King James Version

What Does Philippians 2:27 Mean?

Philippians 2:27 in the King James Version says “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 hav...” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Philippians 2:27 · KJV

Context

25

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.

26

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

27

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.

28

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

29

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: hold: or, honor such

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (καὶ γὰρ ἠσθένησεν παραπλήσιον θανάτῳ· ἀλλὰ ὁ θεὸς ἠλέησεν αὐτόν, οὐκ αὐτὸν δὲ μόνον ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐμέ, ἵνα μὴ λύπην ἐπὶ λύπην σχῶ, kai gar ēsthenēsen paraplēsion thanatō; alla ho theos ēleēsen auton, ouk auton de monon alla kai eme, hina mē lypēn epi lypēn schō)—Ēsthenēsen paraplēsion thanatō ("he was sick near to death")—paraplēsion ("close to, near") shows how critical his condition was. Alla ho theos ēleēsen auton ("but God had mercy on him")—ēleēsen ("showed mercy") attributes recovery to divine compassion, not medicine or fortune.

Ouk auton...alla kai eme ("not him only but me also")—God's mercy extended to Paul by sparing his grief. Hina mē lypēn epi lypēn schō ("lest I have sorrow upon sorrow")—lypēn epi lypēn ("sorrow upon sorrow") would've been Epaphroditus's death added to Paul's imprisonment. God's mercy prevented compounded grief. This reveals Paul's tender heart—he would've been devastated losing Epaphroditus. It also shows Paul didn't presume apostolic healing power on demand—he depended on God's mercy.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's lack of healing Epaphroditus is significant. Though Paul performed miracles (Acts 19:11-12), he couldn't heal at will (2 Tim 4:20; 1 Tim 5:23 advise Timothy's medical care). Apostolic miracles were signs (2 Cor 12:12), not automatic gifts. Epaphroditus's recovery was answered prayer, not apostolic command. Paul's gratitude for God's mercy shows humility—he received healing as gift, not right. Ancient medicine was limited; serious illness often meant death.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when healing doesn't come immediately or miraculously, as in Epaphroditus's case?
  2. What does Paul's emotional vulnerability ('sorrow upon sorrow') teach about pastoral relationships?
  3. How does recognizing recovery as 'God's mercy' (theos ēleēsen) differ from treating health as entitlement?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

“also”

G2532

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

γὰρ2 of 23

“For”

G1063

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

ἠσθένησεν3 of 23

“he was sick”

G770

to be feeble (in any sense)

παραπλήσιον4 of 23

“nigh”

G3897

close by, i.e., (figuratively) almost

θανάτῳ·5 of 23

“unto death”

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

ἀλλὰ6 of 23

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὁ7 of 23
G3588

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

θεὸς8 of 23

“God”

G2316

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

αὐτὸν9 of 23

“on 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

ἠλέησεν10 of 23

“had mercy”

G1653

to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)

οὐκ11 of 23

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

αὐτὸν12 of 23

“on 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

δὲ13 of 23

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

μόνον14 of 23

“only”

G3440

merely

ἀλλὰ15 of 23

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

καὶ16 of 23

“also”

G2532

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

ἐμέ17 of 23

“on me”

G1691

me

ἵνα18 of 23
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ19 of 23
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

λύπῃ20 of 23

“sorrow”

G3077

sadness

ἐπὶ21 of 23

“upon”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

λύπῃ22 of 23

“sorrow”

G3077

sadness

σχῶ23 of 23

“I should have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

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 2:27 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 2:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 34:19Philippians 2:302 Corinthians 2:71 Corinthians 10:13Psalms 103:3-4Acts 9:37

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