SIL Translator’s Notes on Philippians 2002 – Page 2

SIL Translator’s Notes on Philippians 4:8

Paragraph 4:8–9

In this paragraph, Paul told the believers another way that they could achieve peace among themselves: they should keep their minds on things that are good and follow the example that Paul had already set for them.

4:8a

Finally: With this Greek phrase in 4:8–9, Paul was finishing this part of his letter, in which he was exhorting his readers to do certain things. This was not the end of the whole letter. Paul used the same expression in 3:1a. See note there.

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, 3:13, 3:17, 4:1. See the note on 1:12a.

In the rest of this verse, Paul listed the sort of things that he wanted the Philippians to think about, meditate on, concentrate on in their thoughts.

4:8b

whatever is true: This refers to things that are real or genuine. Because they are true, they are dependable. These things fit with the nature of God, who represents all that is true.

whatever is honorable: This refers to things that are noble, things that deserve to be respected.

4:8c

whatever is right: This phrase refers to things that God considers right and good, things that God approves. This is the Greek word often translated “righteous.”

whatever is pure: This refers to things that are free from sin.

4:8d

whatever is lovely: This phrase refers to things that people can easily love, things that are worthy for people to love. It means things that are pleasing to people, things that are agreeable.

whatever is admirable: This refers to things that people like and admire, things that have a good name or reputation.

4:8e

if anything is excellent: This means “whatever is very good.” Paul used the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as excellent in a moral sense, meaning something that is free from sin. In this sentence the word if does not mean that Paul did not know whether there was anything excellent or not. He knew there were many very good things in the world.

praiseworthy: This refers to things that deserve to be praised. People speak well of things they admire and approve.

General Comment on 4:8a–e

In some languages it may be hard to know how some of these eight things are different from one another, and so it may be necessary to combine some. For example, it may be possible to translate the Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “honorable” and “admirable” together as “things that people respect.”

4:8f

think on these things: Paul concluded his list by saying that he wanted the Philippians to keep focusing on the things he had mentioned and thinking about them.

things: This does not refer to objects that a person can touch. It refers to what people say, what they do, what people think and how they act toward other people.

General Comments on 4:8

In some languages it may be necessary to reorder the verse in some way.

One possible reordering is to put 4:8f at the beginning of the verse as an introduction. For example:

Finally, brothers and sisters, these are the things you should think about: things that are true, things that are noble….

Another possibility is also to reorder the list itself. The last two qualities (4:8e), “excellent” and “praiseworthy,” are a sort of summary of the first six qualities. So in some languages it may be helpful to begin the list with these qualities. The Good News Translation has done this:

In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable. (Good News Translation)

© 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 1:27

Section 1:27–2:11

Paul encouraged the Philippians to live as true followers of Christ

Paul encouraged the Philippians to act as believers should, to agree with each other and to be courageous when they spoke to other people about Christ. Since they lived among many people who were opposed to the gospel, they should expect to defend their faith. They should also expect to suffer because they trusted in Christ.

Paragraph 1:27–30

1:27a

Nevertheless: You could translate this as “no matter what happens” or “whatever may happen.”

conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ: Paul meant that he wanted the Philippians to behave in a way that was suitable to or conformed to the gospel. Their behavior should match their beliefs.

conduct yourselves: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as conduct is a verb that literally means “to live as a citizen.” Here it is used figuratively and means “to behave/act.” Some commentators say it implies to live or behave as citizens of heaven or of the kingdom of God. However, you should not put this in your translation.

in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ: You could translate this as:

[act/behave] as you should because you believe the gospel of Christ
-or-
[act/behave] as people who believe the gospel of Christ should act/behave.

the gospel of Christ: The phrase the gospel of Christ here could mean one of two things.

(1) It could mean “the good news about Christ”. (God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version)

(2) It could mean “the good news from Christ,” “the good news that Christ gave us.”

The first meaning is recommended (1).

1:27b

Then: The Greek word hina that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Then means “in order that” or “so that.” So the following clause gives the purpose of Paul’s instructions in 1:27a. A new sentence could start here. For example:

I want you to do this in order that…

The word “this” in the above translation refers to 1:27a.

whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence: The Greek in this clause is difficult to understand. The two main ways to understand the Greek are:

(1) It means “whether I come and see you, or whether being absent I hear about you.” In this interpretation the phrase only hear about you only goes with the second part of the clause in my absence. This interpretation requires the translator to supply “I will/may know that” in the next clause. (Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, New Living Translation (2004), New Jerusalem Bible).

