King James Version

What Does Philippians 2:29 Mean?

Philippians 2:29 in the King James Version says “Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: hold: or, honor such” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Philippians 2:29 · KJV

Context

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

30

Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

Read Philippians 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation (προσδέχεσθε οὖν αὐτὸν ἐν κυρίῳ μετὰ πάσης χαρᾶς, καὶ τοὺς τοιούτους ἐντίμους ἔχετε, prosdechesthe oun auton en kyriō meta pasēs charas, kai tous toioutous entimous echete)—Prosdechesthe ("receive, welcome") is present imperative. En kyriō ("in the Lord") qualifies the reception—as fellow believer, not mere courtesy. Meta pasēs charas ("with all joy") commands celebration, not mere acceptance. Paul anticipates potential misunderstanding: Epaphroditus returns before completing his mission (attending Paul throughout imprisonment); some might see failure.

Tous toioutous entimous echete ("hold such in honor/reputation")—toioutous ("such ones") generalizes beyond Epaphroditus to all like him. Entimous ("honored, esteemed, precious") calls for high regard. In honor-shame culture, recognizing servants was countercultural. Paul ensures Epaphroditus receives hero's welcome, not criticism. The command to honor such workers ("hold in reputation") applies generally to faithful, self-sacrificing ministers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman culture honored victors, not servants; conquerors, not sufferers. Paul demands honor for Epaphroditus, who nearly died serving. This reflects Christ-hymn values (2:5-11): those who humble themselves are exalted; servants deserve honor. Churches sometimes dishonor faithful workers who return 'early' from missions or ministry due to health or circumstances. Paul preempts this injustice by commanding joyful, honoring reception.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you 'receive in the Lord with all joy' (prosdechesthe en kyriō meta charas) those returning from ministry?
  2. Who are the 'such ones' (toioutous) in your church deserving honor but rarely receiving it?
  3. How can you practically 'hold in reputation' (entimous echete) sacrificial servants this week?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
προσδέχεσθε1 of 13

“Receive”

G4327

to admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await (with confidence or patience)

οὖν2 of 13

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

αὐτὸν3 of 13

“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

ἐν4 of 13

“in”

G1722

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

κυρίῳ5 of 13

“the Lord”

G2962

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

μετὰ6 of 13

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

πάσης7 of 13

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

χαρᾶς8 of 13

“gladness”

G5479

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

καὶ9 of 13

“and”

G2532

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

τοὺς10 of 13
G3588

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

τοιούτους11 of 13

“such”

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

ἐντίμους12 of 13

“in reputation”

G1784

valued (figuratively)

ἔχετε13 of 13

“hold”

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 2:29 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 2:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 5:121 Timothy 5:171 Corinthians 16:18Romans 16:2Matthew 10:40-411 Corinthians 16:10

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Philippians 2 with CommentaryAll Philippians ChaptersComplete Philippians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes