King James Version

What Does Philippians 4:14 Mean?

Philippians 4:14 in the King James Version says “Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. — study this verse from Philippians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

Philippians 4:14 · KJV


Context

12

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

14

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

15

Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

16

For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction (πλὴν καλῶς ἐποιήσατε συγκοινωνήσαντές μου τῇ θλίψει, plēn kalōs epoiēsate synkoinōnēsantes mou tē thlipsei)—Plēn ("nevertheless, yet") transitions from self-sufficiency (vv. 11-13) to gratitude for Philippian support. Kalōs epoiēsate ("you did well")—commendation. Synkoinōnēsantes mou tē thlipsei ("having shared with me in affliction")—synkoinōneō ("to share together, participate with") shows partnership. Their gift wasn't mere charity but koinōnia ("fellowship")—sharing Paul's suffering and mission. This balances vv. 11-13: Paul doesn't need them, but their giving blesses them (vv. 17, 19) and honors God. He's content alone yet grateful for partnership.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Philippian support was unique: they alone partnered financially with Paul consistently (v. 15). Their gift to imprisoned Paul showed courage (associating with prisoner was politically risky) and love. Paul's gratitude is warm but qualified—he doesn't want them feeling obligated or him appearing mercenary. His balance models pastoral receiving of support: grateful without being demanding, self-sufficient yet appreciative.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul balance contentment (vv. 11-13) with gratitude for support (v. 14) without contradiction?
  2. What does it mean to 'share in affliction' (synkoinōnēsantes tē thlipsei) beyond mere financial giving?
  3. How can you cultivate gratitude for others' support while maintaining contentment in Christ alone?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
πλὴν1 of 7

Notwithstanding

G4133

moreover (besides), i.e., albeit, save that, rather, yet

καλῶς2 of 7

ye have well

G2573

well (usually morally)

ἐποιήσατε3 of 7

done

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

συγκοινωνήσαντές4 of 7

that ye did communicate with

G4790

to share in company with, i.e., co-participate in

μου5 of 7

my

G3450

of me

τῇ6 of 7
G3588

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

θλίψει7 of 7

affliction

G2347

pressure (literally or figuratively)


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 4:14 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 4:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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