King James Version

What Does Philippians 2:19 Mean?

Philippians 2:19 in the King James Version says “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your s...” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. But: or, Moreover”

Philippians 2:19 · KJV

Comfort

Context

17

Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. offered: Gr. poured forth

18

For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

19

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. But: or, Moreover

20

For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. likeminded: or, so dear unto me

21

For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

Read Philippians 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state (Ἐλπίζω δὲ ἐν κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ Τιμόθεον ταχέως πέμψαι ὑμῖν, ἵνα κἀγὼ εὐψυχῶ γνοὺς τὰ περὶ ὑμῶν, Elpizō de en kyriō Iēsou Timotheon tacheōs pempsai hymin, hina kagō eupsychō gnous ta peri hymōn)—Elpizō...en kyriō Iēsou ("I hope/trust in the Lord Jesus") qualifies Paul's plan: hope grounded in Christ's will, not personal optimism. Timotheon tacheōs pempsai ("to send Timothy shortly") announces intended delegation. Tacheōs ("quickly, soon") suggests urgency.

Purpose: hina kagō eupsychō ("that I also may be encouraged"). Eupsychō ("be encouraged, be of good courage") combines eu ("good") + psychē ("soul")—literally "be good-souled." Gnous ta peri hymōn ("knowing the things concerning you") shows pastoral concern. Paul's comfort depends on knowing their spiritual state. Timothy serves as Paul's extension—assessing, encouraging, reporting. This begins a section (2:19-30) commending Timothy and Epaphroditus as Christlike examples.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Timothy was Paul's trusted delegate (Acts 16:1-3; 1 Cor 4:17; 16:10). Ancient communication was slow and uncertain—personal envoys were essential. Timothy's visit would strengthen Philippians and inform Paul. Philippians' love for Timothy (Acts 16) made him ideal. In 2:19-24 (Timothy) and 2:25-30 (Epaphroditus), Paul models the Christ-hymn's humility (2:5-11) in contemporary examples—living epistles of gospel values.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's 'trust in the Lord Jesus' (elpizō en kyriō Iēsou) model Christian planning versus presumption?
  2. What does Paul's dependence on knowing the Philippians' 'state' teach about pastoral concern?
  3. Who serves as a trusted 'Timothy' in your life—a faithful delegate and encourager?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Ἐλπίζω1 of 16

“I trust”

G1679

to expect or confide

δὲ2 of 16

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐν3 of 16

“in”

G1722

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

κυρίῳ4 of 16

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦ5 of 16

“Jesus”

G2424

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

Τιμόθεον6 of 16

“Timotheus”

G5095

dear to god; timotheus, a christian

ταχέως7 of 16

“shortly”

G5030

briefly, i.e., (in time) speedily, or (in manner) rapidly

πέμψαι8 of 16

“to send”

G3992

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

ὑμῖν9 of 16

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἵνα10 of 16

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

κἀγὼ11 of 16

“I also”

G2504

so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.

εὐψυχῶ12 of 16

“may be of good comfort”

G2174

to be in good spirits, i.e., feel encouraged

γνοὺς13 of 16

“when I know”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

τὰ14 of 16
G3588

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

περὶ15 of 16

“state”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ὑμῶν16 of 16

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

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 2:19 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 2:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 4:171 Thessalonians 3:6-81 Thessalonians 3:2Philippians 1:1Philippians 2:23-25Philippians 2:28

Test Your Knowledge

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

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