Philippians 2:24

Authorized King James Version

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But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

Original Language Analysis

πέποιθα I trust G3982
πέποιθα I trust
Strong's: G3982
Word #: 1 of 9
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
δὲ But G1161
δὲ But
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 9
but, and, etc
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 3 of 9
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
κυρίῳ the Lord G2962
κυρίῳ the Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 4 of 9
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ὅτι that G3754
ὅτι that
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 5 of 9
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καὶ also G2532
καὶ also
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 6 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸς myself G846
αὐτὸς myself
Strong's: G846
Word #: 7 of 9
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
ταχέως shortly G5030
ταχέως shortly
Strong's: G5030
Word #: 8 of 9
briefly, i.e., (in time) speedily, or (in manner) rapidly
ἐλεύσομαι I G2064
ἐλεύσομαι I
Strong's: G2064
Word #: 9 of 9
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Analysis & Commentary

But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly (πέποιθα δὲ ἐν κυρίῳ ὅτι καὶ αὐτὸς ταχέως ἐλεύσομαι, pepoitha de en kyriō hoti kai autos tacheōs eleusomai)—Pepoitha en kyriō ("I am confident in the Lord," perfect tense) expresses settled trust in Christ's sovereign will. Kai autos ("I myself also") adds Paul to Timothy's anticipated visit (v. 19). Tacheōs ("shortly, soon") is the same adverb as v. 19—Paul expects both Timothy's delegation and his own release/visit soon.

This confidence echoes 1:25 ("I know that I shall abide and continue with you all"). Paul anticipates release from Roman imprisonment, not execution. Whether by prophetic insight, legal assessment, or sanctified hope, Paul expects God will preserve him for further ministry. His confidence is qualified: en kyriō ("in the Lord")—he submits even certain expectations to God's sovereignty. Christian confidence isn't presumption but trust in God's faithful purposes.

Historical Context

Paul's confidence proved justified—he was released from this Roman imprisonment (evidenced by Pastoral Epistles, which presume a fourth missionary journey). His martyrdom came later, likely under Nero (c. AD 64-67). This letter dates to earlier imprisonment (c. AD 60-62). Paul's hope to visit Philippi again would've brought great joy (1:26). Reunions after imprisonment were occasions for thanksgiving and celebration.

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