The big picture
Philippians 4 opens in verse 1 with “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in…”, reaches its middle movement near verse 12 with “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I…”, and closes in verse 23 with “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” Repeated or prominent terms include Lord, Christ, abound, both, Jesus. Together, those details trace this chapter’s own movement from its opening to its conclusion.
Scripture beside the summary
Philippians · King James Version · 23Philippians 4:1-8
1–8: Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown…
Philippians 4:1–8 opens with “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the…” and reaches “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on Euodias and Syntyche urged toward one mind while the church practices prayer, gratitude, truth, and peace; Paul receiving the Philippians’ gift through Epaphroditus and explaining contentment in both scarcity and abundance, with particular weight carried by Lord, beloved, beseech.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.
“And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also…” Naming Clement keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
Philippians 4:1-8
King James Version1Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
2I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
3And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
4Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
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.
Philippians 4:9-16
9–16: Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and…
Philippians 4:9–16 opens with “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the…” and reaches “For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on Euodias and Syntyche urged toward one mind while the church practices prayer, gratitude, truth, and peace; Paul receiving the Philippians’ gift through Epaphroditus and explaining contentment in both scarcity and abundance, with particular weight carried by both, know, abound.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Naming Not keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
Philippians 4:9-16
King James Version9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
10But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
14Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
15Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
16For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
Philippians 4:17-23
17–23: Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your…
Philippians 4:17–23 opens with “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” and reaches “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on Euodias and Syntyche urged toward one mind while the church practices prayer, gratitude, truth, and peace; Paul receiving the Philippians’ gift through Epaphroditus and explaining contentment in both scarcity and abundance, with particular weight carried by Christ, Jesus, abound.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Naming Not keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
Philippians 4:17-23
King James Version17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
18But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.
22All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.
23The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Details worth noticing
The opening image
Philippians 4:1 begins with “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.”
Where the chapter turns
Philippians 4:10 forms a natural hinge: “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.”
The final note
Philippians 4:23 leaves the reader with “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
A word trail through the chapter
The words Lord, Christ, abound, both, Jesus, brethren help reveal the chapter’s repeated concerns.
What opportunity exists before the murder?
Cain receives a warning and a call to resist sin in verse 7. Anger is not treated as an irresistible excuse.
What do the two speeches about vengeance reveal?
God limits retaliation against Cain; Lamech celebrates escalation.
KJV words made clear
- unto
- to
- thee
- you
- hath
- has
Text first
Where readers differ
The chapter summary begins with what the passage says and how its parts fit together. It does not assume one denomination has already settled every question. Where a conclusion depends on a tradition, literary theory, or historical reconstruction, that dependence is named openly.
The KJV text is presented first. Interpretive conclusions are labeled, and differences are introduced only when they help a reader understand why serious communities do not always reach the same answer.
Comparative interpretive notes for this chapter are in preparation. Until reviewed notes are ready, this page separates the KJV text from summary and application without claiming that serious readers agree on every question.