Philippians 2:27
For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
θανάτῳ·
unto death
G2288
θανάτῳ·
unto death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
5 of 23
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
6 of 23
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
αὐτὸν
on him
G846
αὐτὸν
on him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 23
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
ἠλέησεν
had mercy
G1653
ἠλέησεν
had mercy
Strong's:
G1653
Word #:
10 of 23
to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)
αὐτὸν
on him
G846
αὐτὸν
on him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 23
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
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
15 of 23
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
19 of 23
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
Psalms 34:19Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.Philippians 2:30Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.Acts 9:37And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.1 Corinthians 10:13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.2 Corinthians 2:7So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
Historical Context
Paul's lack of healing Epaphroditus is significant. Though Paul performed miracles (Acts 19:11-12), he couldn't heal at will (2 Tim 4:20; 1 Tim 5:23 advise Timothy's medical care). Apostolic miracles were signs (2 Cor 12:12), not automatic gifts. Epaphroditus's recovery was answered prayer, not apostolic command. Paul's gratitude for God's mercy shows humility—he received healing as gift, not right. Ancient medicine was limited; serious illness often meant death.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when healing doesn't come immediately or miraculously, as in Epaphroditus's case?
- What does Paul's emotional vulnerability ('sorrow upon sorrow') teach about pastoral relationships?
- How does recognizing recovery as 'God's mercy' (theos ēleēsen) differ from treating health as entitlement?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow (καὶ γὰρ ἠσθένησεν παραπλήσιον θανάτῳ· ἀλλὰ ὁ θεὸς ἠλέησεν αὐτόν, οὐκ αὐτὸν δὲ μόνον ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐμέ, ἵνα μὴ λύπην ἐπὶ λύπην σχῶ, kai gar ēsthenēsen paraplēsion thanatō; alla ho theos ēleēsen auton, ouk auton de monon alla kai eme, hina mē lypēn epi lypēn schō)—Ēsthenēsen paraplēsion thanatō ("he was sick near to death")—paraplēsion ("close to, near") shows how critical his condition was. Alla ho theos ēleēsen auton ("but God had mercy on him")—ēleēsen ("showed mercy") attributes recovery to divine compassion, not medicine or fortune.
Ouk auton...alla kai eme ("not him only but me also")—God's mercy extended to Paul by sparing his grief. Hina mē lypēn epi lypēn schō ("lest I have sorrow upon sorrow")—lypēn epi lypēn ("sorrow upon sorrow") would've been Epaphroditus's death added to Paul's imprisonment. God's mercy prevented compounded grief. This reveals Paul's tender heart—he would've been devastated losing Epaphroditus. It also shows Paul didn't presume apostolic healing power on demand—he depended on God's mercy.