King James Version

What Does Philippians 4:8 Mean?

Philippians 4:8 in the King James Version says “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever thin... — study this verse from Philippians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. honest: or, venerable

Philippians 4:8 · KJV


Context

6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. honest: or, venerable

9

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

10

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. hath: or, is revived


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Eightfold hosa ("whatever is...") list: alēthē, semna, dikaia, hagna, prosphilē, euphēma (true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable). Logizesthe ("think on, reckon")—cultivate virtuous thought-life. 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 Virtuous thinking?
  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 · 25 words
Τὸ1 of 25
G3588

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

λοιπόν2 of 25

Finally

G3063

something remaining (adverbially)

ἀδελφοί3 of 25

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ὅσα4 of 25

whatsoever things

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἐστὶν5 of 25

are

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἀληθῆ6 of 25

true

G227

true (as not concealing)

ὅσα7 of 25

whatsoever things

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

σεμνά8 of 25

are honest

G4586

venerable, i.e., honorable

ὅσα9 of 25

whatsoever things

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

δίκαια10 of 25

are just

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

ὅσα11 of 25

whatsoever things

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἁγνά12 of 25

are pure

G53

properly, clean, i.e., (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect

ὅσα13 of 25

whatsoever things

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

προσφιλῆ14 of 25

are lovely

G4375

friendly towards, i.e., acceptable

ὅσα15 of 25

whatsoever things

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

εὔφημα16 of 25

are of good report

G2163

well spoken of, i.e., reputable

εἴ17 of 25
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις18 of 25
G5100

some or any person or object

ἀρετὴ19 of 25

virtue

G703

properly, manliness (valor), i.e., excellence (intrinsic or attributed)

καὶ20 of 25

and

G2532

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

εἴ21 of 25
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις22 of 25
G5100

some or any person or object

ἔπαινος23 of 25

praise

G1868

laudation; concretely, a commendable thing

ταῦτα24 of 25

on these things

G5023

these things

λογίζεσθε·25 of 25

think

G3049

to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (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 4:8 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 4:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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