King James Version

What Does Philippians 4:3 Mean?

Philippians 4:3 in the King James Version says “And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and ... — study this verse from Philippians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

Philippians 4:3 · KJV


Context

1

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

2

I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

3

And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

4

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

5

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

Gnēsie syzuge ("true yokefellow")—identity unknown. Women synēthlesan ("contended together") in gospel work. Book of life (Phil 4:3; Rev 20:15) assures their salvation despite current conflict. This verse contributes to Philippians chapter 4's themes of joy, peace, contentment, and gratitude—Paul's prison epistle climax showing joy transcending circumstances through Christ's sufficiency.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Philippians chapter 4 concludes Paul's most joyful letter, written from Roman imprisonment (c. AD 60-62). The Philippian church, Paul's most faithful financial partner, sent support via Epaphroditus. Paul's gratitude, exhortations to joy and peace, and contentment teaching modeled Christ-centered living regardless of external circumstances—a powerful witness in the Roman world.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge your perspective on Help reconcile sisters?
  2. What specific application can you make from this teaching this week?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ's sufficiency in all circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
καὶ1 of 28

And

G2532

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

ἐρωτῶ2 of 28

I intreat

G2065

to interrogate; by implication, to request

καὶ3 of 28

And

G2532

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

σέ4 of 28

thee

G4571

thee

σύζυγε5 of 28

yokefellow

G4805

co-yoked, i.e., (figuratively) as noun, a colleague; probably rather as a proper name; syzygus, a christian

γνήσιε6 of 28

true

G1103

legitimate (of birth), i.e., genuine

συλλαμβάνου7 of 28

help

G4815

to clasp, i.e., seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication, to aid

αὐταῖς8 of 28

those women

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

αἵτινες9 of 28

which

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐν10 of 28

are in

G1722

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

τῷ11 of 28
G3588

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

εὐαγγελίῳ12 of 28

the gospel

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

συνήθλησάν13 of 28

laboured

G4866

to wrestle in company with, i.e., (figuratively) to seek jointly

μοι14 of 28

with me

G3427

to me

μετὰ15 of 28

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

καὶ16 of 28

And

G2532

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

Κλήμεντος17 of 28

Clement

G2815

merciful; clemes (i.e., clemens), a christian

καὶ18 of 28

And

G2532

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

τῶν19 of 28
G3588

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

λοιπῶν20 of 28

with other

G3062

remaining ones

συνεργῶν21 of 28

fellowlabourers

G4904

a co-laborer, i.e., coadjutor

μου22 of 28

my

G3450

of me

ὧν23 of 28

whose

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

τὰ24 of 28
G3588

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

ὀνόματα25 of 28

names

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

ἐν26 of 28

are in

G1722

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

βίβλῳ27 of 28

the book

G976

a scroll

ζωῆς28 of 28

of life

G2222

life (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 4:3 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 4:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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