King James Version

What Does Philippians 4:15 Mean?

Philippians 4:15 in the King James Version says “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicate... — study this verse from Philippians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Philippians 4:15 · KJV


Context

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.

17

Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (Οἴδατε δὲ καὶ ὑμεῖς, Φιλιππήσιοι, ὅτι ἐν ἀρχῇ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, ὅτε ἐξῆλθον ἀπὸ Μακεδονίας, οὐδεμία μοι ἐκκλησία ἐκοινώνησεν εἰς λόγον δόσεως καὶ λήμψεως εἰ μὴ ὑμεῖς μόνοι, Oidate de kai hymeis, Philippēsioi, hoti en archē tou euangeliou, hote exēlthon apo Makedonias, oudemia moi ekklēsia ekoinōnēsen eis logon doseōs kai lēmpseōs ei mē hymeis monoi)—En archē tou euangeliou ("in beginning of the gospel")—Paul's Macedonian mission (Acts 16-17, c. AD 49-50). Oudemia...ekklēsia ekoinōnēsen ("no church shared")—only Philippi partnered. Eis logon doseōs kai lēmpseōs ("in the matter of giving and receiving")—accounting language, commercial partnership. Ei mē hymeis monoi ("except you alone")—exclusive partnership. This verse begins historical review (vv. 15-16) establishing Philippi's unique, long-standing support. Their faithfulness from 'beginning' validates relationship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

When Paul left Philippi (Acts 17:1), he went to Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth. Philippi sent support multiple times (v. 16). Most churches didn't support Paul financially; he often worked tentmaking (Acts 18:3; 1 Cor 9:12-18). Corinth particularly failed to support him, causing tension (2 Cor 11:7-12). Philippi's consistent generosity distinguished them. Paul's refusal of some churches' support related to avoiding appearance of greed (1 Thess 2:5-9); he accepted Philippian gifts because their motives were pure.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Paul accept Philippian support but refuse it from other churches (e.g., Corinth)?
  2. What does exclusive, long-standing partnership ('from the beginning') teach about faithful giving?
  3. How can churches today embody Philippi's 'giving and receiving' (doseōs kai lēmpseōs) partnership?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
Οἴδατε1 of 27

know

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

δὲ2 of 27

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 27

also

G2532

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

ὑμεῖς4 of 27

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

Φιλιππήσιοι5 of 27

Philippians

G5374

a philippesian (philippian), i.e., native of philippi

ὅτι6 of 27

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐν7 of 27

in

G1722

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

ἀρχῇ8 of 27

the beginning

G746

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

τοῦ9 of 27
G3588

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

εὐαγγελίου10 of 27

of the gospel

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

ὅτε11 of 27

when

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἐξῆλθον12 of 27

I departed

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἀπὸ13 of 27

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

Μακεδονίας14 of 27

Macedonia

G3109

macedonia, a region of greece

οὐδεμία15 of 27

no

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

μοι16 of 27

me

G3427

to me

ἐκκλησία17 of 27

church

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

ἐκοινώνησεν18 of 27

communicated with

G2841

to share with others (objectively or subjectively)

εἰς19 of 27

as

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

λόγον20 of 27

concerning

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

δόσεως21 of 27

giving

G1394

a giving; by implication, (concretely) a gift

καὶ22 of 27

also

G2532

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

λήψεως,23 of 27

receiving

G3028

receipt (the act)

εἰ24 of 27
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ25 of 27
G3361

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

ὑμεῖς26 of 27

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

μόνοι27 of 27

only

G3441

remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere


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 4:15 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 4:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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