King James Version

What Does Philippians 4:16 Mean?

Philippians 4:16 in the King James Version says “For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. — study this verse from Philippians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Philippians 4:16 · KJV


Context

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.

18

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. I have all: or, I have received all


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity (ὅτι καὶ ἐν Θεσσαλονίκῃ καὶ ἅπαξ καὶ δὶς εἰς τὴν χρείαν μοι ἐπέμψατε, hoti kai en Thessalonikē kai hapax kai dis eis tēn chreian moi epempsate)—Kai en Thessalonikē ("even in Thessalonica")—Paul's next stop after Philippi (Acts 17:1-9). Hapax kai dis ("once and again," literally "once and twice")—repeated gifts. Eis tēn chreian ("unto my necessity")—they met his need. Philippian generosity began immediately and continued. Even when Paul was nearby (Thessalonica is ~100 miles from Philippi), they sent support. This documents decade-plus pattern: Philippi consistently, repeatedly, generously supported Paul's mission. Their current gift (v. 18) continues long precedent.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul spent only short time in Thessalonica (Acts 17:2—three Sabbaths minimum, possibly longer). Even during that brief ministry, Philippi sent multiple gifts. This reveals their economic capacity and spiritual generosity. Macedonia was economically depressed (2 Cor 8:1-2), yet Philippian church gave sacrificially. Their example shamed wealthier Corinthian church's stinginess. Acts doesn't mention these gifts; Paul's letters reveal behind-scenes financial partnerships sustaining mission.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Philippi's immediate, repeated giving ('once and again') teach about faithful financial partnership?
  2. How can economically struggling believers/churches model Philippi's sacrificial generosity?
  3. Who are the missionaries/ministers you support 'once and again' with consistent partnership?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ὅτι1 of 13

For

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καὶ2 of 13

and

G2532

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

ἐν3 of 13

in

G1722

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

Θεσσαλονίκῃ4 of 13

Thessalonica

G2332

thessalonice, a place in asia minor

καὶ5 of 13

and

G2532

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

ἅπαξ6 of 13
G530

one (or a single) time (numerically or conclusively)

καὶ7 of 13

and

G2532

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

δὶς8 of 13

again

G1364

twice

εἰς9 of 13

unto

G1519

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

τὴν10 of 13
G3588

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

χρείαν11 of 13

necessity

G5532

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

μοι12 of 13

my

G3427

to me

ἐπέμψατε13 of 13

ye sent

G3992

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term


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 4:16 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 4:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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