Philippians 2:2
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Original Language Analysis
πληρώσατέ
Fulfil ye
G4137
πληρώσατέ
Fulfil ye
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
1 of 16
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὴν
the same
G846
αὐτὴν
the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
φρονοῦντες
mind
G5426
φρονοῦντες
mind
Strong's:
G5426
Word #:
8 of 16
to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὴν
the same
G846
αὐτὴν
the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀγάπην
love
G26
ἀγάπην
love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
11 of 16
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
ἔχοντες
having
G2192
ἔχοντες
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
12 of 16
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
σύμψυχοι
being of one accord
G4861
σύμψυχοι
being of one accord
Strong's:
G4861
Word #:
13 of 16
co-spirited, i.e., similar in sentiment
Cross References
Romans 12:16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.1 Corinthians 1:10Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.2 Corinthians 13:11Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.3 John 1:4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.Acts 2:46And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,Philippians 2:16Holding 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.2 John 1:4I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.Colossians 2:5For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.2 Thessalonians 2:13But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:Acts 1:14These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
Historical Context
Philippian disunity surfaces in 4:2 (Euodia and Syntyche). Paul's repeated appeals for unity suggest tensions threatening the church. Ancient honor-shame culture bred competition; churches weren't immune. Paul's emphasis on unity reflects Jesus's high-priestly prayer (John 17:20-23) and confronts human tendency toward faction and rivalry. Christian unity was countercultural in stratified Roman society.
Questions for Reflection
- How does unity among believers 'fulfill' pastoral joy, and how does disunity grieve leaders?
- What's the difference between uniformity (mere agreement) and spiritual unity (sympsychoi)?
- In what areas do you need to cultivate 'the same love' and 'one mind' with fellow believers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind (πληρώσατέ μου τὴν χαράν, ἵνα τὸ αὐτὸ φρονῆτε, τὴν αὐτὴν ἀγάπην ἔχοντες, σύμψυχοι, τὸ ἓν φρονοῦντες, plērōsate mou tēn charan, hina to auto phronēte, tēn autēn agapēn echontes, sympsychoi, to hen phronountes)—Plērōsate (aorist imperative, "fulfill, complete") pictures filling a container to the brim. Paul's joy isn't empty but could overflow with their unity. Hina ("that") introduces the content: fourfold unity appeal.
To auto phronēte ("think the same thing") isn't uniformity but shared mind oriented toward Christ (v. 5). Agapēn ("love") must be tēn autēn ("the same")—consistent, mutual. Sympsychoi ("united in soul/spirit," hapax legomenon) combines syn ("together") and psychē ("soul")—deep, soulish unity. To hen phronountes ("thinking the one thing") concludes the fourfold parallelism. Unity isn't organizational but spiritual—shared affections, purposes, and Christ-focus.