King James Version

What Does Philippians 2:26 Mean?

“For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.”

Context

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

Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **For he longed after** **you all. . . .**—The two clauses of the verse are distinct from each other. St. Paul’s first reason for sending Epaphroditus was in itself a sufficient one, that in his convalescence he yearned for home, and needed a change thither. The original is strong, *because he was continually longing* (see Philippians 1:8; Philippians 4:1) *for you all.* But besides this he was “full of heaviness,” or more properly, *distressed and uneasy, *because of the effect which the news of his apparently fatal illness might cause at home.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 2:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.