King James Version

What Does Philippians 1:28 Mean?

Philippians 1:28 in the King James Version says “And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, a...” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Philippians 1:28 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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 ;

30

Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Read Philippians 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (καὶ μὴ πτυρόμενοι ἐν μηδενὶ ὑπὸ τῶν ἀντικειμένων, ἥτις ἐστὶν αὐτοῖς ἔνδειξις ἀπωλείας, ὑμῶν δὲ σωτηρίας, kai mē ptyromenoi en mēdeni hypo tōn antikeimenōn, hētis estin autois endeixis apōleias, hymōn de sōtērias)—Mē ptyromenoi ("not being frightened") comes from ptyromai ("to be startled, terrified"), used of horses spooked in battle. Antikeimenōn ("adversaries, opponents") could be Jews, Gentiles, or both.

Fearless witness is an evident token (ἔνδειξις, endeixis, "sign, proof, indication"). To adversaries, it signals their perdition (ἀπώλεια, apōleia, "destruction"); to believers, salvation (σωτηρία, sōtēria). And that of God (καὶ τοῦτο ἀπὸ θεοῦ, kai touto apo theou)—this sign comes from God, not human courage. God grants both the boldness and its evidential value. Persecution becomes eschatological indicator, confirming opponents' doom and believers' vindication.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christians faced social ostracism, economic boycott, legal persecution, and mob violence. Fearless witness under threat astonished persecutors—where did powerless Christians get such courage? Paul interprets this theologically: Spirit-given boldness demonstrates divine favor and foreshadows eschatological outcomes. Martyrs' composure often converted onlookers, fulfilling this 'sign' function.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'adversaries' threaten to terrify you into silence or compromise?
  2. How does your response to opposition serve as a 'sign' to watching unbelievers?
  3. How is fearlessness a gift 'from God' rather than natural temperament or courage?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

μὴ2 of 21
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πτυρόμενοι3 of 21

“terrified”

G4426

to frighten

ἐν4 of 21

“in”

G1722

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

μηδενὶ5 of 21

“nothing”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

ὑπὸ6 of 21

“by”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τῶν7 of 21
G3588

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

ἀντικειμένων8 of 21

“your adversaries”

G480

to lie opposite, i.e., be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to

ἥτις9 of 21

“which”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

αὐτοῖς10 of 21

“to them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

μέν11 of 21
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ἐστὶν12 of 21

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἔνδειξις13 of 21

“an evident token”

G1732

indication (abstractly)

ἀπωλείας14 of 21

“of perdition”

G684

ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal)

ὑμῖν15 of 21

“to you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

δὲ16 of 21

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

σωτηρίας17 of 21

“of salvation”

G4991

rescue or safety (physically or morally)

καὶ18 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

τοῦτο19 of 21

“that”

G5124

that thing

ἀπὸ20 of 21

“of”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

θεοῦ·21 of 21

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

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 1:28 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 1:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Timothy 1:7-82 Thessalonians 1:5-6Matthew 10:28Isaiah 51:72 Timothy 2:11-121 Peter 4:12-14

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