SIL Translator’s Notes on Philippians 2002

SIL Translator’s Notes on Philippians 2:2

2:2

After the subordinate clauses in 2:1, where Paul was stating things that were true about the Philippians, in 2:2, he stated what he wanted the Philippians to do as a result of what was true in 2:1. In 2:2a, Paul told the Philippians what they were to do and in the rest of the verse how they were to do it.

Remember that, if you split 2:1 into a number of short sentences, you may need to include an introductory phrase like “Since all these things are true…” in order to connect 2:2 correctly to 2:1.

Several translations supply a phrase like “I urge you” at the beginning of 2:2 to help bring out some of the emotional force of Paul’s appeal.

2:2a

make my joy complete: Paul was already joyful, but he meant that he would have more joy or complete joy if the Philippians did as he instructed in the rest of this verse. Some translations make this clearer by saying “make me even more joyful.”

2:2b

2:2b means almost the same as 2:2d. They repeat the same main idea to emphasize Paul’s desire that the Philippians should be united spiritually.

being like-minded: A literal translation is “think the same thing.” Paul wanted the Philippians to agree with one another and to have the same intentions and purposes. What Paul said in the following clauses (2:2c–4b) may make it clear what he meant by the phrase being like-minded.

If your language has one way to talk about an outward agreement (in words) and another way to talk about agreement in feeling or truly agreeing in the heart, you should choose the second way here.

2:2c

having the same love: This seems to imply that Paul wanted all the Philippians to love each other deeply.

2:2d

being united in spirit: The phrase being united in spirit means “having the same attitude, agreeing together from the heart.”

and purpose: This literally means “thinking the one thing.” It has essentially the same meaning as “being one in spirit.” Paul wanted them all to have the mind of Christ; that is, to think like Christ did.

General Comment on 2:2b–d

A way of combining these parts of the verse could be:

Agree together in your hearts and souls by the way you think and by the way you love one another.

General Comment on 2:2

In some languages it may be helpful to reorder this verse. For example:

I urge you b to agree completely with one another, c love one another equally d and be united in your hearts and minds. a If you do this, I will be completely happy.

© 2002 by SIL International®
Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Philippians 3:13

3:13a

Brothers: The term Brothers here refers to other Christians, fellow believers, not to literal Brothers. You might translate this as “brothers and sisters,” “older and younger siblings” or “relatives.” The term Brothers also occurs in 1:12, 3:1, 3:17, 4:1, 4:8. See the note on 1:12a.

I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it: Paul was saying in other words what he had already said in 3:12a. He had not yet become all that God wanted him to be.

consider: This means “to regard, believe, say.” But here Paul referred to more than just his opinion of himself. He knew that he had not yet achieved what God wanted him to be.

taken hold of it: See the note on 3:12c.

3:13b

one thing I do: Paul was introducing the main thing that he wanted to do. He was about to explain what he wanted more than anything else. He did this by comparing himself to a man running a race to win a prize.

3:13c

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead: The phrase what is behind refers to Paul’s past, particularly to the things he used to boast about (3:5–6). This would include what happened before he became a Christian, and perhaps even some of what happened after he became a Christian.

Forgetting: Paul did not want to concentrate on his past. This does not mean he would completely forget but that it would not be the main thing he thought about. He compared this to a man running a race and not looking back to see who was close behind him or how far he had run. Make sure that your translation clearly means that Paul intended to forget these things. You might need to use a word meaning “ignoring,” or you might need to use a negative like “not concentrating on” or “not paying any attention to.”

straining toward what is ahead: This also is using the metaphor of a race. The runner pushes himself forward as fast as he can. He tries to be the first to reach the finish line. The meaning here is that Paul was disciplining himself to become more like Christ, trying hard and doing his best to be what Christ wanted him to be.

If people run races in your culture, then it may be possible to use this metaphor. But if people in your culture do not know about racing, you may need to explain that in your translation. See the first meaning line of 3:13c in the Display. Or you may need to leave out the metaphor and translate only the meaning. For an example, see the second meaning line of 3:13c in the Display.

behind…ahead: Because Paul was using the metaphor of a race here, these words can be understood in two ways:

(a) position in space : That is, within Paul’s metaphor of the race, the word behind means “in back of” or “at the rear of,” and the word ahead means “in front of.”

