King James Version

What Does Philippians 2:30 Mean?

Philippians 2:30 in the King James Version says “Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Philippians 2:30 · KJV

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me (ὅτι διὰ τὸ ἔργον Χριστοῦ μέχρι θανάτου ἤγγισεν, παραβολευσάμενος τῇ ψυχῇ, ἵνα ἀναπληρώσῃ τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα τῆς πρός με λειτουργίας, hoti dia to ergon Christou mechri thanatou ēngisen, paraboleusamenos tē psychē, hina anaplērōsē to hymōn hysterēma tēs pros me leitourgias)—Dia to ergon Christou ("because of the work of Christ") identifies cause: Epaphroditus nearly died in gospel service. Mechri thanatou ēngisen ("he came near to death")—mechri recalls Christ's obedience "unto death" (2:8). Epaphroditus follows Christ's pattern.

Paraboleusamenos tē psychē ("having risked his life")—paraboleuomai ("to risk, gamble, hazard") is gambling language. He gambled his psychē ("life, soul"). Purpose: hina anaplērōsē to hymōn hysterēma ("to supply your lack")—anaplēroō ("fill up, complete") what was hysterēma ("lacking, deficiency"). Tēs pros me leitourgias ("of your service toward me")—leitourgias ("service, ministry") is the support they couldn't personally deliver. Epaphroditus represented them. His near-death completed their service. This verse climaxes the section (vv. 25-30): Epaphroditus embodied Christ-hymn self-giving (2:5-11), deserving highest honor (v. 29).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 800+ mile journey from Philippi to Rome was dangerous. Epaphroditus risked everything to represent the Philippians. 'Risking his life' (paraboleusamenos) language later inspired early church orders of parabolani—believers who risked infection to care for plague victims. Epaphroditus is their prototype. Completing the Philippians' 'lack of service' doesn't criticize them—distance prevented personal care; Epaphroditus stood in their place. Honor belongs to proxy servants.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who has 'risked their life' (paraboleusamenos) in service to Christ and to you?
  2. How does Epaphroditus's near-death 'for the work of Christ' (dia to ergon Christou) exemplify 2:5-11?
  3. What 'lack of service' (hysterēma leitourgias) can you supply for others unable to serve directly?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ὅτι1 of 21

“Because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

διὰ2 of 21

“for”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸ3 of 21
G3588

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

ἔργον4 of 21

“the work”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

τοῦ5 of 21
G3588

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

Χριστοῦ6 of 21

“of Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

μέχρι7 of 21

“unto”

G3360

as far as, i.e., up to a certain point (as a preposition, of extent (denoting the terminus, whereas g0891 refers especially to the space of time or pl

θανάτου8 of 21

“death”

G2288

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

ἤγγισεν9 of 21

“he was nigh”

G1448

to make near, i.e., (reflexively) approach

παραβουλευσάμενος10 of 21

“not regarding”

G3851

to misconsult, i.e., disregard

τῇ11 of 21
G3588

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

ψυχῇ12 of 21

“his life”

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

ἵνα13 of 21

“to”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἀναπληρώσῃ14 of 21

“supply”

G378

to complete; by implication, to occupy, supply; figuratively, to accomplish (by coincidence ot obedience)

τὸ15 of 21
G3588

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

ὑμῶν16 of 21

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ὑστέρημα17 of 21

“lack”

G5303

a deficit; specially, poverty

τῆς18 of 21
G3588

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

πρός19 of 21

“toward”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

με20 of 21

“me”

G3165

me

λειτουργίας21 of 21

“of service”

G3009

public function (as priest ("liturgy") or almsgiver)

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 2:30 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 2:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 16:17Acts 20:24Philippians 4:10Philippians 4:182 Corinthians 12:151 Corinthians 16:10

Test Your Knowledge

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

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