King James Version

What Does Philippians 2:22 Mean?

Philippians 2:22 in the King James Version says “But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.”

Philippians 2:22 · KJV

Context

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.

22

But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

23

Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

24

But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

Read Philippians 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel (τὴν δὲ δοκιμὴν αὐτοῦ γινώσκετε, ὅτι ὡς πατρὶ τέκνον σὺν ἐμοὶ ἐδούλευσεν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, tēn de dokimēn autou ginōskete, hoti hōs patri teknon syn emoi edouleusen eis to euangelion)—Dokimēn ("proof, tested character") is metallurgical—tested metal proven genuine. Ginōskete ("you know") appeals to Philippians' direct experience. Hōs patri teknon ("as a child to a father") describes Paul-Timothy relationship. Teknon ("child") emphasizes affection, not merely huios (legal son-status).

Syn emoi edouleusen ("he served with me")—edouleusen ("he served as a slave") recalls doulos ("slave") from 2:7 (Christ's slave-form). Eis to euangelion ("unto/for the gospel") identifies the cause. Timothy served with Paul, not under him—though the father-son metaphor suggests subordination. This balance—filial affection and partnership—marks ideal Christian relationships. Timothy's proven character (dokimē) over years of ministry validated his delegation. He embodies Christ-hymn values in action.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Timothy joined Paul's team during the second missionary journey (Acts 16:1-3), meaning he was with Paul when Philippi was founded. The Philippians knew Timothy personally and had witnessed his faithful service for over a decade. In Greco-Roman culture, father-son relationships involved both authority and inheritance. Paul adopts this metaphor for spiritual mentorship—Timothy is spiritual son and ministry heir.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who has 'proven character' (dokimē) in your observation—tested and found genuine?
  2. How can you serve 'with' (syn) leaders like Timothy served with Paul—partnership under authority?
  3. What does it mean to 'serve as a slave' (douleusen) 'for the gospel' (eis to euangelion) in your context?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
τὴν1 of 15
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 15

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

δοκιμὴν3 of 15

“the proof”

G1382

test (abstractly or concretely); by implication, trustiness

αὐτοῦ4 of 15

“of him”

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

γινώσκετε5 of 15

“ye know”

G1097

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

ὅτι6 of 15

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὡς7 of 15

“as”

G5613

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

πατρὶ8 of 15

“with the father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

τέκνον9 of 15

“a son”

G5043

a child (as produced)

σὺν10 of 15

“with”

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

ἐμοὶ11 of 15

“me”

G1698

to me

ἐδούλευσεν12 of 15

“he hath served”

G1398

to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)

εἰς13 of 15

“in”

G1519

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

τὸ14 of 15
G3588

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

εὐαγγέλιον15 of 15

“the gospel”

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

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 2:22 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 2:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 4:172 Corinthians 2:92 Timothy 1:21 Timothy 1:2Acts 16:3-121 Timothy 1:18

Test Your Knowledge

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