King James Version

What Does Philippians 1:8 Mean?

Philippians 1:8 in the King James Version says “For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Philippians 1:8 · KJV

Context

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.

9

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; judgment: or, sense

10

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; approve: or, try are: or, differ

Read Philippians 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ (μάρτυς γάρ μου ὁ θεὸς ὡς ἐπιποθῶ πάντας ὑμᾶς, martys gar mou ho theos hōs epipothō pantas hymas)—Paul invokes God as witness (martys) to his internal affection, following ancient oath patterns. Epipothō ("I long for, yearn for") expresses intense desire, the same verb used of deer panting for water (Ps 42:1 LXX).

In the bowels of Jesus Christ (ἐν σπλάγχνοις Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ, en splanchnois Christou Iēsou)—Splanchna (literally "intestines, inward parts") metaphorically signifies deep compassion and affection. Paul's longing is not mere human sentiment but Christ-shaped love; he loves the Philippians with Christ's own affections. This phrase reveals union with Christ produces Christlike emotions toward others—transformed affections, not just doctrine.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Mediterranean culture located emotions in bodily organs (heart, kidneys, bowels) rather than abstractly. Splanchna appears frequently in Philippians (1:8, 2:1) and Paul's letters as the seat of compassionate love. Invoking God as witness to emotions was serious—false oaths invited divine judgment. Paul's oath underscores the authenticity and intensity of his pastoral love.

Reflection Questions

  1. What would it mean for you to love others 'in the bowels of Jesus Christ' rather than your own capacity?
  2. How can we cultivate affections shaped by union with Christ, not just correct doctrine about Him?
  3. Who could honestly say of you what Paul says here—that you long after them with Christlike compassion?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
μάρτυς1 of 14

“record”

G3144

a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"

γάρ2 of 14

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

μου3 of 14

“my”

G3450

of me

ἐστιν4 of 14

“is”

G2076

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

ὁ5 of 14
G3588

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

θεός6 of 14

“God”

G2316

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

ὡς7 of 14

“how”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἐπιποθῶ8 of 14

“greatly I long after”

G1971

to dote upon, i.e., intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully)

πάντας9 of 14

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑμᾶς10 of 14

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐν11 of 14

“in”

G1722

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

σπλάγχνοις12 of 14

“the bowels”

G4698

an intestine (plural); figuratively, pity or sympathy

Ἰησοῦ13 of 14

“of Jesus”

G2424

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

Χριστοῦ14 of 14

“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 1:8 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 1:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 1:9Philippians 4:11 Thessalonians 2:82 Timothy 1:4Romans 9:1Colossians 2:1

Test Your Knowledge

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

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