow and uncertain—personal envoys were essential. Timothy's visit would strengthen Philippians and inform Paul. Philippians' love for Timothy (Acts 16) made him ideal. In 2:19-24 (Timothy) and 2:25-30 (Epaphroditus), Paul models the Christ-hymn's humility (2:5-11) in contemporary examples—living epistles of gospel values.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's 'trust in the Lord Jesus' (elpizō en kyriō Iēsou) model Christian planning versus presumption?
- What does Paul's dependence on knowing the Philippians' 'state' teach about pastoral concern?
- Who serves as a trusted 'Timothy' in your life—a faithful delegate and encourager?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state (Ἐλπίζω δὲ ἐν κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ Τιμόθεον ταχέως πέμψαι ὑμῖν, ἵνα κἀγὼ εὐψυχῶ γνοὺς τὰ περὶ ὑμῶν, Elpizō de en kyriō Iēsou Timotheon tacheōs pempsai hymin, hina kagō eupsychō gnous ta peri hymōn)—Elpizō...en kyriō Iēsou ("I hope/trust in the Lord Jesus") qualifies Paul's plan: hope grounded in Christ's will, not personal optimism. Timotheon tacheōs pempsai ("to send Timothy shortly") announces intended delegation. Tacheōs ("quickly, soon") suggests urgency.
Purpose: hina kagō eupsychō ("that I also may be encouraged"). Eupsychō ("be encouraged, be of good courage") combines eu ("good") + psychē ("soul")—literally "be good-souled." Gnous ta peri hymōn ("knowing the things concerning you") shows pastoral concern. Paul's comfort depends on knowing their spiritual state. Timothy serves as Paul's extension—assessing, encouraging, reporting. This begins a section (2:19-30) commending Timothy and Epaphroditus as Christlike examples.