King James Version

What Does Philippians 1:20 Mean?

Philippians 1:20 in the King James Version says “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as alwa... — study this verse from Philippians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Philippians 1:20 · KJV


Context

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.

21

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

22

But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour : yet what I shall choose I wot not.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (κατὰ τὴν ἀποκαραδοκίαν καὶ ἐλπίδα μου ὅτι ἐν οὐδενὶ αἰσχυνθήσομαι, kata tēn apokaradokian kai elpida mou hoti en oudeni aischynthēsomai)—Apokaradokia ("eager expectation") combines apo ("away from"), kara ("head"), and dokeo ("watch")—watching with head turned away from distractions, focused anticipation.

Paul's hope: in nothing I shall be ashamed (ἐν οὐδενὶ αἰσχυνθήσομαι, en oudeni aischynthēsomai)—not losing nerve under pressure. Instead, with all boldness (ἐν πάσῃ παρρησίᾳ, en pasē parrēsia), Christ shall be magnified in my body (μεγαλυνθήσεται Χριστὸς ἐν τῷ σώματί μου, megalynthēsetai Christos en tō sōmati mou). Megalynthēsetai ("shall be magnified, made great") means Christ displayed as supremely valuable. Whether by life or death (εἴτε διὰ ζωῆς εἴτε διὰ θανάτου, eite dia zōēs eite dia thanatou)—both outcomes glorify Christ if received faithfully.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman executions of Christians often occurred publicly to deter others. Paul faced the prospect of martyrdom before Nero. Yet he viewed both acquittal (life) and execution (death) as equally viable platforms for magnifying Christ. This eschatological perspective—living toward Christ's glory, not self-preservation—distinguished Christian martyrs and astonished pagan observers.

Reflection Questions

  1. What would 'eager expectation' (apokaradokia) look like in your spiritual life—focused, undistracted hope?
  2. Can you honestly say both life and death would equally magnify Christ in your circumstances?
  3. What causes you shame before others, and how does Christ's magnification overcome it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
κατὰ1 of 30

According

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὴν2 of 30
G3588

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

ἀποκαραδοκίαν3 of 30

earnest expectation

G603

intense anticipation

καὶ4 of 30

also

G2532

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

ἐλπίδα5 of 30

my hope

G1680

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

μου6 of 30

my

G3450

of me

ὅτι7 of 30

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐν8 of 30

in

G1722

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

οὐδενὶ9 of 30

nothing

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

αἰσχυνθήσομαι10 of 30

I shall be ashamed

G153

to feel shame (for oneself)

ἀλλ'11 of 30

but

G235

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

ἐν12 of 30

in

G1722

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

πάσῃ13 of 30

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

παῤῥησίᾳ14 of 30

boldness

G3954

all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance

ὡς15 of 30

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

πάντοτε16 of 30

always

G3842

every when, i.e., at all times

καὶ17 of 30

also

G2532

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

νῦν18 of 30

so now

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

μεγαλυνθήσεται19 of 30

shall be magnified

G3170

to make (or declare) great, i.e., increase or (figuratively) extol

Χριστὸς20 of 30

Christ

G5547

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

ἐν21 of 30

in

G1722

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

τῷ22 of 30
G3588

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

σώματί23 of 30

body

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

μου24 of 30

my

G3450

of me

εἴτε25 of 30

or

G1535

if too

διὰ26 of 30

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ζωῆς27 of 30

life

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

εἴτε28 of 30

or

G1535

if too

διὰ29 of 30

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

θανάτου30 of 30

death

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)


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 1:20 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 1:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study