King James Version

What Does Philippians 2:1 Mean?

Philippians 2:1 in the King James Version says “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels ...” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,”

Philippians 2:1 · KJV

ComfortLoveHoly Spirit

Context

1

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

2

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded , having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

3

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Read Philippians 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies (Εἴ τις οὖν παράκλησις ἐν Χριστῷ, εἴ τι παραμύθιον ἀγάπης, εἴ τις κοινωνία πνεύματος, εἴ τις σπλάγχνα καὶ οἰκτιρμοί, Ei tis oun paraklēsis en Christō, ei ti paramythion agapēs, ei tis koinōnia pneumatos, ei tis splanchna kai oiktirmoi)—Four ei tis ("if any") clauses aren't expressing doubt but assume reality: "since there is..." The fourfold appeal establishes grounds for Paul's coming exhortation (v. 2).

Paraklēsis ("encouragement, consolation") and paramythion ("comfort, solace") overlap semantically—strengthening through presence and words. Fellowship of the Spirit (κοινωνία πνεύματος, koinōnia pneumatos) could mean fellowship with the Spirit or fellowship produced by the Spirit (likely both). Splanchna ("bowels, compassion," see 1:8) and oiktirmoi ("mercies, compassion") are near-synonyms emphasizing tender affection. Paul grounds his appeal in Trinitarian realities: Christ's consolation, love's comfort, Spirit's fellowship, divine compassion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient rhetoric used ei tis constructions to build arguments from shared premises. Paul assumes Philippian believers have experienced these spiritual realities—they're not theoretical but experiential foundations. The appeal to shared experience in Christ creates basis for ethical exhortation. Ancient letters often used argumentation from mutual affection before making requests.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you personally experienced 'consolation in Christ' or 'fellowship of the Spirit' recently?
  2. Why does Paul ground his ethical appeal in Trinitarian realities before stating his request?
  3. Which of these four realities (consolation, comfort, fellowship, compassion) do you most need to remember?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
Εἴ1 of 19
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις2 of 19
G5100

some or any person or object

οὖν3 of 19

“If there be therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

παράκλησις4 of 19

“consolation”

G3874

imploration, hortation, solace

ἐν5 of 19

“in”

G1722

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

Χριστῷ6 of 19

“Christ”

G5547

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

εἴ7 of 19
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τι8 of 19
G5100

some or any person or object

παραμύθιον9 of 19

“comfort”

G3890

consolation (properly, concretely)

ἀγάπης10 of 19

“of love”

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

εἴ11 of 19
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις12 of 19
G5100

some or any person or object

κοινωνία13 of 19

“fellowship”

G2842

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

πνεύματος14 of 19

“of the 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

εἴ15 of 19
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τινα16 of 19
G5100

some or any person or object

σπλάγχνα17 of 19

“bowels”

G4698

an intestine (plural); figuratively, pity or sympathy

καὶ18 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

οἰκτιρμοί19 of 19

“mercies”

G3628

pity

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 2:1 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 2:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 3:121 John 4:121 John 4:7-82 Corinthians 13:14Colossians 2:2Psalms 133:1

Test Your Knowledge

Philippians 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPhilippians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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