King James Version

What Does Philippians 1:5 Mean?

Philippians 1:5 in the King James Version says “For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;”

Philippians 1:5 · KJV

Context

3

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, remembrance: or, mention

4

Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

5

For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

6

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: perform: or, finish

7

Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. I have: or, ye have me in your heart of my: or, with me of grace

Read Philippians 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now (ἐπὶ τῇ κοινωνίᾳ ὑμῶν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, epi tē koinōnia hymōn eis to euangelion)—The noun koinōnia ("fellowship, partnership, participation") signifies active sharing in gospel advance, not mere social camaraderie. The preposition eis ("in, into, for") suggests purpose or sphere: partnership toward or for the sake of the gospel.

This fellowship was concrete: financial support (4:15-16), prayer support (1:19), and shared suffering (1:30). From the first day until now (ἀπὸ τῆς πρώτης ἡμέρας ἄχρι τοῦ νῦν, apo tēs prōtēs hēmeras achri tou nyn) marks decade-plus faithfulness. Philippi partnered with Paul when no other church did (4:15), sending aid to Thessalonica, Corinth, and now Rome. Their consistency proved gospel-partnership genuine.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'first day' was around AD 49-50 when Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke arrived in Philippi (Acts 16:11-40). Lydia, a businesswoman, opened her home; a slave girl was delivered; a jailer's household converted. By AD 60-62 (this letter's date), Philippi had supported Paul's mission for over a decade—rare loyalty in the ancient world's patron-client culture.

Reflection Questions

  1. What gospel-partnerships have you maintained faithfully 'from the first day until now'?
  2. How is your 'fellowship' in the gospel more than attendance—involving active sacrifice and support?
  3. Which missionaries or ministries could you partner with consistently as Philippi did with Paul?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἐπὶ1 of 13

“For”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῇ2 of 13
G3588

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

κοινωνίᾳ3 of 13

“fellowship”

G2842

partnership, i.e., (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction

ὑμῶν4 of 13

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

εἰς5 of 13

“in”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ6 of 13
G3588

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

εὐαγγέλιον7 of 13

“the gospel”

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

ἀπὸ8 of 13

“from”

G575

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

πρώτης9 of 13

“the first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

ἡμέρας10 of 13

“day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἄχρι11 of 13

“until”

G891

(of time) until or (of place) up to

τοῦ12 of 13
G3588

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

νῦν13 of 13

“now”

G3568

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

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 1:5 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 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 4:14-15Philippians 1:7Hebrews 3:14Philemon 1:171 John 1:3Acts 16:12-40

Test Your Knowledge

Philippians 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPhilippians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Philippians 1 with CommentaryAll Philippians ChaptersComplete Philippians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes