Philippians 2:23
Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
Original Language Analysis
τοῦτον
G5126
μὲν
Him
G3303
μὲν
Him
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
3 of 12
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
πέμψαι
to send
G3992
πέμψαι
to send
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
5 of 12
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
ὡς
so soon as
G5613
ὡς
so soon as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
6 of 12
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Roman legal proceedings were unpredictable in length and outcome. Paul's case had been pending (Acts 28:30 mentions two years). He couldn't send Timothy until knowing whether he'd be released (allowing personal visit, v. 24) or executed (making Timothy essential for Philippian care). Ancient communication delays made delegation timing crucial. Letters and envoys were primary pastoral tools.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance purposeful planning with submission to providence like Paul does?
- What pending outcomes are you awaiting before making decisions, and how do you wait faithfully?
- How does trusting 'in the Lord Jesus' (v. 19) shape your contingency planning?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me (Τοῦτον μὲν οὖν ἐλπίζω πέμψαι ὡς ἂν ἀφίδω τὰ περὶ ἐμὲ ἐξαυτῆς, Touton men oun elpizō pempsai hōs an aphidō ta peri eme exautēs)—Touton...elpizō pempsai ("him I hope to send") reiterates v. 19. Men oun ("therefore") draws conclusion from Timothy's commendation (vv. 20-22): because he's trustworthy, Paul will send him. Hōs an aphidō ("as soon as I see") makes timing conditional. Ta peri eme ("the things concerning me") refers to his trial outcome. Exautēs ("presently, immediately") promises prompt dispatch once clarity comes.
Paul's plans are flexible, contingent on circumstances. He awaits trial resolution before sending Timothy. This models Christian planning: purposeful but provisional, confident yet humble before providence. Paul trusts God's sovereignty (v. 19, "in the Lord Jesus") while actively planning. Faith doesn't eliminate planning but subordinates plans to God's will.