(b) position in time : When Paul used the metaphor of a race, he was referring to his life. In this case, the word behind means “in the past, what happened before now,” and the word ahead means “in the future, what will happen later.”

Consider the following when you translate these words:

• In some languages, there may be words meaning “behind” and “ahead” which have the same dual meaning of space and time as the words do in Greek and English. If you have such words in your language, you should use them here.

• If you must decide which words to use, you should use sense (a) above, if you have used the metaphor of a race. Use sense (b) if you have not been able to retain the metaphor.

In some cultures the people think of the past as figuratively in front of them or “ahead,” because they can visualize what has already happened. They then think of the future as “behind,” something unknown that they cannot visualize. If this is true in your language, you need to be careful to use the correct terms so people understand what Paul was saying.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Philippians 1:11

1:11a

filled with the fruit of righteousness: This further explains the meaning of being “pure” and “blameless.” While “pure” and “blameless” imply the absence of sinful thoughts and actions, filled with the fruit of righteousness implies the presence of good thoughts and actions. Some translations (for example, Good News Translation) begin a new sentence with this phrase. For example:

Then you will be filled…

The idea of filled is figurative in this verse. It means “to be characterized by.” You may not be able to keep this figure of speech. Ways to translate this verb nonfiguratively will be discussed after the note on fruit of righteousness.

fruit of righteousness: The expression fruit of righteousness can be understood in two ways:

(1) fruit that consists of righteousness; righteousness is used in an ethical sense and refers to right conduct/behavior. (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, New Century Version)

(2) fruit that is produced by righteousness; righteousness is used in a legal sense and refers to a believer’s right standing before God (God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004))

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

General Comment on 1:11a

In many languages if the expression “filled with the fruit of righteousness” is translated literally it will not give the correct meaning. If this is true in your language, you should translate this part of the verse nonfiguratively. For example:

righteousness will characterize all you do
-or-
you will behave in a completely righteous manner

1:11b

through Jesus Christ: This means that a person’s life is righteous because of the power that Jesus Christ gives. A believer can only be righteous because Jesus Christ helps him to be.

General Comment on 1:11a–b

In some languages it may be better to make Jesus Christ the subject of 1:11a–b. For example:

Jesus Christ will fill you with the fruit of righteousness.
-or-
Jesus Christ will help you to do every good/right thing.

1:11c

to the glory and praise of God: Biblical scholars do not agree about how this phrase relates to the rest of the verse. There are three possible interpretations:

(1) It relates to the phrase “filled with the fruit of righteousness.” For example: “I pray that you may be filled with the fruit of righteousness for the glory and praise of God.” (Good News Translation, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word, Contemporary English Version, New Century Version)

(2) It connects with Paul’s prayer in 1:9a–11b. For example: “I pray that all of this may happen in you for the glory and praise of God.” This seems to be the interpretation of the New International Version.

(3) It relates to all of Paul’s thanksgiving and prayer (1:3–11) and is like a doxology. For example: “I end my thanksgiving and prayer with the desire that people glorify and praise God.”

Many English versions do not make a clear choice. However, it is recommended that you follow option (1), which has the best support among versions and commentators.

to the glory…of God: This means that the purpose is that people would honor God and tell others that he is great.

to the…praise of God: This means that the purpose is that people would thank God and speak well of him. Praise comes from those who are grateful that God is great and that he blesses them.

In some languages it may be necessary to combine the ideas of “glory” and praise into one phrase. Consider how, in your language, you would refer to giving respect to an honored guest, such as a king or a president. Some of those words may be appropriate in this phrase.

This phrase is at the end of Paul’s prayer, and in some languages it is necessary to clearly show where the prayer ends. In English we do this with “Amen.” You may need to end this verse with a phrase like:

That is what I am praying for you.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Philippians 2:13

2:13a

For: This connecting word indicates that what follows shows how the believers can do what they are instructed in 2:12. They can work out their salvation because God is working within them.

works in you: God causes things to happen in and among his people.

in you: The Greek phrase usually translated as in you has been understood in two ways:

(1) God works within individual believers;

(2) The emphasis is not on individual believers but on the community of God’s people. God works among them.

