Philippians 2:1
New International Version
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,

New Living Translation
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?

English Standard Version
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,

Berean Standard Bible
Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affections and compassions,

King James Bible
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

New King James Version
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,

New American Standard Bible
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,

NASB 1995
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,

NASB 1977
If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,

Amplified Bible
Therefore if there is any encouragement and comfort in Christ [as there certainly is in abundance], if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship [that we share] in the Spirit, if [there is] any [great depth of] affection and compassion,

Christian Standard Bible
If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,

American Standard Version
If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions,

Contemporary English Version
Christ encourages you, and his love comforts you. God's Spirit unites you, and you are concerned for others.

English Revised Version
If there is therefore any comfort in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So then, as Christians, do you have any encouragement? Do you have any comfort from love? Do you have any spiritual relationships? Do you have any sympathy and compassion?

Good News Translation
Your life in Christ makes you strong, and his love comforts you. You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another.

International Standard Version
Therefore, if there is any encouragement in the Messiah, if there is any comfort of love, if there is any fellowship in the Spirit, if there is any compassion and sympathy,

Majority Standard Bible
Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,

NET Bible
Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy,

New Heart English Bible
If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion,

Webster's Bible Translation
If there is therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Weymouth New Testament
If then I can appeal to you as the followers of Christ, if there is any persuasive power in love and any common sharing of the Spirit, or if you have any tender-heartedness and compassion, make my joy complete by being of one mind,

World English Bible
If therefore there is any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
If, then, any exhortation [is] in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of [the] Spirit, if any yearnings and mercies,

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affections and compassions,

Young's Literal Translation
If, then, any exhortation is in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Smith's Literal Translation
If therefore any consolation in Christ, if any encouragement of love, if any mutual participation of the Spirit, if any compassions and mercies,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of charity, if any society of the spirit, if any bowels of commiseration:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, if there is any consolation in Christ, any solace of charity, any fellowship of the Spirit, any feelings of commiseration:

New American Bible
If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy,

New Revised Standard Version
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
IF, therefore, you have found consola tion in Christ, or whole hearted love or fellowship of the Spirit or compassion and mercies,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
If you have, therefore, comfort in The Messiah, or the filling up of hearts with love, or communion of The Spirit, or tender care and mercy,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
If, therefore, there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort arising from love, if any participation of the Spirit, if any affections and mercies,

Godbey New Testament
If then there is any consolation in Christ, if there is any comfort of divine love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercies,

Haweis New Testament
IF there be then any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any communion of spirit, if any bowels and compassions,

Mace New Testament
If then there be any christian consolation, any charitable relief, any communion of the spirit, if any tenderness of compassion,

Weymouth New Testament
If then I can appeal to you as the followers of Christ, if there is any persuasive power in love and any common sharing of the Spirit, or if you have any tender-heartedness and compassion, make my joy complete by being of one mind,

Worrell New Testament
If there is, therefore, any consolation in Christ, if any encouragement of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender affections and compassions,

Worsley New Testament
If therefore there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any participation of the Spirit,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
One in Christ
1Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose.…

Cross References
2 Corinthians 13:14
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

Romans 15:5
Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus,

Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. / And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.

Ephesians 4:1-3
As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: / with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, / and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

John 13:34-35
A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

1 John 4:7-12
Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. / Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. / This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. ...

Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.

1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.

1 Thessalonians 4:9
Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who by grace has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope, / encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good word and deed.

Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.

Acts 4:32
The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned.

Zechariah 7:9-10
“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another. / Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’


Treasury of Scripture

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

any consolation.

Philippians 3:3
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Luke 2:10,11,25
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people…

John 14:18,27
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you…

if any comfort.

Psalm 133:1
A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

John 15:10-12
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love…

Acts 2:46
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

if any fellowship.

Romans 5:5
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Romans 8:9-16,26
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his…

1 Corinthians 3:16
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

if any bowels.

Philippians 1:8
For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:12
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Jump to Previous
Affection Appeal Bowels Christ Comfort Common Compassion Compassions Complete Consolation Exhortation Fellowship Followers Hearts Help Joy Love Mercies Participation Persuasive Pity Power Sharing Spirit Sympathy Tender Tender-Heartedness Tenderness Uniting
Jump to Next
Affection Appeal Bowels Christ Comfort Common Compassion Compassions Complete Consolation Exhortation Fellowship Followers Hearts Help Joy Love Mercies Participation Persuasive Pity Power Sharing Spirit Sympathy Tender Tender-Heartedness Tenderness Uniting
Philippians 2
1. Paul exhorts them to unity, and to all humbleness of mind, by the example of Christ's humility;
12. to a careful proceeding in the way of salvation, that they be as lights to a wicked world,
16. and comforts to him their apostle, who is now ready to be offered up to God.
19. He hopes to send Timothy to them, and Epaphroditus also.














