King James Version

What Does Philippians 1:18 Mean?

Philippians 1:18 in the King James Version says “What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, y... — study this verse from Philippians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

Philippians 1:18 · KJV


Context

16

The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

17

But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

18

What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

19

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

20

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice (Τί γάρ; πλὴν ὅτι παντὶ τρόπῳ, εἴτε προφάσει εἴτε ἀληθείᾳ, Χριστὸς καταγγέλλεται, καὶ ἐν τούτῳ χαίρω, Ti gar? plēn hoti panti tropō, eite prophasei eite alētheia, Christos katangelletai, kai en toutō chairō)—Ti gar? ("What then? What of it?") dismisses concern over motives. Plēn ("nevertheless, only this matters") focuses on the essential: Christ is preached (Χριστὸς καταγγέλλεται, Christos katangelletai, present passive).

Prophasei ("in pretense, as a pretext") versus alētheia ("in truth, sincerely") contrasts false and genuine motives. Paul's double affirmation—I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice (χαίρω, ἀλλὰ καὶ χαρήσομαι, chairō, alla kai charēsomai, present and future tenses)—shows settled, continuing joy. This remarkable magnanimity prioritizes gospel content and Christ's fame over personal honor. Where Christ is biblically proclaimed, Paul rejoices, whatever the preacher's motives.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's response was countercultural in honor-shame societies where personal reputation and vindication were paramount. His Christ-centeredness relativized personal affronts. This verse also distinguishes content (Christology) from motive (psychology)—both matter, but content is primary. Paul would vigorously oppose false gospels (Gal 1:8-9) but tolerate impure motives if the gospel was true.

Reflection Questions

  1. Can you rejoice when God is glorified through people you dislike or who oppose you?
  2. How do you balance Paul's magnanimity here with his anathema on false gospels (Gal 1:8)?
  3. What would it take for you to say 'I rejoice and will rejoice' about rivals in ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
τί1 of 18

What

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

γάρ2 of 18

then

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

πλὴν3 of 18

notwithstanding

G4133

moreover (besides), i.e., albeit, save that, rather, yet

παντὶ4 of 18

every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τρόπῳ5 of 18

way

G5158

a turn, i.e., (by implication) mode or style (especially with preposition or relative prefix as adverb, like); figuratively, deportment or character

εἴτε6 of 18

or

G1535

if too

προφάσει7 of 18

in pretence

G4392

an outward showing, i.e., pretext

εἴτε8 of 18

or

G1535

if too

ἀληθείᾳ9 of 18

in truth

G225

truth

Χριστὸς10 of 18

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

καταγγέλλεται11 of 18

is preached

G2605

to proclaim, promulgate

καὶ12 of 18

and

G2532

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

ἐν13 of 18

therein

G1722

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

τούτῳ14 of 18
G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

χαρήσομαι15 of 18

I

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

ἀλλὰ16 of 18

yea

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

καὶ17 of 18

and

G2532

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

χαρήσομαι18 of 18

I

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Philippians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Philippians 1:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Philippians 1:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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