King James Version

What Does Philippians 1:27 Mean?

Philippians 1:27 in the King James Version says “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I... — study this verse from Philippians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Philippians 1:27 · KJV


Context

25

And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

26

That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

27

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

28

And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

29

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake ;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ (Μόνον ἀξίως τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τοῦ Χριστοῦ πολιτεύεσθε, Monon axiōs tou euangeliou tou Christou politeu esthe)—Monon ("only, above all") gives priority. Politeuesthe ("conduct yourselves as citizens") is political language, especially potent in Philippi, a Roman colony proud of its citizenship. Paul redefines citizenship around gospel allegiance, not Roman identity. Axiōs ("worthily, in a manner worthy") demands conduct matching gospel values.

That whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel (ἵνα...στήκετε ἐν ἑνὶ πνεύματι, μιᾷ ψυχῇ συναθλοῦντες τῇ πίστει τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, hina...stēkete en heni pneumati, mia psychē synathlountes tē pistei tou euangeliou)—Stēkete ("stand firm") is military. Synathlountes ("striving together, contending as athletes") combines athletic imagery with gospel mission. Unity (en heni pneumati, mia psychē) is essential for effective witness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Philippi's status as Roman colony (colonia) granted citizens ius Italicum—they were legally Romans living abroad. Paul subverts this by calling them to gospel-citizenship (cf. 3:20, "our citizenship is in heaven"). First-century churches faced external persecution and internal division; Paul's call to unified witness addressed both. Synathlountes evokes Greco-Roman athletic contests and military drills—shared struggle for common cause.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your 'citizenship' conduct reveal whether Rome (or your nation) or heaven is your ultimate polis?
  2. What would 'striving together' for the gospel look like practically in your church or community?
  3. Are you living in a manner 'worthy of the gospel' when Paul (or your pastors) are absent?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
Μόνον1 of 31

Only

G3440

merely

ἀξίως2 of 31

as it becometh

G516

appropriately

τοῦ3 of 31
G3588

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

εὐαγγελίου4 of 31

of the gospel

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

τοῦ5 of 31
G3588

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

Χριστοῦ6 of 31

of Christ

G5547

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

πολιτεύεσθε7 of 31

let your conversation be

G4176

to behave as a citizen (figuratively)

ἵνα8 of 31

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

εἴτε9 of 31

or

G1535

if too

ἐλθὼν10 of 31

I come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ11 of 31

and

G2532

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

ἰδὼν12 of 31

see

G1492

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

ὑμᾶς13 of 31

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

εἴτε14 of 31

or

G1535

if too

ἀπὼν15 of 31

else be absent

G548

to be away

ἀκούσω16 of 31

I may hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)

τὰ17 of 31
G3588

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

περὶ18 of 31

affairs

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ὑμῶν19 of 31

of your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ὅτι20 of 31

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

στήκετε21 of 31

ye stand fast

G4739

to be stationary, i.e., (figuratively) to persevere

ἐν22 of 31

in

G1722

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

μιᾷ23 of 31

one

G1520

one

πνεύματι24 of 31

spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

μιᾷ25 of 31

one

G1520

one

ψυχῇ26 of 31

mind

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

συναθλοῦντες27 of 31

striving together

G4866

to wrestle in company with, i.e., (figuratively) to seek jointly

τῇ28 of 31
G3588

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

πίστει29 of 31

for the faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

τοῦ30 of 31
G3588

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

εὐαγγελίου31 of 31

of the gospel

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel


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 1:27 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 1:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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