Philippians 4:17
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
2 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐπιζητῶ
I desire
G1934
ἐπιζητῶ
I desire
Strong's:
G1934
Word #:
3 of 14
to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐπιζητῶ
I desire
G1934
ἐπιζητῶ
I desire
Strong's:
G1934
Word #:
7 of 14
to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλεονάζοντα
that may abound
G4121
πλεονάζοντα
that may abound
Strong's:
G4121
Word #:
11 of 14
to do, make or be more, i.e., increase (transitively or intransitively); by extension, to superabound
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Titus 3:14And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.Hebrews 6:10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.John 15:8Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.Titus 1:7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;Philippians 4:11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.Romans 15:28When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.John 15:16Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.2 Corinthians 9:5Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.1 Thessalonians 2:5For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:1 Peter 5:2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
Historical Context
Ancient patronage culture involved giving to gain status/favors. Paul subverts this: he doesn't seek gifts for himself but wants Philippians to gain eternal reward. This theology of giving as heavenly investment appears throughout Scripture (Prov 19:17; Matt 6:19-21; 2 Cor 9:6-11; 1 Tim 6:17-19). Generous giving 'abounds to account'—God keeps records and rewards. Paul's pastoral heart prioritizes their eternal good over his temporary comfort.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's focus on their 'account' (logon hymōn) challenge self-serving fundraising?
- What 'fruit' (karpon) abounds to your account through generous giving?
- How can you give in ways that store up heavenly treasures, not merely meet earthly needs?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account (οὐχ ὅτι ἐπιζητῶ τὸ δόμα, ἀλλὰ ἐπιζητῶ τὸν καρπὸν τὸν πλεονάζοντα εἰς λόγον ὑμῶν, ouch hoti epizētō to doma, alla epizētō ton karpon ton pleonazonta eis logon hymōn)—Ouch...epizētō to doma ("not that I seek the gift")—Paul again clarifies (cf. v. 11): he's not hinting for more support. Epizētō ton karpon ("I seek the fruit")—karpon ("fruit") is spiritual reward for them. Ton pleonazonta eis logon hymōn ("which increases to your account")—pleonazonta ("multiplying, abounding") and logon ("account") are financial terms. Giving produces dividends in God's economy. Paul's concern is their spiritual benefit, not his material gain. This echoes Jesus: treasures in heaven (Matt 6:19-21). Giving is investment in eternal dividends.