Philippians 2 (BHT-FTN)

+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.+1:2“All of” is drawn from the plural “you” here.+1:2Unless otherwise marked (through superscript—ˢyou), all second person pronouns are in the second person plural.+1:2χάρις καὶ εἰρήνη ( charis kai eirēnē) is in a split focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and thus commas and inversion have been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:4μετὰ χαρᾶς ( meta charas) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb and adjective have been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+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.+1:7ME/IT (see BDAG, 173, sv βεβαιόω 173; L-N, 28.44; UBSHS [Php], 14). Cf Translation and notes at Rm 15:8.+1:7συγκοινωνούς μου τῆς χάριτος ( sunkoinōnous mou tēs charitos) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore ἔν τε τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου καὶ ἐν τῇ ἀπολογίᾳ καὶ βεβαιώσει τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ( en te tois desmois mou kai en tē apologia kai bebaiōsei tou euangeliou) has been used as a spacer to give extra focus to this constituent. An adverb has also been used to the same end.+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.+1:8μάρτυς μού ( martus mou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and thus italics have been used to give extra focus and emphasis to this element.+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).+1:9ἔτι μᾶλλον καὶ μᾶλλον ( eti mallon kai mallon) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore ( repetition) has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+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.+1:12Γινώσκειν ( ginōskein) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:12Lit the things according to me. ME (see UBSHS [Php], 19).+1:12εἰς προκοπὴν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ( eis prokopēn tou euangeliou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a spacer (derived from the context; cf ESV, HCSB, ISV, NET, NIV, NKJV, NRSV) has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:13Lit as a result. Drawing from the UBSHS in translation here (see UBSHS [Php], 20).+1:13πᾶσιν ( pasin) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:13φανεροὺς ἐν Χριστῷ ( phanenrous en christō) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb and cleft-construction have been used to give extra focus to this element within the ME (see final note in this verse).+1:13See previous note.+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.+1:14ἐν κυρίῳ ( en kuriō) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+1:14ἀφόβως ( aphobōs) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been placed at the end of the clause and grouped with περισσοτέρως for extra focus. The clause literally reads, “to dare even more to speak the word fearlessly.”+1:15καὶ διὰ φθόνον καὶ ἔριν ( kai dia phthonon kai erin) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a wh-cleft has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:15IT (see BSL, Php 1:15, sv κηρύσσω).+1:15καὶ δι’ εὐδοκίαν ( kai di’ eudokian) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore the clause has been structured to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:16εἰς ἀπολογίαν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ( eis apologian tou euangeliou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:17IT.+1:17ἐξ ἐριθείας οὐχ ἁγνῶς ( ex eritheias ouk hagnōs) is in a split focal position (see BART Display; cf LDGNT), and therefore a rhetorical question has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:17Cf Phps.+1:17θλῖψιν ( thlipsin) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb has been used to give extra focus to this constituent. τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου ( tois desmois mou) has also been used as a spacer to the same end.+1:18Lit For what? ME (see BDAG, 1007, sv τίς 1.a. β ה.). Cf HCSB, ISV, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+1:18Χριστὸς ( christos) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give this element extra focus and stress.+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.+1:20ἐν οὐδενὶ ( en oudeni) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give extra focus and emphasis to this element, which has also been placed in clause-final for primary focus and stress.+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.+1:21The dative here is interpreted as an ethical dative. This is reflected in the translation. Cf Wallace, Grammar, 147.+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).+1:22Lit this for me is fruit of labor/work. ME (see ESS [Php], 59 [interpretation 1.1]; UBSHS [Php], 33 [interpretation 2]). Cf most English translations.+1:22τί αἱρήσομαι ( ti ‘airēsomai) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+1:23τὴν ἐπιθυμίαν ( tēn epithumian) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:23Lit to depart. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 23.101; UBSHS [Php], 34). Cf NCV, TEV.+1:23σὺν Χριστῷ ( sun christō) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+1:24Lit in the flesh. Translated according to “Flesh” C, G (see FBT Chart).