Philippians 2:29
Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
Original Language Analysis
προσδέχεσθε
Receive
G4327
προσδέχεσθε
Receive
Strong's:
G4327
Word #:
1 of 13
to admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await (with confidence or patience)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 13
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 13
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
κυρίῳ
the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 13
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοιούτους
such
G5108
τοιούτους
such
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
11 of 13
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 16:18For they have refreshed my spirit and your's: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.1 Timothy 5:17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.1 Thessalonians 5:12And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;Romans 16:2That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.1 Corinthians 16:10Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.2 Corinthians 10:18For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture honored victors, not servants; conquerors, not sufferers. Paul demands honor for Epaphroditus, who nearly died serving. This reflects Christ-hymn values (2:5-11): those who humble themselves are exalted; servants deserve honor. Churches sometimes dishonor faithful workers who return 'early' from missions or ministry due to health or circumstances. Paul preempts this injustice by commanding joyful, honoring reception.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you 'receive in the Lord with all joy' (prosdechesthe en kyriō meta charas) those returning from ministry?
- Who are the 'such ones' (toioutous) in your church deserving honor but rarely receiving it?
- How can you practically 'hold in reputation' (entimous echete) sacrificial servants this week?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation (προσδέχεσθε οὖν αὐτὸν ἐν κυρίῳ μετὰ πάσης χαρᾶς, καὶ τοὺς τοιούτους ἐντίμους ἔχετε, prosdechesthe oun auton en kyriō meta pasēs charas, kai tous toioutous entimous echete)—Prosdechesthe ("receive, welcome") is present imperative. En kyriō ("in the Lord") qualifies the reception—as fellow believer, not mere courtesy. Meta pasēs charas ("with all joy") commands celebration, not mere acceptance. Paul anticipates potential misunderstanding: Epaphroditus returns before completing his mission (attending Paul throughout imprisonment); some might see failure.
Tous toioutous entimous echete ("hold such in honor/reputation")—toioutous ("such ones") generalizes beyond Epaphroditus to all like him. Entimous ("honored, esteemed, precious") calls for high regard. In honor-shame culture, recognizing servants was countercultural. Paul ensures Epaphroditus receives hero's welcome, not criticism. The command to honor such workers ("hold in reputation") applies generally to faithful, self-sacrificing ministers.