21For to me myself, to live is Christ and to die is gain. [1:22] If, however, to live in the flesh — this for me is fruit of labor; and what I will choose I do not know. [1:23] Now I am pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and to be with Christ — for that is very much more better — [1:24] but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for the sake of you. [1:25] And being persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy of the faith, [1:26] so that your ground of boasting in Christ Jesus may abound in me myself, through my presence again to you.
PHP 1:21-26
To Live Is Christ
In the world it was spoken into
In Philippi, a Roman colony, Paul’s audience would have understood his language of 'flesh' as a reference to earthly, mortal existence, often contrasted with the spiritual realm. The term 'to depart' would evoke the image of untying a ship’s moorings, suggesting a release from the bonds of life. For Roman citizens, the idea of 'progress' resonated with the Stoic ideal of moral advancement, while 'boasting' carried a positive sense of legitimate pride in one’s achievements or identity. Paul’s dilemma—choosing between life and death—would have been familiar to Stoic philosophers, who often debated the value of life versus the release of death. However, Paul frames his decision not in terms of personal gain but in terms of communal benefit, emphasizing his role in advancing the Philippians’ faith and joy. This communal focus would have contrasted sharply with the individualistic ethos of Greco-Roman philosophy.
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How other translations render this
PHP 1:21
- KJV
- For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
- BSB
- For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
- Koinōnos
- For to me myself, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
PHP 1:22
- KJV
- But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
- BSB
- But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know.
- Koinōnos
- If, however, to live in the flesh — this for me is fruit of labor; and what I will choose I do not know.
PHP 1:23
- KJV
- For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
- BSB
- I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.
- Koinōnos
- Now I am pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and to be with Christ — for that is very much more better —
PHP 1:24
- KJV
- Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
- BSB
- But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
- Koinōnos
- but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for the sake of you.
PHP 1:25
- KJV
- And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
- BSB
- Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,
- Koinōnos
- And being persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy of the faith,
PHP 1:26
- KJV
- That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
- BSB
- so that through my coming to you again your exultation in Christ Jesus will resound on account of me.
- Koinōnos
- so that your ground of boasting in Christ Jesus may abound in me myself, through my presence again to you.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
PHP 1:22
- flesh,:The word translated 'flesh' here refers to the physical body, often with an emphasis on its weakness or mortality, rather than just the soft tissue.
PHP 1:23
- to depart:The term translated 'to depart' can also carry the sense of 'to unmoor' or 'to set sail,' suggesting a journey or release rather than just leaving.
PHP 1:25
- progress:The word translated 'progress' originally referred to pioneers clearing a path or advancing on a journey, implying active forward movement and overcoming obstacles.
PHP 1:26
- boasting:The word translated 'boasting' refers to the ground or object of one's pride or confidence, not necessarily the act of boasting itself.