+1:25IT. In this context, παραμένω ( paramenō) is probably carrying connotations of servanthood (see BDAG, 769, sv 1.b., 2; L-N, 85.56; M-M, 3887).+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.+1:27ἀξίως τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τοῦ Χριστοῦ ( axiōs tou euangeliou tou Christou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics and an emphatic adverb have been used to give extra focus to this element.+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. μιᾷ ψυχῇ ( mia psuchē) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore τῇ πίστει τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ( tē pistei tou euangeliou) has been used as a spacer to give extra focus to this constituent, which has also been placed in clause-final for primary focus and stress.+1:28Lit which. The antecedent has been restated in translation for the sake of clarity.+1:28Lit to them. The antecedent has been restated in translation for the sake of clarity.+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.+1:29πιστεύειν ( pisteuein) is in a DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:29πάσχειν ( paschein) is in a DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+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.+1:30τὸν αὐτὸν ἀγῶνα οἷον εἴδετε ἐν ἐμοὶ καὶ νῦν ἀκούετε ἐν ἐμοί ( ton auton agōna hoion eidete en emoi kai nun akouete en emoi) is in a split focal position (see BART Display; cf LDGNT). Italics have been used to give the preposed element extra focus and emphasis.+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. τις παράκλησις ( tis paraklēsis) is in an embedded split focal position (see BART Display), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress. An adverb has also been used to the same end.+2:1Drawing from BDAG in translation here (see BDAG, 769, sv παραμύθιον).+2:2τὸ αὐτὸ ( to auto) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:2τὴν αὐτὴν ἀγάπην ( tēn autēn agapēn) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:2τὸ αὐτὸ ( to auto) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:2Lit the one thing. Cf HCSB.+2:3Lit according to vainglory. ME (see translation and notes at Ga 5:26).+2:3ἀλλήλους ( allēlous) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+2:4Or not only. The presence of καὶ ( kai) in the following clause implies an additive relationship of some sort (for a brief discussion of the manuscript variants here, see NET Bible Notes, Php 2:4). In this context, where humbly preferring/esteeming others is at the forefront of the discussion (cf KJV, NKJV, and NJB at v 3; cf also vv 5-6), the μόνος ( monos) implied here is probably functioning as a downtoner (ie, “simply,” “merely”; cf M-M, 3441), with καὶ ( kai) in the next clause functioning as an amplifier. This is reflected in the translation. τὰ ἑαυτῶν ἀλλὰ [καὶ] τὰ ἑτέρων ἕκαστοι ( ta heautōn alla [kai] ta heterōn hekastoi) is in a split focal position (see BART Display), as part of a point-counterpoint series (see LDGNT). The downtoner and amplifier have thus also been used to give extra focus to this element.+2:6The participle here has been interpreted as an adverbial participle of concession. This is reflected in the translation. Cf CJB, ESV, NASB, NET, NLT, NRSV, RSV.+2:6ἐν μορφῇ θεοῦ ( en morphē theou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an emphatic adjective has been used to give extra focus to this constituent. Cf NIV.+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).+2:6ἁρπαγμὸν ( harpagmon) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:6Or as something to be forcibly retained, or as something to be forcefully seized. Cf HCSB, NCV, NRSV.+2:7ἐκένωσεν ( ekenōsen) is in a DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore this element within the ME (see following note) has been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+2:7Lit emptied himself. ME (see BDAG, sv κενόω 1.b.; UBSHS [Php], 59). Cf NLT, TEV.+2:7Cf Jn 17:5.+2:7μορφὴν δούλου ( morphēn doulou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an emphatic adjective has been used to give extra focus to this constituent. Cf NIV.+2:7Maintaining consistency in translation with v 6 (the same word is used here). Cf NIV, TEV.+2:7ἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων ( en homiōmati anthrōpōn) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an emphatic adjective has been used to give extra focus to this element within the ME (see following note).+2:7Lit having become in the likeness of men. ME (see NET Bible Notes, Php 2:7; translation and notes at Rm 8:3).+2:7σχήματι ὡς ἄνθρωπος ( schēmati heuretheis hōs anthrōpos) is in a split focal position (see BART Display), and therefore an adverb has been used to give extra focus to this constituent within the ME (see following note).+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.+2:10γόνυ κάμψῃ ἐπουρανίων καὶ ἐπιγείων καὶ καταχθονίων ( gonu kampsē epouraniōn kai epigeiōn kai katachthoniōn) is in a split focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT). Italics have therefore been used to give extra focus the preposed element, and commas used to give extra focus to the split element.