Philippians 2 (BHT-ATN)

“You Are to Have the Same Humble Attitude as Messiah Jesus”

1 Therefore, if there is in union with the Messiah any help and strength and encouragement at all,+ if there is any solace afforded by love, if there is any fellowship with the Spirit, if there is any affection and compassion, 2 then fill my heart with joy by having the same humble attitude, sharing the same love, being united in spirit, setting your minds on the one goal,+ 3 doing nothing out of selfish ambition or a prideful and exaggerated view of yourselves,+ but in humility regarding one another as being of higher rank than yourselves, 4 each of you looking out not merely for your own interests, but especially for those of others. 5 You are to have the same humble attitude as Messiah Jesus,

6 who, though being in very nature God,+

did not regard his equality with God

as something to be exploited to his own advantage,+

7 but instead gave up his privileges and his glory,++

taking on the very nature of a slave,

sharing in the very weakness and mortality of the human race, though without sin.+

And having appeared indeed in human form as a real man,+

8 he humbled himself,

becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

9 That is why God exalted him to the place of highest honor and power,

and bestowed on him the name that is above every other name,+

10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow,+

in the heavens and on the earth and in Sheol,+

11 and every tongue openly acknowledge that Jesus the Messiah is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.+

12 So then, just as you have been obedient, my dear friends, on every occasion—not only when I was with you, but now even more so in my absence—it is with fear and trembling that you are to continually see to your own salvation’s fruitfulness,+ 13 seeing that the one who is at work inside+ you bringing about the resolve and the ability to do what pleases him is God.++ 14 Do all things without complaining or quarreling,+ 15 so that you may become blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the sky,+ 16 holding fast to+ the very word of life. Then I will have something about which to sing+ in the Day of Messiah,+ namely, that it wasn’t for nothing that I ran the race, or for nothing that I worked so hard.+ 17 Yet if I am indeed to go on being poured out+ like a drink offering+ accompanying+ the sacrifice and help flowing from your faith,+ I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 In the same way, you, too, should yourselves be glad and rejoice with me.

“I Hope in Union with the Lord Jesus to Send to You, Very Soon, Timothy”

19 Now, I hope in union with the Lord Jesus to send to you, very soon, Timothy, so that I, too, can take courage from the news he brings back of how you are getting along.+ 20 I have no one else, you see, who cares about you as much as I do,+ who is so genuine in his concern for your welfare. 21 For when it comes to all the others, it is their own advantage, not the interests and concerns of Jesus the Messiah, that they are pursuing.+ 22 Timothy’s+ proven character and reliability, however, you know, how he has served with me in the work of the gospel just like a son with his father. 23 While him, therefore, I hope to send as soon as I see how things are going to turn out for me, 24 I am convinced in union with the Lord that I myself will also be able to make a visit to you soon.

25 I do consider it very important to go ahead and send back to you, however, Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and the messenger you sent to bring help for my needs, 26 because he misses all of you so very much and is distressed because he learned that you had received news of his illness. 27 Indeed, he became so sick that he almost died, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but also on me, sparing me even greater grief and sorrow. 28 It is with special urgency, therefore, that I am sending him, so that upon seeing him you can be glad again,+ and I, too, have my own anxiety put to rest. 29 Welcome him in union with the Lord with the greatest of joy, therefore, and people like him hold in very high regard, 30 because it was for the work of the Messiah that he nearly died, risking his life to give me the help that all of you gave through him.+

