Philippians 2:28

Authorized King James Version

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I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

Original Language Analysis

σπουδαιοτέρως the more carefully G4708
σπουδαιοτέρως the more carefully
Strong's: G4708
Word #: 1 of 12
more speedily, i.e., sooner than otherwise
οὖν therefore G3767
οὖν therefore
Strong's: G3767
Word #: 2 of 12
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἔπεμψα I sent G3992
ἔπεμψα I sent
Strong's: G3992
Word #: 3 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
αὐτὸν him G846
αὐτὸν him
Strong's: G846
Word #: 4 of 12
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
ἵνα that G2443
ἵνα that
Strong's: G2443
Word #: 5 of 12
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
ἰδόντες when ye see G1492
ἰδόντες when ye see
Strong's: G1492
Word #: 6 of 12
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
αὐτὸν him G846
αὐτὸν him
Strong's: G846
Word #: 7 of 12
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
πάλιν again G3825
πάλιν again
Strong's: G3825
Word #: 8 of 12
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
χαρῆτε ye may rejoice G5463
χαρῆτε ye may rejoice
Strong's: G5463
Word #: 9 of 12
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
κἀγὼ and that I G2504
κἀγὼ and that I
Strong's: G2504
Word #: 10 of 12
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
ἀλυπότερος the less sorrowful G253
ἀλυπότερος the less sorrowful
Strong's: G253
Word #: 11 of 12
more without grief
ὦ may be G5600
ὦ may be
Strong's: G5600
Word #: 12 of 12
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

Analysis & Commentary

I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful (σπουδαιοτέρως οὖν ἔπεμψα αὐτόν, ἵνα ἰδόντες αὐτὸν πάλιν χαρῆτε, κἀγὼ ἀλυπότερος ὦ, spoudaioterōs oun epempsa auton, hina idontes auton palin charēte, kagō alypoteros ō)—Spoudaioterōs (comparative: "more eagerly, more carefully") shows urgency. Epempsa ("I sent," epistolary aorist) refers to this letter's delivery via Epaphroditus. Hina...charēte ("that you may rejoice")—Paul orchestrates joy: Epaphroditus's return will bring celebration.

Kagō alypoteros ō ("I may be less sorrowful")—alypoteros ("less grieved," comparative of alypos) admits Paul's ongoing sorrow. His grief lifts knowing Epaphroditus reunites with his church. This mutual joy-seeking (their joy, his reduced sorrow) exemplifies 2:4 (looking to others' things). Paul sends Epaphroditus not from weakness but love—reuniting him with concerned church while relieving Paul's burden of their collective worry.

Historical Context

Paul's sending Epaphroditus demonstrates pastoral wisdom: Epaphroditus needed home recovery, Philippians needed reassurance, and Paul gained peace knowing both were cared for. Ancient leaders often delayed releasing valued workers; Paul's release of Epaphroditus shows gospel-shaped priorities (others' good over personal convenience). The letter's purpose includes introducing Epaphroditus so Philippians receive him well (v. 29).

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