1:22–24

In 1:22–24 Paul discussed the advantages of dying and the advantages of living. He was making an emotional statement. He said that he deeply loved Christ and the Philippians. So he wanted very much to be with Christ in heaven, yet he also wanted to be with the Philippian believers on earth. But he knew that he could not do both at the same time. So it was very hard for him to know what would be best.

1:22

The grammar of 1:22 in the Greek is difficult, perhaps because Paul was expressing himself emotionally. The verse has an “if…then” structure, but it is not clear where the “if” clause ends. There are two possibilities:

(1) The “if” clause covers only the words “if I go on living in the body.” For example: “If I continue to live in the body, then that means fruitful labor for me. I do not know which to choose”. (Revised Standard Version, New International Version, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, New American Standard Bible, New Living Translation (2004), New Century Version, God’s Word)

(2) The “if” clause also covers the concept of fruitful labor. For example: “If continuing to live means fruitful labor for me, then I do not know which I will choose”. (Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, Contemporary English Version)

The difference in meaning between the two interpretations is actually very small, but the first one is recommended (1).

1:22a

living in the body: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translated as body literally means “flesh.” Paul was referring to staying alive on earth in his present physical body. One way to translate this is as “living in this world.” See “flesh”, sense A2 in Key Biblical Terms.

fruitful labor: The Greek is literally “fruit of work” and refers to work that has useful results, work that is productive and worthwhile. Paul was specifically thinking about helping more people to know Christ and helping the Philippians and others to continue growing in grace. Some ways to translate the phrase “fruitful labor for me” are:

I can continue to get results from the work I am doing.
-or-
I will be able to help more people.

1:22b

So: Although the Berean Standard Bible translates it as So, the Greek connecting word, kai, means “and, yet, but.” It can show either continuation or contrast. Here it may indicate:

(1) the beginning of a further independent or even contrasting thought. (New International Version, Revised Standard Version, God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004), New Century Version, Revised English Bible)

(2) the continuation of the thought of the earlier part of the verse. (Berean Standard Bible, NET Bible)

It is recommended that you follow the first option (1).

what shall I choose: You could restate this as “Which do I prefer?” Paul was not trying to decide what would happen to him. Only God could do this. Paul was trying to decide which of God’s choices would be better. He explained these two choices further in 1:23–24.

I do not know: The Greek verb gnōrizō has been interpreted in two ways:

(1) It means “know, perceive.” This is the common meaning in most classical Greek literature. (Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, NET Bible, New American Standard Bible, God’s Word, New Century Version, Contemporary English Version, New Jerusalem Bible, King James Version)

(2) It means “make known, declare, tell.” This is the most common meaning elsewhere in the New Testament, and some commentators say that is what it also means here.

Although Revised Standard Version and Revised English Bible translate it as “I cannot tell,” this expression can be an English idiom that means “I do not know” or “I cannot decide.” So it is not possible to be certain which interpretation these two versions follow.

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

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