(2) It means “whether I come and see you, or whether I am absent, I will/may hear that…” In this interpretation the phrase only hear about you goes with both I come and see you and in my absence (Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, NET Bible, New Century Version, Contemporary English Version, King James Version, Revised English Bible, New American Standard Bible).

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Paul wanted to see the Philippians again, but even if he only heard news about them, he wanted them to be united in believing the good news.

come: Some languages use the directions “come” and “go” in different ways from Greek or English. So it may be necessary in these languages to use “go” or “return” here instead of come. Use the verb that is most natural for your language.

1:27c–d

I will know: This phrase is not in the Greek, but has been supplied in the Berean Standard Bible to make a natural English sentence.

stand firm: The Greek word translated by the Berean Standard Bible as stand firm literally just means “stand.” It is used figuratively here to mean “be steadfast.” Paul wanted the Philippians to be strong in their faith and not let others change their minds about trusting Christ.

in one spirit, contending side by side: The phrases in one spirit and side by side are not expressing different ideas. They both emphasize unity. It is important to get the meaning of unity in your translation. Possible phrases are:

with one common purpose
-or-
with one heart
-or-
not divided

contending: The Greek here refers to striving or struggling together against a common enemy. Be careful that in your translation the word contending does not imply that the believers were to fight against each other. Paul did not say specify against whom the Philippians were to contend. It is, however, clear from the rest of the letter that people in Philippi, perhaps Jews, were opposing them. Do not try to specify who these enemies were unless it is necessary to do so in your language. If you do need to say something, you should use a general expression, for example, “against those who oppose the gospel.”

Obviously Paul did not mean that he wanted to hear that the Philippians were fighting people physically for the gospel. So avoid using a verb which would only refer to hitting or shooting someone. Here he was referring to speaking very strongly or very emotionally to another, or acting in a strong way but without physical fighting. See the note on 4:3b.

side by side: The Greek here is literally “with one soul.” Many translations understand this to refer to the way people think and translate this as “with one mind” (Revised Standard Version, NET Bible, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible).

1:27e

for the faith of the gospel: This phrase appears only here in the New Testament. Paul urged the Philippians believers to energetically defend and proclaim the faith that the good news has brought them. They are to struggle for the sake of maintaining and preserving that faith.

faith: The Greek word pistis, faith, refers here to the things that Christians believe.

gospel: The gospel is the source or origin of that faith. The faith of Christians is based on the good news about Jesus Christ. See “gospel” in Key Biblical Terms.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Philippians 3:8

3:8a

More than that: The series of Greek particles that the Berean Standard Bible translates as More than that is used to intensify something. Paul apparently felt that the statement in 3:7 was not strong enough. So in 3:8 he added more to what he said in 3:7. Do not just translate More than that literally. Look for a natural way to strengthen and intensify something that has already been said. Some ideas are:

And that is not all….
-or-
Besides all that….

I count all things as loss: Paul was saying, “I consider everything ⌊that was gain to me before⌋ a loss ⌊now⌋.” The term all things indicates that Paul is including more than the things he listed in 3:5–6. He meant that everything he previously depended on for God to save him had no real value.

I count: The verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as I count is in the present tense. This contrasts with the perfect tense Paul used in 3:7b. This change in tense is another way of emphasizing and intensifying what he was saying.

loss: This is the same term used in 3:7b. See notes there.

3:8b

compared to: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as compared to is the same preposition translated as “for the sake of” in 3:7. In this verse it can be understood in two ways:

(1) It indicates comparison. Paul was comparing his past life with knowing Christ. (Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version, New Century Version).

(2) It indicates cause. Paul was giving the reason why he considered everything a loss. For example:

I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth…. (Revised Standard Version) (Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, Revised Standard Version)

Either meaning is possible and both may be implied. The two meanings are not contradictory. Paul chose knowing Christ over everything else because it was better. So if you can translate in such as way as to make both possibilities understood, you should do so. If not, it is recommended that you follow the first interpretation.

the surpassing excellence: When Paul considered the things he formerly was proud of, they seemed worthless when he compared them with knowing Christ. All that comes with knowing Christ is far greater than all the other things people could depend on. Use the strongest terms you can to describe how great and priceless knowing Christ is, and how small and without value these other things are.

