Philippians 2:22
But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
Original Language Analysis
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοκιμὴν
the proof
G1382
δοκιμὴν
the proof
Strong's:
G1382
Word #:
3 of 15
test (abstractly or concretely); by implication, trustiness
αὐτοῦ
of him
G846
αὐτοῦ
of him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 15
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
γινώσκετε
ye know
G1097
γινώσκετε
ye know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
5 of 15
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
7 of 15
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
πατρὶ
with the father
G3962
πατρὶ
with the father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
8 of 15
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
10 of 15
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
ἐδούλευσεν
he hath served
G1398
ἐδούλευσεν
he hath served
Strong's:
G1398
Word #:
12 of 15
to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
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 Timothy 1:2Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.2 Corinthians 2:9For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.2 Corinthians 8:22And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.2 Timothy 1:2To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Historical Context
Timothy joined Paul's team during the second missionary journey (Acts 16:1-3), meaning he was with Paul when Philippi was founded. The Philippians knew Timothy personally and had witnessed his faithful service for over a decade. In Greco-Roman culture, father-son relationships involved both authority and inheritance. Paul adopts this metaphor for spiritual mentorship—Timothy is spiritual son and ministry heir.
Questions for Reflection
- Who has 'proven character' (dokimē) in your observation—tested and found genuine?
- How can you serve 'with' (syn) leaders like Timothy served with Paul—partnership under authority?
- What does it mean to 'serve as a slave' (douleusen) 'for the gospel' (eis to euangelion) in your context?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel (τὴν δὲ δοκιμὴν αὐτοῦ γινώσκετε, ὅτι ὡς πατρὶ τέκνον σὺν ἐμοὶ ἐδούλευσεν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, tēn de dokimēn autou ginōskete, hoti hōs patri teknon syn emoi edouleusen eis to euangelion)—Dokimēn ("proof, tested character") is metallurgical—tested metal proven genuine. Ginōskete ("you know") appeals to Philippians' direct experience. Hōs patri teknon ("as a child to a father") describes Paul-Timothy relationship. Teknon ("child") emphasizes affection, not merely huios (legal son-status).
Syn emoi edouleusen ("he served with me")—edouleusen ("he served as a slave") recalls doulos ("slave") from 2:7 (Christ's slave-form). Eis to euangelion ("unto/for the gospel") identifies the cause. Timothy served with Paul, not under him—though the father-son metaphor suggests subordination. This balance—filial affection and partnership—marks ideal Christian relationships. Timothy's proven character (dokimē) over years of ministry validated his delegation. He embodies Christ-hymn values in action.