+1:1Lit the saints/holy ones. ME(OTB)/IT (see Timothy Miller, “Paul’s Priestly Mission and Salvation from the Coming Wrath: A Missiological Probe of Romans 15:16 and the Question of Divine Anger through the Worldview of Leviticus” [PhD diss., Columbia International University, 2024]).+1:1Or including, with. In this context, σύν ( sun) is nearly synonymous with καὶ ( kai) (see BDAG, 962, sv 3.a.β.), and, because overseers and deacons are obviously included in the “saints,” most likely means “including” or “especially” in this context (see ESS [Php], 13; UBSHS [Php], 7). Cf HCSB, NCV, NLT, TEV.+1:1Or helpers, or servants. In Paul’s lifetime, the word used here (διάκονος [ diakonos]), though describing some sort of leadership role related to certain responsibilities in the assembly (probably with a focus on financial matters, as an assistant), was most likely not yet used in a specialized or technical sense (see BDAG, 230, sv διάκονος 2; UBSHS [Rm], 290; UBSHS [Php], 7). Cf TEV; NCV at Rm 16:1.+1:2Unless otherwise marked (through superscript—ˢyou), all second person pronouns are in the second person plural.+1:5Lit because of your fellowship, or because of your close association. ME (see BDAG, 552, sv κοινωνία a.; translation and notes at Ga 2:9).+1:5Lit from the first day. ME/IT (see UBSHS [Php], 12).+1:6Or among.+1:7Drawing from the UBSHS in translation here (see UBSHS [Php], 13).+1:7Or because of the love and affection that you have for me. Lit because of the me to have in my heart you, or because of you to have in your heart me. ME (see BDAG, sv καρδία 1.b.ζ.). Cf NEB, REB, TNT.+1:7Lit sharers of my grace. ME (see BDAG, 1080, sv χάρις 4; Ibid, 952, sv συγκοινωνός; ESS [Php], 24; UBSHS [Php], 14). V 6 (“he who began a good work”), indicates that the power of God that is graciously given is primarily in view here. Cf Eph 1:17-20; 1 Th 2:13, 5:23-24; 2 Co 12:9.+1:8Lit how I long for all of you with the entrails of Messiah Jesus. ME(I/F) (see BDAG, 938, sv σπλάγχνον 3; L-N, 25.47, 25.49).+1:10Maintaining consistency in translation with Rm 2:18 (see translation and notes there).+1:10Or so that, or and as a result. Purpose, result, or further discourse are all conceivable here, and in fact may be overlapping.+1:10Or pure, or sincere.+1:10Or on, or until.+1:11Cf Jn 15:1-11; Ga 2:17-20.+1:12Lit the things according to me. ME (see UBSHS [Php], 19).+1:13Lit as a result. Drawing from the UBSHS in translation here (see UBSHS [Php], 20).+1:13Lit so that my bonds have become manifest in the Messiah in all the praetorium and to all the rest. ME (see UBSHS [Php], 20-21). Cf HCSB, NCV, NET, NLT, TEV. The mismatch in languages here is obvious.+1:17Cf Phps.+1:18Lit For what? ME (see BDAG, 1007, sv τίς 1.a. β ה.). Cf HCSB, ISV, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+1:19Or salvation.+1:19Jb 13:16 (LXX)+1:19Cf NAB.+1:20Lit my eager expectation and hope. ME (see BSL, Php 1:20, sv ἐλπίς; NET Bible Notes, Php 1:20; translation and notes at 2 Co 1:7). The phrase here is interpreted as a hendiadys. This is reflected in the translation. Cf NET, NJB.+1:20Or disappointed, or put to shame.+1:20Or the Messiah will be honored, or the Messiah will be exalted. Lit the Messiah will be magnified, or the Messiah will be enlarged. Cf REB. The ESL has “to make conspicuous” as a metaphorical use of μεγαλύνω ( megalunō) (see ESL, #3170). Passages like 2 Cor 4:7-18 and Col 1:24 (see translation and notes there; cf also 2 Co 12:7-10), where Paul’s body (as the “instrument of human experience and suffering”; see BDAG, 983, sv σῶμα 1.b.) is described as the place where the Messiah’s life and sufferings are displayed in context to his ministry and witness, cause me to lean in favor of the interpretation reflected in the text.+1:21Cf 2 Cor 2:14-17, 4:7-18; Col 1:24.+1:22Lit If the to go on living in the flesh. Translated according to “Flesh” C, G (see FBT Chart).+1:25Lit for your progress and joy of/in the faith. ME. Cf translation and note at 1 Th 3:10.+1:26Lit so that your boast/reason to boast may abound in Christ Jesus in me. ME (see translation and notes at 1 Co 1:31 and 2 Co 1:14; UBSHS [Php], 37). Cf JB, NLT. The Greek here is somewhat ambiguous (for further discussion, see UBSHS [Php], 37).+1:26Cf Phps.+1:27Cf NIV, TNT.+1:27Cf TEV.+1:27Or competing in the games side by side.+1:27Or for the faith, that is, the gospel; or for the faith based on the gospel.+1:28Cf translation and notes at 2 Th 1:5.+1:28Cf Rm 2:1-5; 2 Th 1:5.+1:29Or on behalf of the Messiah.+1:29Lit to you has been graciously granted the for the sake of/on behalf of the Messiah, not only to be believing in him, but also to be suffering for his sake/on his behalf. ME (see UBSHS [Php], 43). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+1:29Cf Ac 5:41.+2:1Lit any encouragement/comfort/consolation/help/strength. For the range of meaning possible with παράκλησις ( paraklēsis), see translation and notes at 2 Co 1:4.+2:2Lit the one thing. Cf HCSB.+2:3Lit according to vainglory. ME (see translation and notes at Ga 5:26).+2:6Lit in the form of God. ME (see L-N, 58.2; NET Bible Notes, Php 2:6; UBSHS [Php], 56). Cf Gdspd, Mft, Phps, NEB, NIV, NLT, TEV. The Greek word used here (μορφή [ morphē]) “denotes an essential form of something which never alters, a form which corresponds to an underlying reality” ( UBSHS [Php], 56).+2:6Or as something to be forcibly retained, or as something to be forcefully seized. Cf HCSB, NCV, NRSV.+2:7Lit emptied himself. ME (see BDAG, sv κενόω 1.b.; UBSHS [Php], 59). Cf NLT, TEV.+2:7Cf Jn 17:5.+2:7Lit having become in the likeness of men. ME (see NET Bible Notes, Php 2:7; translation and notes at Rm 8:3).+2:7Lit and having been found in form as a man. ME (see BDAG, 412, sv εὑρίσκω 2; NET Bible Notes, Php 2:7; UBSHS [Php], 60). Correspondence with reality is again implied here.+2:9Cf Re 2:26-28, 3:21.+2:10A reference to Is 45:23.+2:10Lit under the earth, or subterranean. ME (OTB) (see translation and notes at Mt 11:23; UBSHS [Php], 63). Cf Lk 8:31,16:19-31; Rm 10:7; 1 Pt 3:19; 2 Pt 2:4; Jud 6; Re 9:1, 20:1.+2:11Cf Is 45:23; Rm 14:10-11.+2:12Lit do [thoroughly]/accomplish [thoroughly] your salvation. ME. In this context κατεργάζομαι (katergazomai) means “to put into effect entirely or thoroughly” ( BSL, Phil 2:12, sv). It seems clear that here Paul is referring to ongoing Christian obedience (see Gordon D. Fee, Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, The New International Commentary on the New Testament [Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1995], 232). It also seems that Paul is referring to the same idea as he mentions in in 2 Cor 6:1 (“don’t receive the grace of God in vain” [CSB]), only stated here in positive rather than negative terms. At 1 Thess 2:1 the REB translates κενός as “fruitless.” Stated positively, this would mean the “fruitfulness” of obedience. Hence the rendering here. Cf NLT. See also NAC (Php), 109. That the NAC is in fact correct in its interpretation here (“personal salvation brings with it...the responsibility...to live in accord with their salvation” [p 109]), is confirmed (1) by the immediate context (“just as you have obeyed” [v 12a]); (2) by the broader context of Philippians (cf Php 1:27); and (3) similar statements made in other parts of the Pauline corpus (see, eg, 1 Th 2:12, 4:1-8; 2 Th 1:11; Eph 4:1, 6:5 [note the presence of “fear and trembling” here]). Cf Php 1:27; 1 Th 2:12, 4:1-8; 2 Th 1:11; Eph 4:1.+2:13Or among.+2:13Lit the one at work/producing in you both the to will and the to work for the sake of the good pleasure is God. ME (see UBSHS [Php], 69). Cf ISV, NLT, TEV. The mismatch in languages is obvious here.+2:13Cf 1 Th 2:12, 4:1-8; 2 Th 1:11.+2:14Cf 1 Co 10:10.+2:15Lit luminaries in the world/cosmos. ME (see BDAG, 561, sv κόσμος 3; L-N, 1.27; UBSHS [Php], 71). Cf CJB, NAB, TEV.+2:16Or holding out.+2:16Lit resulting in a boast to me. ME (see translation and notes at 2 Co 1:14).+2:16Cf 1 Co 3:1-15, 4:5.+2:16Cf 1 Co 3:1-15, 4:5.+2:17Or am about to be poured out (referring to the possibility of impending martyrdom). Php 2:20 and 4:18, as well as 2 Ti 4:6 (note the presence of ἤδη [ ēdē], “already,” there), cause me to lean toward the interpretation represented in the NAC (see NAC [Php], 115) and reflected in the translation here. Cf also 2 Co 2:14-26, 12:15; Php 1:19-26. Accordingly, the meaning of this statement would be something similar to this: Though I desire to be with the Lord (cf 1:23), if I am in fact to go on suffering for the gospel (as I am convinced; cf 1:25), my ministry being enabled by the generosity and sacrifice inspired by your faith, I will be glad and rejoice (even though it means continued difficulty and hardship for me).+2:17Cf Nu 15:3-10.+2:17Or at, or upon.+2:17Cf Php 1:5, 1:18-26, 2:30, 4:18.+2:19Lit knowing the things concerning you. ME (see translation and notes at Eph 6:21-22; UBSHS [Php], 78; NLT). Cf ESV, HCSB, ISV, NET, NIV, NLT, NRSV, RSV, TEV.+2:20Lit I have no one/man like-souled. ME (see UBSHS [Php], 79). Cf TEV.+2:21Cf 2 Ti 4:10.+2:22Lit his.+2:28Or so that upon seeing him again you may be glad.+2:30Lit to fill up your lack/deficiency/absence of the service to me. ME (see translation and notes at 1 Co 16:17; UBSHS [Php], 86).