3:8c

of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord: Paul knew Jesus Christ personally, and this was much more valuable than anything else. The idea of knowing Christ may be difficult to translate in some languages where the idea of knowing a person may only mean that you have met him and know who he is. It may not include the deeper meaning that Paul implied here in 3:8c, of knowing Jesus personally. It may be necessary to say something like “really knowing” or “knowing personally.”

3:8d

In 3:8 the language of business and money that began in 3:7 continues. Paul was saying that he willingly gave up one thing in order to gain another thing which was worth much more. Jesus used similar words in the parable of the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45–46) and in his teaching about discipleship (Matthew 16:26).

for whom: This means “for the sake of Christ Jesus” or “because of Christ Jesus.”

I have lost all things: Paul was describing how he willingly gave up all the things he formerly was proud of in order to know Christ. He not only considered them as loss, but he voluntarily gave them up. He did not cease to be all the things he described in 3:5a–c, but he rejected these things as worthless. See also the note on 3:8a.

In some languages, to say “I lost something” implies that a person accidentally lost it. If that is so in your language it will be better to say something like “I have thrown everything else away.”

3:8e

I consider them rubbish: There are two ways to interpret how this phrase relates to the phrases before and after it.

(1) The phrase I consider them rubbish relates directly to the following phrase “that I may gain Christ”. (Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible)

(2) The phrase I consider them rubbish is a comment that Paul added, something that is separate from the main thing he was saying. It would mean that the phrase in 3:8e “that I may gain Christ” would be the purpose of 3:8d. For example:

I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ. (New Living Translation (2004)) (God’s Word, NET Bible, New Living Translation (2004))

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Paul regarded all his previous advantages as rubbish in order to obtain Christ.

rubbish: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as rubbish can also mean “dung, excrement.” These things (3:7a–8a) were not only worthless, but Paul hated them. He considered them filthy. He was glad to get rid of them. Some ideas for translating this word “dung,” “something rotten,” “garbage” or “trash which I throw away.” Avoid using a word that might offend your readers.

that I may gain Christ: Paul continued to use the business metaphor of buying and selling here. Here it means that he wanted to belong fully to Christ, to know him more and more. Paul already belonged to Christ and knew him, but he wanted to know him better. Some ways to translate the phrase gain Christ are: “belong to Christ,” “know Christ,” “follow Christ,” “obey Christ.”

SIL Translator’s Notes on Philippians 4:19

4:19

The Philippian believers had given Paul what he needed. And here Paul said that God would also give them what they needed.

my God: This means “the God whom I worship and serve.” It refers to the God that Paul belonged to. It does not mean that God belonged to Paul.

will supply all your needs: Paul said that God would provide/supply everything that the Philippians needed.

according to: This expresses the relationship between God’s riches and the Philippians’ needs. God’s riches are sufficient for meeting every need.

glorious: The Greek expression en doxē that the Berean Standard Bible has translated glorious literally means “in glory.” There are three main ways to interpret this phrase here:

(1) It relates to the word “riches.” In this case, it means “his glorious riches” or “his abundant wealth”. (Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, New Century Version, Contemporary English Version, New Living Translation (2004), Revised English Bible)

(2) It relates to the verb that the Berean Standard Bible translated “will supply.” In this case, it would mean:

God will gloriously [that is, abundantly, completely] supply everything you need (God’s Word)

(3) It has its literal meaning and refers to a location “in glory”. (Revised Standard Version, King James Version, New American Standard Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

riches: The word riches in this verse refers to God’s power or ability to supply all that people need physically and spiritually. It is not limited to money or material things.

in Christ Jesus: There are two ways to interpret this phrase here:

(1) It means “through Christ Jesus,” that is, because of what Jesus has done for them. (God’s Word, Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version)

(2) It means because the Philippians belong to Jesus.

Most English versions translate the phrase literally. The Greek probably implies both meanings. It was because of what Jesus had done for them that the Philippian believers belonged to him. And this is why God had a way to supply so abundantly what they needed.

You could translate 4:19 something like the following:

And God, whom I serve, will give you everything you need according to his wonderful and unlimited riches because of ⌊what⌋ Christ Jesus ⌊has done for you⌋.

