Philippians 2:30
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
Because
G3754
ὅτι
Because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
2 of 21
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργον
the work
G2041
ἔργον
the work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
4 of 21
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μέχρι
unto
G3360
μέχρι
unto
Strong's:
G3360
Word #:
7 of 21
as far as, i.e., up to a certain point (as a preposition, of extent (denoting the terminus, whereas g0891 refers especially to the space of time or pl
θανάτου
death
G2288
θανάτου
death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
8 of 21
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψυχῇ
his life
G5590
ψυχῇ
his life
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
12 of 21
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
ἀναπληρώσῃ
supply
G378
ἀναπληρώσῃ
supply
Strong's:
G378
Word #:
14 of 21
to complete; by implication, to occupy, supply; figuratively, to accomplish (by coincidence ot obedience)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 16:17I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.Acts 20:24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.Philippians 4:10But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.2 Corinthians 12:15And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.Philippians 4:18But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
Historical Context
The 800+ mile journey from Philippi to Rome was dangerous. Epaphroditus risked everything to represent the Philippians. 'Risking his life' (paraboleusamenos) language later inspired early church orders of parabolani—believers who risked infection to care for plague victims. Epaphroditus is their prototype. Completing the Philippians' 'lack of service' doesn't criticize them—distance prevented personal care; Epaphroditus stood in their place. Honor belongs to proxy servants.
Questions for Reflection
- Who has 'risked their life' (paraboleusamenos) in service to Christ and to you?
- How does Epaphroditus's near-death 'for the work of Christ' (dia to ergon Christou) exemplify 2:5-11?
- What 'lack of service' (hysterēma leitourgias) can you supply for others unable to serve directly?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me (ὅτι διὰ τὸ ἔργον Χριστοῦ μέχρι θανάτου ἤγγισεν, παραβολευσάμενος τῇ ψυχῇ, ἵνα ἀναπληρώσῃ τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα τῆς πρός με λειτουργίας, hoti dia to ergon Christou mechri thanatou ēngisen, paraboleusamenos tē psychē, hina anaplērōsē to hymōn hysterēma tēs pros me leitourgias)—Dia to ergon Christou ("because of the work of Christ") identifies cause: Epaphroditus nearly died in gospel service. Mechri thanatou ēngisen ("he came near to death")—mechri recalls Christ's obedience "unto death" (2:8). Epaphroditus follows Christ's pattern.
Paraboleusamenos tē psychē ("having risked his life")—paraboleuomai ("to risk, gamble, hazard") is gambling language. He gambled his psychē ("life, soul"). Purpose: hina anaplērōsē to hymōn hysterēma ("to supply your lack")—anaplēroō ("fill up, complete") what was hysterēma ("lacking, deficiency"). Tēs pros me leitourgias ("of your service toward me")—leitourgias ("service, ministry") is the support they couldn't personally deliver. Epaphroditus represented them. His near-death completed their service. This verse climaxes the section (vv. 25-30): Epaphroditus embodied Christ-hymn self-giving (2:5-11), deserving highest honor (v. 29).