Philippians 2:25

Authorized King James Version

Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἀναγκαῖον

G316

it necessary

necessary; by implication, close (of kin)

δὲ

G1161

Yet

but, and, etc

ἡγησάμην

G2233

I supposed

to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider

Ἐπαφρόδιτον

G1891

Epaphroditus

epaphroditus, a christian

τὸν

G3588

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

ἀδελφὸν

G80

brother

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

συνεργὸν

G4904

companion in labour

a co-laborer, i.e., coadjutor

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

συστρατιώτην

G4961

fellowsoldier

a co-campaigner, i.e., (figuratively) an associate in christian toil

#11

μου

G3450

of me

#12

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

#13

δὲ

G1161

Yet

but, and, etc

#14

ἀπόστολον

G652

messenger

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

λειτουργὸν

G3011

he that ministered

a public servant, i.e., a functionary in the temple or gospel, or (genitive case) a worshipper (of god) or benefactor (of man)

#17

τῆς

G3588

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

#18

χρείας

G5532

wants

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

#19

μου

G3450

of me

#20

πέμψαι

G3992

to send

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

#21

πρὸς

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

#22

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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Topics

Peace