General Comment on 4:19

In some languages it will be helpful to reorder this verse. One way to do this would be:

Moreover, God, whom I serve, has an unlimited supply of everything that we(incl.) need. And as a result, he will completely supply everything that you need because Christ Jesus has died for us(incl.). (SSA)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Philippians 1:6

1:6a

being confident: This means “being sure” or “strongly believing.” In many languages it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here and to translate this as “I am confident” or “I am certain” or “I am convinced.”

of this: This is an emphatic phrase, literally, “of this very thing.” This phrase is pointing forward to what follows: Paul is sure about what God will continue to do. Some English translations (for example, Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, New Century Version, Contemporary English Version, New Living Translation (2004)) either do not translate this phrase or understand it as emphasizing “confident.” For example:

quite confident (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
I’m convinced (God’s Word)

But most commentators and translations understand this phrase to be emphasizing what Paul is confident about (Berean Standard Bible, NET Bible, New International Version, Revised English Bible, New Revised Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, King James Version). If in your language it is possible to place emphasis on what Paul is sure of, that would be appropriate here.

He who began a good work in you: He refers to God. There are two interpretations of the good work that he began:

(1) The good work that God began was the salvation and new life that God gave them when they believed the gospel. When the Philippians received the gospel, God did something in them that changed who they were.

(2) The good work that God began was their work of cooperating in the spread of the gospel. This understanding is signaled by the insertion of the word “this” in Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, and God’s Word. For example:

God, who began this good work in you (Good News Translation)

Most translations do not insert the word “this” and so are probably following the first interpretation. It is recommended that, along with the majority of commentators, you also follow first interpretation (1).

In some languages it may be necessary to translate the noun work with a verb:

The one who has begun to do something good in you….

In some languages it may also be necessary to express the idea began as a marker on the following verb (“work,” “make” or “do”) instead of as a separate word.

1:6b

will carry it on to completion: In the Greek this is a single verb meaning “will complete, finish, accomplish.” God began the good work of salvation within the Philippians and would continue to work in them to change them into godly people. In some languages the best way to express the idea of “complete” or completion will be to put it in a sentence at the end of the verse. For example:

God will continue doing this good work in you until Christ Jesus returns. At that time it will be complete.

until the day of Christ Jesus: The Greek word achri translated by the Berean Standard Bible as until has been understood in two ways:

(1) It means “until.” God will keep on finishing what he has begun until the time when Christ returns. At that time his work will be complete. (Berean Standard Bible)

(2) It means “at” or “on.” God will complete his work on the day that Christ returns. (Revised Standard Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Compare a similar phrase in 1:10 and the notes there.

the day of Christ Jesus: This refers to the time Christ will come back. You could translate it as “when Christ Jesus returns to the earth.” This phrase occurs three times in Philippians (see also 1:10 and 2:16) and in several other New Testament passages.

Christ Jesus: There is a textual problem with this part of the verse. Different Greek manuscripts say different things. The two possible readings are:

(1) Some versions have Christ Jesus (Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible, Contemporary English Version, New Living Translation (2004), NET Bible)

(2) Some versions have “Jesus Christ”. (Revised Standard Version, New Century Version, New Jerusalem Bible)

The meaning is the same, but the reading Christ Jesus has the best manuscript support and it is recommended that you follow it (1).

General Comment on 1:6

It may be necessary in some languages to put the words of this verse in a different order. For example:

God has begun a good work in you, and I am confident that he will keep on completing it until the day of Christ Jesus.
-or-
I am sure that God will keep on doing this good work that he has started in you until Christ Jesus returns. Then it will be complete.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Philippians 2:8

2:8a

Some possible translations for the clause in 2:8a are:

After he became a human being…
-or-
While he was a human being…
-or-
While he lived here on the earth as a man….

Some versions place this phrase (2:8a) at the end of 2:7. However, it is recommended that you place it at the beginning of 2:8 as the Berean Standard Bible has done. 2:8 then begins by repeating the same idea in different words with which 2:7 ended:

7b…being made in human likeness.
-or-
8a…being found in appearance as a man….

And being found in appearance as a man: This does not mean that Christ was found by someone. It means that people could see that he looked like a man.

appearance: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as appearance refers to the outward or external shape of something. But Christ did not just look like a man, he really was a man.

2:8b

He humbled Himself: In the context of 2:7–8 this means that Christ gave up even more of his own rights and advantages. He took the next step of humbling himself. He had lived as a human, and now he also died as a human.

2:8c

became obedient to death: This does not mean that Jesus obeyed death. It means that he obeyed God completely, even though this led to his death. There are several ways you could translate this. For example:

He did what God wanted to the extent that he was willing to die.
-or-
He obeyed God even though it resulted in people killing him.

death: In many languages translators must render this as a verb. For example: “he died” or “people killed him.”