Therefore
The word "therefore" serves as a bridge connecting the previous thoughts in Philippians 1 with the exhortations that follow. In Greek, it is "οὖν" (oun), which indicates a logical conclusion or result. Paul is urging the Philippians to consider the implications of their faith and unity in Christ. This word reminds us that our actions and attitudes should be a direct response to the truths we have embraced in the gospel.

if you have any encouragement in Christ
The phrase "if you have any encouragement in Christ" uses the Greek word "παράκλησις" (paraklēsis), which can mean encouragement, comfort, or exhortation. This term is closely related to the Holy Spirit, often referred to as the "Paraclete" or Comforter. Paul is appealing to the Philippians' shared experience of being uplifted and strengthened by their relationship with Christ. This encouragement is not hypothetical but a reality for those who are in Christ, serving as a foundation for unity and mutual support.

if any comfort from His love
Here, "comfort" is translated from the Greek "παραμύθιον" (paramythion), which conveys a sense of solace or consolation. The source of this comfort is "His love," referring to the profound and sacrificial love of Christ. Historically, the love of Christ has been a central theme in Christian teaching, emphasizing His willingness to lay down His life for humanity. This love is a powerful motivator for believers to extend the same comfort and love to one another.

if any fellowship with the Spirit
The word "fellowship" comes from the Greek "κοινωνία" (koinonia), which denotes a deep, communal participation or sharing. This fellowship is with the Holy Spirit, highlighting the intimate relationship believers have with God through the Spirit's indwelling presence. In the early church, this concept of koinonia was vital, as it fostered a sense of community and shared purpose among believers. It is a call to live in harmony and unity, empowered by the Spirit.

if any affection and compassion
"Affection" and "compassion" are translated from the Greek words "σπλάγχνα" (splanchna) and "οἰκτιρμοί" (oiktirmoi), respectively. "Splanchna" refers to the inward parts or bowels, metaphorically used to describe deep-seated emotions or tender feelings. "Oiktirmoi" conveys a sense of mercy or pity. These terms reflect the heartfelt and genuine care that should characterize the relationships among believers. Historically, the early Christian community was known for its acts of kindness and mercy, setting an example for how believers are to treat one another.

II.

(1-4) In this section the hint given above, in the allusion to "one spirit" and "one soul," is expanded into a direct exhortation to unity of spirit, as shown both by absence of self-assertion and by presence of a genial sympathy.

(1) If there be therefore any consolation . . .--In the four-fold division of this verse we trace, first, a reference to unity with Christ, and to a spiritual effect following from it; next, a similar reference to communion with the Holy Ghost, and a corresponding spiritual result. (1) "Consolation" is properly encouragement--the stirring up of spiritual activity--ascribed in Acts 9:31 to the action of the Holy Spirit, but here viewed as a practical manifestation of the life flowing from union with Christ. Out of it comes naturally the "comfort of love," that is, as always, the deep and thankful sense of comfort in His love, overflowing into comfort, lovingly given to our brethren. On this "encouragement" in Christ, both received and given out to others, St. Paul dwells at length (2Corinthians 1:3-7). (2) Next, he speaks of "communion of the Spirit" (the very word used in 2Corinthians 13:13), by which, indeed, we are brought into that unity with Christ; and of this, still keeping to the main idea of love, he makes the manifestation to be in "bowels and mercies"--that is, both in strong affection, and in that peculiar form of affection which is directed towards suffering, viz., compassion or pity. The whole passage (like Philippians 4:8-9) is full of a grave and persuasive eloquence characteristic of this Epistle. No absolute distinction is to be drawn between the two elements of the sentence; but it may be noted that the "consolation in Christ" is exhibited in the action which visibly follows His divine example, "the communion with the Holy Spirit" is shown by the inner emotion, not seen, but felt.

Verse 1. - If there be therefore, any consolation in Christ. Mark the fervor of the apostle. Ὅρα πῶς λιπαρῶς πῶς σφοδρῶς πῶς μετὰ συμπαωείας πολλῆς (Chrysostom). He appeals to the Christian experience of the Philippians; if these experiences are real, as they are; facts verified in the believer's consciousness; not talk, not mere forms of speech, - then fulfill ye my joy. Consolation; perhaps "exhortation" is the more suitable rendering in this place: if the presence of Christ, if communion with Christ, hath power to stir the heart, to stimulate the emotions, to constrain the will. If any comfort of love; comfort springing out of love. Love is the subjective result of the presence of Christ as an objective reality, and with love comes comfort (comp. 1 Corinthians 14:3 and 1 Thessalonians 2:11). If any fellowship of the Spirit. If the indwelling of the Holy Ghost be true, a felt reality in the Christian life. Not, as some understand, "If there be any fellowship of spirit among themselves." If any bowels and mercies. Bowels (see note on Philippians 1:8), the seat of the feelings of compassion; mercies, those feelings themselves. The pronoun "any," according to the reading of all the best manuscripts, is masculine singular; the word "bowels," being neuter plural εἴ τις σπλάγχνα If St. Paul really wrote thus, we must suppose that the warmth of his feelings suddenly led him to substitute σπλάγχνα for some other word originally in his thoughts. "Under any circumstances," says Bishop Lightfoot, "the reading εἴ τις is a valuable testimony to the scrupulous fidelity of the early transcribers, who copied the text as they found it, even when it contained readings so manifestly difficult."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Therefore
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

if [you have]
Εἴ (Ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

any
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

encouragement
παράκλησις (paraklēsis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3874: From parakaleo; imploration, hortation, solace.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Christ,
Χριστῷ (Christō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

if
εἴ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

any
τι (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

comfort
παραμύθιον (paramythion)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3890: Comfort, consolation, an exhortation, persuasion, encouragement. Neuter of paramuthia; consolation.

from [His] love,
ἀγάπης (agapēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 26: From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.

if
εἴ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

any
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

fellowship
κοινωνία (koinōnia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2842: From koinonos; partnership, i.e. participation, or intercourse, or benefaction.

with [the] Spirit,
Πνεύματος (Pneumatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

if
εἴ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

any
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

affection
σπλάγχνα (splanchna)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4698: Probably strengthened from splen; an intestine; figuratively, pity or sympathy.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

compassion,
οἰκτιρμοί (oiktirmoi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3628: Pity, compassion, favor, grace, mercy. From oikteiro; pity.


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NT Letters: Philippians 2:1 If there is therefore any exhortation (Philipp. Phil. Php.)
Philippians 1:30
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