King James Version

What Does Philippians 1:6 Mean?

Philippians 1:6 in the King James Version says “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus C...” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Philippians 1:6 · KJV

Context

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

8

For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (πεποιθὼς αὐτὸ τοῦτο, pepoithōs auto touto, "having been persuaded of this very thing")—Paul's confidence rests not in Philippian resolve but divine faithfulness. The participle pepoithōs (perfect tense) indicates settled persuasion. He which hath begun (ὁ ἐναρξάμενος, ho enarxamenos) attributes initiation to God; will perform (ἐπιτελέσει, epitelesei, future indicative) guarantees completion.

A good work (ἔργον ἀγαθόν, ergon agathon) refers to salvific transformation, not mere moral improvement. Until the day of Jesus Christ (ἄχρι ἡμέρας Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ, achri hēmeras Christou Iēsou) is the Parousia, Christ's return. This verse grounds assurance of perseverance: God who began salvation will complete it eschatologically. Philippians' gospel-partnership evidenced God's work, not self-generated religion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The theology of divine preservation countered both legalistic self-effort and libertine presumption in the early church. Paul's confidence was empirical—Philippi's decade of faithfulness demonstrated authentic regeneration. The 'day of Jesus Christ' echoed OT 'day of the Lord' but focused on Christ's return as Judge and Consummator (cf. 1 Cor 1:8, 2 Cor 1:14).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does confidence in God's completing work differ from presumption or passivity?
  2. What 'good work' has God begun in you, and how do you see evidence of His ongoing progress?
  3. How should the certainty of completion 'until the day of Jesus Christ' shape daily discipleship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
πεποιθὼς1 of 15

“Being confident”

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

αὐτὸ2 of 15

“very thing”

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

τοῦτο3 of 15

“of this”

G5124

that thing

ὅτι4 of 15

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὁ5 of 15
G3588

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

ἐναρξάμενος6 of 15

“he which hath begun”

G1728

to commence on

ἐν7 of 15

“in”

G1722

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

ὑμῖν8 of 15

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἔργον9 of 15

“work”

G2041

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

ἀγαθὸν10 of 15

“a good”

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

ἐπιτελέσει11 of 15

“will perform”

G2005

to fulfill further (or completely), i.e., execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo

ἄχρις12 of 15

“it until”

G891

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

ἡμέρας13 of 15

“the 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

Ἰησοῦ·14 of 15

“of Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ15 of 15

“Christ”

G5547

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

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 1:6 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 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24Philippians 2:13Ephesians 4:12Hebrews 13:20-21Psalms 138:81 Peter 5:10

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