Philippians 2:20
For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
Original Language Analysis
οὐδένα
no man
G3762
οὐδένα
no man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
1 of 10
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἔχω
I have
G2192
ἔχω
I have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
3 of 10
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Philippians 2:2Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.Philippians 2:22But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.1 Corinthians 16:10Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.John 12:6This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.John 10:13The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
Historical Context
Paul's Roman companions included many (Col 4:7-14), yet only Timothy merited this commendation. This suggests widespread self-interest even among Christian workers—a sobering reality. Timothy's proven track record (Acts 16-20; 1 Cor 16:10; Phil 2:22) earned Paul's trust. Ancient patronage culture bred self-promotion; Timothy's genuine care was countercultural Christlikeness.
Questions for Reflection
- Who in your life is 'like-souled' (isopsychon)—sharing your deepest values and concerns?
- How can you cultivate 'genuine' (gnēsiōs) care for others versus superficial or self-serving concern?
- What would others say about your concern for their 'state' (ta peri hymōn)—is it earnest or casual?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state (οὐδένα γὰρ ἔχω ἰσόψυχον ὅστις γνησίως τὰ περὶ ὑμῶν μεριμνήσει, oudena gar echō isopsychon hostis gnēsiōs ta peri hymōn merimnēsei)—Oudena...isopsychon ("no one like-souled") is striking. Isopsychon (hapax legomenon: isos, "equal," + psychē, "soul") means sharing Paul's mindset/spirit. Only Timothy matches Paul's pastoral concern. Gnēsiōs ("genuinely, sincerely") contrasts superficial concern. Merimnēsei (future, "will care for") comes from merimnaō ("be anxious, care for")—earnest concern.
This verse reveals Timothy's exceptional character: he genuinely cares for others' welfare, not his own interests (v. 21). Paul's comment implies others in Rome (even believers) lacked this other-centeredness. Timothy exemplifies 2:3-4 (esteem others, look to their interests). He embodies the Christ-hymn's self-giving pattern. Paul commends Timothy not abstractly but relationally—proven care for Philippians.