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

2:13b

to will and to act: This means to want to do something (or to be willing to do it) and also to actually do it. Some ways to translate along with 2:13a are:

God makes you willing ⌊to obey⌋…
-or-
God renews how you think so you are willing to do what he wants.
-or-
God makes you want to do his purpose, and able to do it.

on behalf of His good purpose: His refers to God. The Greek is literally “for his [God’s] good pleasure.” Commentators do not agree about how this phrase relates to the rest of the verse. There are two possibilities:

(1) It relates to the verbs “will” and “act.” God both causes his people to want to do what pleases him and enables them to do what he wants. (Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version, New Century Version)

(2) It relates to the verb “works” in 2:13a. God works in us in accordance with his own purpose. (NET Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, Revised English Bible)

The main difficulty with the second interpretation is that it does not say what God makes believers able and willing to do. It is recommended that you follow the first interpretation (1). God works within each believer to enable him both to want to do and to actually do what pleases him.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Philippians 4:3

4:3a

Yes: This particle here is used to strengthen or emphasize Paul’s request. It is not necessary to translate it with the same word you use to indicate agreement (the normal use of the English word Yes). Other English versions have used “indeed” or “moreover.”

you: The word you is singular here. This is the only time in the letter to Philippians that Paul addressed just one person.

my true: This refers to what is true or genuine. Paul was referring to a person who was not false but true to his claim of being a faithful disciple of Christ. People could depend on him.

yokefellow: The Greek word suzugos here means “fellow worker” or “partner.” There are two ways to interpret this term:

(1) It is a common noun, not a name. Paul very likely was referring to someone in the church who could help the two women agree. But Paul did not say who that person was. (Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version, NET Bible, Good News Translation, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible, New Living Translation (2004), New Century Version, Contemporary English Version)

(2) It is a name. The person Paul was talking to was a member of the church at Philippi and his name was Syzygos. Paul was using both the name and its meaning, as he did with the name “Onesimus” in Philemon 11. (New Jerusalem Bible, God’s Word)

Interpretation (1) has strong commentary support. Also the name Syzygos is not known elsewhere in Greek literature. So it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

to help these women: In some languages it may be necessary to say explicitly what Paul wanted this man to help the women to do. If you need to do this in your language, you could say “help these women to live in peace with each other” or “…to agree with one another.”

4:3b

who have labored with me for the gospel: Paul reminded his “yokefellow” that Euodia and Syntyche had worked hard with Paul to defend the gospel and to tell people about Christ.

who: The Greek term that the Berean Standard Bible translates as who has been understood in several ways:

(1) It introduces a reason: “for they, since they…” (Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, New Living Translation (2004))

(2) It defines the women: “[the women] who…” (Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, New American Standard Bible, King James Version)

(3) It begins a new clause that comments on the women’s work: “they [contended]…” (NET Bible, God’s Word, New Jerusalem Bible, Revised English Bible, Contemporary English Version, New Century Version)

The first interpretation has the strongest commentary support and is recommended (1).

labored with me: The Greek word that Berean Standard Bible translates as labored is the same word that Paul used in 1:27 (see note on 1:27c–d). It means to join someone else in a struggle to do something. It means to work hard together to overcome something.

for the gospel: This is literally “in the gospel.” You may need to supply a verb such as “spreading” or “defending.”

4:3c

along with Clement: These women were not the only people who had helped Paul to defend and spread the gospel of Christ. Clement and others had also helped Paul in this way.

Clement: This is a man’s name. We know nothing else about him except that he was a believer and a co-worker of Paul’s.

and the rest of my fellow workers: Other believers had also worked with Paul to help people know what was true about Jesus Christ.

So in 4:3, Paul mentioned three groups of people who had helped him spread the gospel: the two women (Euodia and Syntyche), Clement and the rest of his fellow workers.

4:3d

whose names are in the Book of Life: Although this may appear to relate only to the phrase “the rest of my fellow workers,” it does not exclude the other people mentioned in 4:3. The names of Euodia, Syntyche and Clement are also in the book of life.

the Book of Life: The phrase the Book of Life refers to God’s record of true believers who will live forever.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Philippians 1:22

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).