2:8d

even death on a cross: Dying on a cross was the most shaming and painful kind of punishment the Romans gave. It was the kind of punishment they used only for dangerous criminals and slaves. So the phrase even death on a cross shows how far Jesus was willing to humble himself.

Possible translations are:

even dying ⌊in a disgraceful way⌋ on a cross
-or-
dying ⌊like a criminal⌋ on a cross

SIL Translator’s Notes on Philippians 3:19

3:19a

end: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates literally as end refers to the conclusion or end result of their lives.

destruction: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as destruction also means “ruin.” It is the opposite of “salvation.” In some languages it may be necessary to translate this as a verb and say, “they will be ruined/destroyed.” In some languages it may be necessary to use an active verb and provide a subject. It is God who will destroy them.

3:19b

their god is their belly: This Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as their belly could have one of two meanings:

(1) It is a figure of speech referring to the desires of their bodies, including desires for food and sex and other earthly pleasures. For example:

their bodily desires (Good News Translation)
-or-
what their bodies want (New Century Version)

(2) It refers to their literal stomachs. Food and drink was what they were most concerned about. (New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible, New Living Translation (2004))

Most English versions use “stomach” or belly, which can be take either literally or as a figure of speech. It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). In the context of the rest of 3:19 (the more general ideas of shameful things and earthly things), it seems that 3:19b also refers to the more general idea of the desires of the body rather than just the desire for food.

By saying that the desires of their bodies were their god, Paul meant that they obeyed these desires as they would a god.

One way to translate this is:

They care only about the things they want here on earth.

3:19c

their glory: This means that these people glory in something or are proud of something.

their shame: This refers to the shameful things these people do. For example, it refers to the sort of things Paul talked about in 3:19b.

The things they did were shameful and they ought to have been ashamed of them, but they were not. In fact, they were even proud of the way they behaved. The whole phrase then means that they were proud of the things they did, things of which they ought to have been ashamed.

In many languages it will not be possible to use nouns like “glory” and shame, but it will be necessary to use verbs. For example:

They are proud of what they should be ashamed of (Good News Translation)
-or-
They…brag about the disgusting things they do (Contemporary English Version)

3:19d

Their minds are set on earthly things: These people constantly thought about the things on earth. In fact, the only things they paid attention to were things on the earth, things like food, clothes, pleasure. One way to translate this is:

They only ever think about the things on earth.

General Comment on 3:19

In some languages it seems better to place 3:19a at the end of the verse, because it gives the result of the other things Paul talked about in this verse. For example:

So ⌊as a result of this God⌋ will finally destroy them.

However, if you think this might be helpful in your language, consider carefully how you will then maintain the contrast Paul made by putting “earth” (3:19d) and “heaven” (3:20a) close together.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Philippians 1:17

1:17a

The former, however: This refers back to the group of people Paul was talking about in 1:15a, that is, those who preached about Christ because they envied him and were his rivals. See comments on chiasmus at the beginning of this paragraph.

out of: This is the same Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translated as “in” in 1:16 and indicates the cause of these people’s preaching.

selfish ambition: The Greek word translated by the Berean Standard Bible as selfish ambition is also found in Romans 2:8; Galatians 5:20 and 2 Corinthians 12:20. Here Paul meant that these people wanted to be important. They wanted people to respect them and obey them rather than Paul, so they tried to get more people to follow them than Paul had.

not sincerely: These people preached for the wrong reason, selfishly, for their own advancement rather than for the good of others and the glory of God.

It some languages it may be clearer to reverse the ideas of not sincerely and “selfish ambition.” For example:

They do not proclaim the message about Christ sincerely, but they preach about him with selfish ambition.

1:17b

supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains: The Greek literally says “thinking to raise up affliction.” This means that these jealous believers intended to cause trouble for Paul. However, it is implied that what they thought was wrong. Paul continued to rejoice because the gospel was preached.

they can add to the distress of my chains: This refers not to physical suffering but to inward suffering. These rival preachers probably thought that their success would make Paul jealous of them.

of my chains: As in 1:7, this means “in prison.”

General Comment on 1:15–17

These verses form a chiasmus, as explained in the introductory note to this paragraph. If your language does not naturally use chiasmus, you should use what is a natural order in you language. For example:

15a Some preach about Christ out of envy. 17a They do so because they have selfish ambition…. 15b Others ⌊preach about Christ⌋ out of goodwill. 16 They preach because they love me….

Step into the multitudes of languages of the Bible and join the worldwide conversation!

Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Philippians 2002