Philippians 2:26
For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
Original Language Analysis
ἐπιποθῶν
longed after
G1971
ἐπιποθῶν
longed after
Strong's:
G1971
Word #:
2 of 11
to dote upon, i.e., intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Isaiah 61:3To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.Proverbs 12:25Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.Ephesians 3:13Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.Romans 12:15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.Philippians 1:8For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.Psalms 69:20Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.Romans 9:2That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.Matthew 11:28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Matthew 26:37And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.2 Samuel 13:39And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.
Historical Context
Ancient communication was slow—news of Epaphroditus's illness reached Philippi (taking weeks), and their concern somehow reached back to Rome (weeks more). His distress over causing them worry shows extraordinary character. Ancient culture valued honor and avoiding shame; Epaphroditus's concern was pastoral, not self-regarding. This vignette illustrates the Christ-pattern (2:5-11) in a contemporary believer.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you feel greater distress over your own suffering or others' worry about you, like Epaphroditus?
- How does Epaphroditus's other-centeredness challenge your natural self-focus in hardship?
- Who in your life demonstrates this kind of 'full of heaviness' (adēmonōn) concern for others?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick (ἐπειδὴ ἐπιποθῶν ἦν πάντας ὑμᾶς καὶ ἀδημονῶν, διότι ἠκούσατε ὅτι ἠσθένησεν, epeidē epipothōn ēn pantas hymas kai adēmonōn, dioti ēkousate hoti ēsthenēsen)—Epipothōn ēn ("he was longing") uses the same verb as 1:8 (Paul's longing for Philippians). Pantas hymas ("all of you") shows comprehensive affection. Adēmonōn ("being distressed, full of heaviness") is intense emotional anguish—used of Jesus in Gethsemane (Matt 26:37; Mark 14:33).
The cause: dioti ēkousate hoti ēsthenēsen ("because you heard that he was sick"). Epaphroditus's distress wasn't over his own suffering but over their worry about him! This reverses expected concern: he suffered, but grieved that they grieved. This Christlike other-centeredness exemplifies 2:3-4 (looking to others' things, not your own). Epaphroditus worried more about their anxiety than his illness—radical self-forgetfulness.