Philippians 4:20

Authorized King James Version

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Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Original Language Analysis

τῷ G3588
τῷ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ Now G1161
δὲ Now
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 14
but, and, etc
θεῷ unto God G2316
θεῷ unto God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 3 of 14
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 4 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πατρὶ Father G3962
πατρὶ Father
Strong's: G3962
Word #: 5 of 14
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
ἡμῶν our G2257
ἡμῶν our
Strong's: G2257
Word #: 6 of 14
of (or from) us
ἡ G3588
ἡ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξα be glory G1391
δόξα be glory
Strong's: G1391
Word #: 8 of 14
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
εἰς for G1519
εἰς for
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 9 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς G3588
τοὺς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰώνων and ever G165
αἰώνων and ever
Strong's: G165
Word #: 11 of 14
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
τῶν G3588
τῶν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰώνων and ever G165
αἰώνων and ever
Strong's: G165
Word #: 13 of 14
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
ἀμήν Amen G281
ἀμήν Amen
Strong's: G281
Word #: 14 of 14
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

Analysis & Commentary

Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen (τῷ δὲ θεῷ καὶ πατρὶ ἡμῶν ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων· ἀμήν, tō de theō kai patri hēmōn hē doxa eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn; amēn)—Tō theō kai patri hēmōn ("to God and our Father")—doxology directed to God as Father. Hē doxa ("the glory")—ultimate purpose. Eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn ("unto the ages of ages," eternal duration). Amēn ("so be it," Hebrew affirmation). This doxology concludes the body of the letter before final greetings (vv. 21-23). Paul's consistent pattern: redirect praise to God. Everything—his ministry, their generosity, divine provision—serves one end: God's eternal glory. This echoes 2:11 (Christ-hymn climax) and threads through Philippians: all is for God's glory.

Historical Context

Doxologies (glory-ascriptions) were common Jewish and Christian worship forms (Rom 11:36, 16:27; Gal 1:5; Eph 3:21; 1 Tim 1:17; Heb 13:21; 1 Pet 4:11; 2 Pet 3:18; Rev 1:6). They climax theological sections by orienting all toward God's praise. 'Forever and ever' (lit. 'ages of ages') is Hebraic superlative expressing eternity. Early Christians worshiped God and Christ with equal doxologies (2 Tim 4:18; 2 Pet 3:18; Rev 1:5-6), affirming Christ's deity. Paul's doxology here crowns Philippians' theme: joy and partnership exist for God's eternal glory.

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