Philippians 2:22

Authorized King James Version

But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

δοκιμὴν

G1382

the proof

test (abstractly or concretely); by implication, trustiness

αὐτοῦ

G846

of him

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

G1097

ye know

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

πατρὶ

G3962

with the father

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

τέκνον

G5043

a son

a child (as produced)

#10

σὺν

G4862

with

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

#11

ἐμοὶ

G1698

to me

#12

ἐδούλευσεν

G1398

he hath served

to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)

#13

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#14

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

εὐαγγέλιον

G2098

the gospel

a good message, i.e., the gospel

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Peace