+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.+2:11κύριος ( kurios) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+2:11Cf Is 45:23; Rm 14:10-11.+2:12πάντοτε ( pantote) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore ἀγαπητοί μου ( agapētoi mou) has been used as a spacer to give extra focus to this constituent.+2:12μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου ( meta phobou kai tromou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+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. θεὸς ( theos) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+2:13Cf 1 Th 2:12, 4:1-8; 2 Th 1:11.+2:14Πάντα ( panta) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+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.+2:16λόγον ζωῆς ( logon zōēs) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an emphatic adjective has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+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.+2:16εἰς κενὸν ( eis kenon) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give this element extra focus and stress.+2:16ἐκοπίασα ( ekopiasa) is in a DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+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.+2:17Translating λειτουργία ( leitourgia) here so as to maintain consistency with Php 2:25 (where a cognate is used; cf NLT and TEV there).+2:17The genitive has been interpreted as functioning in the source/production range. This is reflected in the translation. Cf NAC (Php), 115; UBSHS (Php), 75.+2:17Cf Php 1:5, 1:18-26, 2:30, 4:18.+2:18καὶ ὑμεῖς ( kai humeis) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an intensive pronoun has been used to give extra focus to this constituent. καὶ has also been used as a spacer to the same end.+2:19Τιμόθεον ( timotheon) and ταχέως ( tacheōs) are in P2 (see BART Display; cf LDGNT), and therefore commas have been used to give extra focus to the latter, which has itself been used as a spacer to give extra focus to the former.+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.+2:20οὐδένα ἰσόψυχον ( oudena isopsuchon) is in a split focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore γὰρ ( gar) has been used as a spacer to give extra focus to this constituent.+2:20Lit I have no one/man like-souled. ME (see UBSHS [Php], 79). Cf TEV.+2:20γνησίως ( gnēdiōs) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore the clause has been structured so as to give extra focus to this constituent. An adverb has also been used to the same end.+2:21τὰ ἑαυτῶν οὐ τὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ( ta heautōn ou ta Yēsou Christou) is in a split focal position (see BART Display), as part of a point-counterpoint series (see LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this element.+2:21Cf 2 Ti 4:10.+2:22Lit his.+2:22Either τὴν δοκιμὴν αὐτοῦ ( tēn dokimēn autou) or γινώσκετε ( ginōskete) are receiving focal prominence here (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore inversion has been used to give extra focus to these elements. I myself am inclined to interpret the verb as the DFE here, since proven character seems to have already been activated by γνησίως ( gnēsiōs) in v 20. Cf NRSV, RSV.+2:22ὡς πατρὶ τέκνον ( hōs patri teknon) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb has been used to give extra focus to this constituent, which has also been placed in clause-final for primary focus and stress.+2:22πατρὶ ( patri) is in an embedded focal position (confirmed through personal correspondence with Dr. Stephen Levinsohn), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:24ταχέως ( tacheōs) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress.+2:25Ἀναγκαῖον ( Anankaion) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+2:25Ἐπαφρόδιτον ( Epaproditon) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore δὲ ( de) has been used as a spacer to give this element extra focus.+2:26ἐπιποθῶν ( epipothōn) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore the clause has been rendered so as to allow for part of this element to land in clause-final. Adverbs have also been used to give extra focus to this element.+2:26IT (see UBSHS [Php], 84).+2:27ἵνα ( hina) here could be signaling purpose, result, or both. Participles often do the same thing. A participle, stated positively (cf NAB, NIV, NJB, TEV, TNT), transfers more naturally into English in my opinion (lit “lest I have sorrow upon sorrow”). Hence the translation here.+2:27λύπην ἐπὶ λύπην ( lupēn epi lupēn) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been rendered with an ascensive adverb for extra focus (lit sorrow upon sorrow, or grief upon grief). Cf TEV.+2:28σπουδαιοτέρως ( spoudaioterōs) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give this element extra focus. οὖν ( oun) has also been used as a spacer to the same end.+2:28Drawing from BDAG in translation here (see BDAG, 939, sv σπουδαίως 1).+2:28Or so that upon seeing him again you may be glad.+2:29ἐντίμους ( entimous) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+2:30διὰ τὸ ἔργον Χριστοῦ ( dia to ergon Christou) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this constituent.+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).