Philippians 4:16
For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 13
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:9For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.Acts 17:1Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
Historical Context
Paul spent only short time in Thessalonica (Acts 17:2—three Sabbaths minimum, possibly longer). Even during that brief ministry, Philippi sent multiple gifts. This reveals their economic capacity and spiritual generosity. Macedonia was economically depressed (2 Cor 8:1-2), yet Philippian church gave sacrificially. Their example shamed wealthier Corinthian church's stinginess. Acts doesn't mention these gifts; Paul's letters reveal behind-scenes financial partnerships sustaining mission.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Philippi's immediate, repeated giving ('once and again') teach about faithful financial partnership?
- How can economically struggling believers/churches model Philippi's sacrificial generosity?
- Who are the missionaries/ministers you support 'once and again' with consistent partnership?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity (ὅτι καὶ ἐν Θεσσαλονίκῃ καὶ ἅπαξ καὶ δὶς εἰς τὴν χρείαν μοι ἐπέμψατε, hoti kai en Thessalonikē kai hapax kai dis eis tēn chreian moi epempsate)—Kai en Thessalonikē ("even in Thessalonica")—Paul's next stop after Philippi (Acts 17:1-9). Hapax kai dis ("once and again," literally "once and twice")—repeated gifts. Eis tēn chreian ("unto my necessity")—they met his need. Philippian generosity began immediately and continued. Even when Paul was nearby (Thessalonica is ~100 miles from Philippi), they sent support. This documents decade-plus pattern: Philippi consistently, repeatedly, generously supported Paul's mission. Their current gift (v. 18) continues long precedent.