Philippians 3:1
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
Original Language Analysis
Τὸ
G3588
Τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
3 of 18
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
χαίρετε
rejoice
G5463
χαίρετε
rejoice
Strong's:
G5463
Word #:
5 of 18
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
κυρίῳ
the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
7 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὰ
the same things
G846
αὐτὰ
the same things
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 18
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
γράφειν
To write
G1125
γράφειν
To write
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
10 of 18
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
μὲν
indeed
G3303
μὲν
indeed
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
Cross References
Philippians 4:4Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.Romans 5:11And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.1 Thessalonians 5:16Rejoice evermore.James 1:2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;1 Peter 4:13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.Philippians 4:8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.2 Corinthians 13:11Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.1 Peter 3:8Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:Psalms 37:4Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.Job 22:26For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.
Historical Context
Philippi faced Judaizing teachers (v. 2) insisting Gentile Christians adopt Jewish law (circumcision, dietary rules). This heresy plagued Paul's churches (Galatians addresses it extensively). Repetition of gospel essentials protected against doctrinal drift. Paul's apostolic authority allowed frank warnings without offense—'same things' didn't bore but secured them in truth.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul call believers to 'rejoice in the Lord' repeatedly throughout Philippians?
- How does repetition of core gospel truths provide 'safety' (asphales) against false teaching?
- What 'same things' do you need to hear repeatedly for your spiritual security?
Analysis & Commentary
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord (Τὸ λοιπόν, ἀδελφοί μου, χαίρετε ἐν κυρίῳ, To loipon, adelphoi mou, chairete en kyriō)—To loipon ("finally, moreover") may signal conclusion or transition to new section. Chairete en kyriō ("rejoice in the Lord") repeats the epistle's dominant command (1:4, 18; 2:17-18; 4:4). Joy in the Lord (ἐν κυρίῳ, en kyriō) isn't circumstantial but christological—rooted in union with Christ.
To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe (τὰ αὐτὰ γράφειν ὑμῖν, ἐμοὶ μὲν οὐκ ὀκνηρόν, ὑμῖν δὲ ἀσφαλές, ta auta graphein hymin, emoi men ouk oknēron, hymin de asphales)—Ta auta ("the same things") may reference previous oral teaching or earlier letter. Oknēron ("burdensome, troublesome") Paul dismisses—repetition serves them. Asphales ("safe, secure, certain") indicates protection. Repetition guards against error. Paul's upcoming warnings (v. 2) about false teachers show why safety requires repeated teaching.