King James Version

What Does Philippians 1:22 Mean?

Philippians 1:22 in the King James Version says “But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour : yet what I shall choose I wot not.” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Philippians 1:22 · KJV

Context

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.

23

For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

24

Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

Read Philippians 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not (εἰ δὲ τὸ ζῆν ἐν σαρκί, τοῦτό μοι καρπὸς ἔργου· καὶ τί αἱρήσομαι οὐ γνωρίζω, ei de to zēn en sarki, touto moi karpos ergou; kai ti hairēsomai ou gnōrizō)—En sarki ("in the flesh") means embodied earthly existence, not sinful flesh. Continued life means fruit of my labour (καρπὸς ἔργου, karpos ergou)—gospel harvest through ministry. Paul values life instrumentally: opportunity for fruitful service.

What I shall choose I wot not (τί αἱρήσομαι οὐ γνωρίζω, ti hairēsomai ou gnōrizō)—hairēsomai (future middle, "I shall choose for myself") imagines preference if Paul had sovereign choice. Ou gnōrizō ("I don't know") admits genuine perplexity. Not indifference—he genuinely can't decide because both options have compelling value. This isn't death-wish but death-readiness balanced with ministry passion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul wrote facing real possibility of execution under Nero. His uncertainty about preference reveals authentic humanity—he's not detached Stoic, indifferent to life/death, but pastor torn between desire for Christ and fruitfulness among believers. Ancient readers would've found this candor remarkable—most philosophical schools prescribed indifference to death.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you view continued earthly life—as an opportunity for 'fruit of labor' or self-focused pursuits?
  2. If you could sovereignly choose life or death (like Paul hypothetically), what would guide your decision?
  3. What does Paul's perplexity teach about holding ministry calling and heaven-longing in tension?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
εἰ1 of 15

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 15

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

τὸ3 of 15
G3588

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

ζῆν4 of 15

“I live”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

ἐν5 of 15

“in”

G1722

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

σαρκί6 of 15

“the flesh”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

τοῦτό7 of 15

“this”

G5124

that thing

μοι8 of 15
G3427

to me

καρπὸς9 of 15

“is the fruit”

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

ἔργου10 of 15

“of my labour”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

καὶ11 of 15

“yet”

G2532

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

τί12 of 15

“what”

G5101

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

αἱρήσομαι13 of 15

“I shall choose”

G138

to take for oneself, i.e., to prefer

οὐ14 of 15

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γνωρίζω15 of 15

“I wot”

G1107

to make known; subjectively, to know

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 1:22 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 1:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 4:2Galatians 2:20Philippians 1:242 Corinthians 10:3Acts 3:17Psalms 71:18

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