Philippians 4:9

Authorized King James Version

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἃ

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐμάθετε

G3129

learned

to learn (in any way)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

παρελάβετε

G3880

received

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἠκούσατε

G191

heard

to hear (in various senses)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἴδετε

G1492

seen

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#10

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#11

ἐμοί

G1698

to me

#12

ταῦτα

G5023

Those things

these things

#13

πράσσετε·

G4238

to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,

#14

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#15

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

θεὸς

G2316

the God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#17

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

εἰρήνης

G1515

of peace

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

#19

ἔσται

G2071

shall be

will be

#20

μεθ'

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#21

ὑμῶν

G5216

you

of (from or concerning) you

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing peace contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Philippians chapter 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on peace address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Peace