Philippians 2:21

Authorized King James Version

For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τοῦ
the things which are
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
πάντες
all
all, any, every, the whole
#3
γὰρ
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#4
τοῦ
the things which are
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἑαυτῶν
their own
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#6
ζητοῦσιν
seek
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
#7
οὐ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#8
τοῦ
the things which are
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
τοῦ
the things which are
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
Χριστοῦ
Christ's
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#11
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Philippians. The concept of divine revelation 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Philippians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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