King James Version

What Does Philippians 4:17 Mean?

Philippians 4:17 in the King James Version says “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Philippians 4:17 · KJV

Context

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

19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Read Philippians 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account (οὐχ ὅτι ἐπιζητῶ τὸ δόμα, ἀλλὰ ἐπιζητῶ τὸν καρπὸν τὸν πλεονάζοντα εἰς λόγον ὑμῶν, ouch hoti epizētō to doma, alla epizētō ton karpon ton pleonazonta eis logon hymōn)—Ouch...epizētō to doma ("not that I seek the gift")—Paul again clarifies (cf. v. 11): he's not hinting for more support. Epizētō ton karpon ("I seek the fruit")—karpon ("fruit") is spiritual reward for them. Ton pleonazonta eis logon hymōn ("which increases to your account")—pleonazonta ("multiplying, abounding") and logon ("account") are financial terms. Giving produces dividends in God's economy. Paul's concern is their spiritual benefit, not his material gain. This echoes Jesus: treasures in heaven (Matt 6:19-21). Giving is investment in eternal dividends.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient patronage culture involved giving to gain status/favors. Paul subverts this: he doesn't seek gifts for himself but wants Philippians to gain eternal reward. This theology of giving as heavenly investment appears throughout Scripture (Prov 19:17; Matt 6:19-21; 2 Cor 9:6-11; 1 Tim 6:17-19). Generous giving 'abounds to account'—God keeps records and rewards. Paul's pastoral heart prioritizes their eternal good over his temporary comfort.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's focus on their 'account' (logon hymōn) challenge self-serving fundraising?
  2. What 'fruit' (karpon) abounds to your account through generous giving?
  3. How can you give in ways that store up heavenly treasures, not merely meet earthly needs?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
οὐχ1 of 14

“Not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ὅτι2 of 14

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐπιζητῶ3 of 14

“I desire”

G1934

to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave

τὸ4 of 14
G3588

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

δόμα5 of 14

“a gift”

G1390

a present

ἀλλ'6 of 14

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐπιζητῶ7 of 14

“I desire”

G1934

to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave

τὸν8 of 14
G3588

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

καρπὸν9 of 14

“fruit”

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

τὸν10 of 14
G3588

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

πλεονάζοντα11 of 14

“that may abound”

G4121

to do, make or be more, i.e., increase (transitively or intransitively); by extension, to superabound

εἰς12 of 14

“to”

G1519

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

λόγον13 of 14

“account”

G3056

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

ὑμῶν14 of 14

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

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 4:17 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 4:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Titus 3:14Hebrews 6:102 Corinthians 9:9-13John 15:8Titus 1:7Luke 14:12-14

Test Your Knowledge

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