2:28a

Therefore: You could translate this as “So…” or “For this reason…” or “That is why…” In 2:27 Paul gave his reason for wanting to send Epaphroditus back.

I am all the more eager to send him: Probably Paul already wanted to send Epaphroditus back to thank the Philippian believers for their gifts and to let them know how he was doing. But after Epaphroditus got sick and then recovered, Paul wanted even more eagerly to send him back so that the Philippians would know that he was no longer sick. Therefore, Paul said here that he was all the more eager to send him.

send him: It may be necessary to supply the implied information of where Paul was sending Epaphroditus:

send him ⌊back to you⌋

2:28b

so that when you see him again you may rejoice: Paul wanted to send Epaphroditus back in order to make the Philippian believers happy. Presumably they would be happy to see Epaphroditus again. And they would also be happy and relieved to know that he was no longer sick.

again: Translations differ in how they understand the word again :

(1) again goes with the verb “see.” The Philippians would see Epaphroditus again after his absence in Rome. (Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Revised Standard Version, NET Bible, God’s Word, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, King James Version, New American Standard Bible)

(2) again goes with the verb “rejoice.” When they saw Epaphroditus safe and well, the Philippians would be happy once more. (Good News Translation)

Although both interpretations are possible from the order of the Greek words, there is no reason why Paul would have spoken of the Philippians rejoicing again when he had not mentioned them rejoicing before in this letter. So it is recommended that you follow the first interpretation (1).

2:28c

and I may be less anxious: Paul was sending Epaphroditus back to relieve two problems. It would mean that the Philippians would no longer worry about Epaphroditus. And it would also mean that Paul would no longer be anxious about the Philippians because they were worrying about Epaphroditus.

less anxious: The normal meaning of the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as less anxious is “without pain.” In this context, it does not refer to physical pain, but anxiety or sorrow. Most commentators agree that this form of the Greek word does not mean that Paul would have no sorrow/anxiety, but that his sorrow/anxiety would be lessened.

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