4:16a

For: This Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For indicates 4:16 is an example and proof of the Philippians’ generosity which Paul had just been talking about.

even: This implies that Paul had been surprised that they sent gifts to him so soon after he left Philippi.

Thessalonica: Thessalonica was another town in Macedonia, not far from Philippi. Paul went there after he had left Philippi. Perhaps that is why Paul seemed surprised to receive a gift from them there. One way you could express 4:16a could be:

You sent help to me…even while I was still in Thessalonica ⌊before I left Macedonia⌋.

4:16b

you provided for my needs: Paul did not specify what sort of help the Philippians had sent him. However, the gifts were probably gifts of money.

again and again: In the Greek this literally means “both once and twice.” Scholars do not know the exact meaning of this idiom. There are three possibilities:

(1) It means “twice.” The Philippians sent gifts to Paul twice. (New Jerusalem Bible, God’s Word)

(2) It means “more than once.” They sent gifts more than once, but Paul did not say how many times. (Good News Translation, NET Bible, New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version)

(3) It means “repeatedly.” They sent gifts repeatedly, that is, several times. (Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, New Century Version)

The first meaning has stronger commentary support and it is recommended that you follow it in your translation (1).

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