SIL Translator’s Notes on Philippians 3:3

3:3a

we: The word we in this verse includes the Philippians as well as Paul. In some languages it may be necessary to make it clear that the word does not include the Judaizers. For example:

It is we(incl.), not them, who are the circumcision….

the circumcision: When Paul was referred to himself and the Philippians as the circumcision, he meant that they were the true people of God.

3:3b

worship by the Spirit of God: There is a textual problem with this part of the verse. The two possibilities are:

(1) “worship by/in the Spirit of God”; (Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, NET Bible, New American Standard Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, Revised English Bible, Contemporary English Version, New Revised Standard Version)

(2) “worship God by/in the Spirit/spirit”; (Revised Standard Version, King James Version, New Living Translation (2004); probably Good News Translation, New Century Version)

There is no real difference in meaning. It is recommended that you follow the first option (1). Paul was saying that true believers worship with the help of God’s Spirit. However, in some languages it will be necessary to supply an object for worship. If this is true in your language, you should use “God” as the object of worship.

Some ideas for translating 3:3b are:

We worship ⌊God⌋ because his Spirit helps us.
-or-
God’s Spirit is the one who helps us to worship ⌊God/him⌋.

the Spirit of God: This refers to the Holy Spirit.

General Comment on 3:3a–b

One way to translate 3:3a–b is:

We are the true people of God, for by means of God’s ⌊Holy⌋ Spirit we worship ⌊God⌋.

3:3c

who glory in Christ Jesus: Here Paul was saying that true believers are proud only of Christ Jesus, and depend only on Christ Jesus to save them.

glory: In this context the Greek word kauchaomai, that the Berean Standard Bible translates as glory, means “to be proud of something,” “to boast about something” or “to rejoice about something.” The same Greek word was used in 2:16 though the form and context are slightly different.

Some ways to translate the whole phrase are:

We boast because Christ Jesus ⌊is the one who saves us⌋.
-or-
Christ Jesus is the one we are proud of.

and who put no confidence in the flesh: This says the same thing as the previous clause but in a negative way. The believer cannot depend on anything but Christ. He cannot trust traditional ceremonies, such as circumcision, or any achievements of his own.

put…confidence: In Greek this is one word, a verb that means “to trust ⌊in something⌋, to rely/depend ⌊on something or someone⌋.”

flesh: The Berean Standard Bible translates this from the Greek word sarx, which literally means flesh. This word sarx is an important term in the New Testament. However, it is used in different ways in different contexts. It is important, therefore, to make the meaning clear in each passage and not just translate it literally.

In this passage (3:3–6), sarx refers to human tradition, human effort, things to do with the earthly life, and more specifically, things that are outward or external. Paul made a clear contrast between the earthly (3:3–6) and the spiritual (3:7–11). See “flesh” in Key Biblical Terms.

Here are some ideas for how to translate the phrase “who put no confidence in the flesh”:

We do not depend on earthly/physical things.
-or-
We do not believe ⌊God will save us⌋ because of the things we do as humans.
-or-
We do not depend on earthly behavior ⌊like circumcision to save us⌋.

General Comment on 3:2–3

Some translations have avoided using the idea of “circumcision” in 3:2–3. See 3:2c and 3:3a in the Display. However, circumcision is a very important term in the Bible and at some point you will have to decide how to translate it. Some translations say “cutting ritual,” “cutting ceremony” or “body-cutting ceremony.” Others have tried to follow the Greek and use a word that means circular cutting or cutting around. If you have a glossary in your translation, make sure that you explain the term clearly there.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Philippians 4:14

4:14

Nevertheless: Even though Paul had learned to be content when he did not have what he needed, he still thanked the Philippian believers for their gift.

you have done well to share in my affliction: Paul expressed his gratitude to the Philippians for the gift they had sent him.

you have done well: This is literally “you did well.” Paul was praising what the Philippians did. He was recognizing that what they did was kind and generous. In this way, he was thanking them for the gift they had sent to him.

to share in my affliction: The Philippians had shared in Paul’s troubles by sending financial help to him. In this way, they became his partners. See notes on “partnership” in 1:5a.

to share: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as share is the same as the word used in 1:7, where the Berean Standard Bible translates it as “partners.”

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Philippians 2002