Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! New Living Translation Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! English Standard Version Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Berean Standard Bible Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Berean Literal Bible Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! King James Bible Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. New King James Version Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! New American Standard Bible Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! NASB 1995 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! NASB 1977 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Legacy Standard Bible Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Amplified Bible Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! Christian Standard Bible Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Holman Christian Standard Bible Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! American Standard Version Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice. Contemporary English Version Always be glad because of the Lord! I will say it again: Be glad. English Revised Version Rejoice in the Lord alway: again I will say, Rejoice. GOD'S WORD® Translation Always be joyful in the Lord! I'll say it again: Be joyful! Good News Translation May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice! International Standard Version Keep on rejoicing in the Lord at all times. I will say it again: Keep on rejoicing! NET Bible Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! New Heart English Bible Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, Rejoice. Webster's Bible Translation Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Weymouth New Testament Always be glad in the Lord: I will repeat it, be glad. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleRejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! World English Bible Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionRejoice in the LORD always; again I will say, rejoice! Berean Literal Bible Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Young's Literal Translation Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice; Smith's Literal Translation Rejoice in the Lord always: again say I, Do ye rejoice. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleRejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice. Catholic Public Domain Version Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say, rejoice. New American Bible Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! New Revised Standard Version Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleRejoice in our LORD alway; and again I say, Rejoice. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Rejoice in our Lord always, and again I say, rejoice. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentRejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice. Godbey New Testament Rejoice in the Lord always: I say to you again, Rejoice. Haweis New Testament Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice. Mace New Testament Rejoice in the Lord alway: I say it again, rejoice. Weymouth New Testament Always be glad in the Lord: I will repeat it, be glad. Worrell New Testament Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Worsley New Testament Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Stand Firm in the Lord…3Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have labored with me for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. 4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near.… Cross References 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice at all times. Psalm 32:11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart. Psalm 33:1 Rejoice in the LORD, O righteous ones; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer. Psalm 97:12 Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous ones, and praise His holy name. 1 Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy, Psalm 100:1-2 A Psalm of thanksgiving. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. / Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs. John 16:22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. Psalm 68:3 But the righteous will be glad and rejoice before God; they will celebrate with joy. Nehemiah 8:10 Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Isaiah 61:10 I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Habakkuk 3:17-18 Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, / yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Psalm 149:2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. Luke 10:20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Treasury of Scripture Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Rejoice. Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; alway. Psalm 34:1,2 A Psalm of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth… Psalm 145:1,2 David's Psalm of praise. I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever… Psalm 146:2 While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. again. Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 2 Corinthians 13:1,2 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established… Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Jump to Previous Alway Always Glad Rejoice Repeat TimesJump to Next Alway Always Glad Rejoice Repeat TimesPhilippians 4 1. From particular admonitions,4. he proceeds to general exhortations, 10. showing how he rejoiced at their generosity toward him while in prison. 19. And so he concludes with prayer and salutations. Rejoice in the Lord always. The call to "rejoice" is a central theme in Paul's letter to the Philippians, emphasizing joy as a defining characteristic of the Christian life. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in a relationship with the Lord. The phrase "in the Lord" indicates that the source of this joy is found in Christ, highlighting the believer's union with Him. Historically, Philippi was a Roman colony, and the Philippians faced persecution for their faith, making this exhortation to rejoice particularly poignant. The command to rejoice "always" suggests a continuous, unwavering joy that transcends situational happiness, aligning with other scriptural teachings such as 1 Thessalonians 5:16, which also calls believers to "rejoice always." I will say it again: Rejoice! Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter to the Philippians, writing from prison, yet expressing joy and encouraging others to rejoice. 2. Philippi A city in Macedonia where the church to whom Paul is writing is located. It was the first European church founded by Paul. 3. The Philippian Church The recipients of the letter, known for their generosity and partnership in the gospel with Paul. 4. Roman Imprisonment The context from which Paul writes, highlighting the power of his exhortation to rejoice despite his circumstances. Teaching Points Joy as a CommandPaul’s repetition of the command to rejoice underscores its importance. Joy is not merely an emotion but a deliberate choice and act of obedience. Joy in the Lord The source of true joy is found in the Lord, not in circumstances. This joy is rooted in our relationship with Christ and His unchanging nature. Joy in Adversity Paul’s imprisonment serves as a powerful example that joy is possible even in suffering. Believers are called to find joy in the Lord regardless of their situation. Repetition for Emphasis Paul’s repetition ("I will say it again: Rejoice!") highlights the necessity of joy in the Christian life, suggesting that it should be a defining characteristic of believers. Community of Joy The call to rejoice is given to the community, suggesting that joy is both personal and communal, and that believers should encourage one another in this practice. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Philippians 4:4?2. How can we "rejoice in the Lord always" in daily life challenges? 3. What does Philippians 4:4 teach about maintaining joy amidst trials? 4. How does Philippians 4:4 connect with 1 Thessalonians 5:16 on rejoicing? 5. Why is rejoicing in the Lord crucial for spiritual growth and maturity? 6. How can we encourage others to "rejoice in the Lord" consistently? 7. How can one "rejoice in the Lord always" during times of suffering or hardship? 8. What historical context influenced Paul's message in Philippians 4:4? 9. How does Philippians 4:4 align with the overall theme of joy in the Bible? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Philippians 4? 11. How can we find joy in the Lord always? 12. What does it mean to always rejoice? 13. Why are many Christians often perceived as grumpy? 14. How can we find joy in the Lord always? What Does Philippians 4:4 Mean RejoicePhilippians 4:4 opens with a clear command: “Rejoice.” This is not merely a suggestion for when life feels easy; it is a Spirit-empowered directive. • Psalm 32:11 shows the same heartbeat: “Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous.” • Jesus sets the precedent in Luke 10:20, telling His disciples to rejoice because their names are written in heaven. The thread is consistent—joy is rooted in what God has done, not in circumstances. in the Lord The location of our joy matters. Paul does not say “Rejoice in your successes” or “Rejoice in favorable situations” but “Rejoice in the Lord.” • John 15:11 records Jesus’ promise that abiding in Him results in “full” joy. • Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us that “the joy of the LORD is your strength.” When Christ is the source, joy remains steady even in loss, disappointment, or uncertainty. always “Always” rules out exceptions. Paul writes from a Roman prison, proving the command is doable even under pressure. • 1 Thessalonians 5:16 echoes the same mandate: “Rejoice at all times.” • Habakkuk 3:17-18 portrays a prophet rejoicing though fields are barren. God’s faithfulness spans every season, so joy is never out of season. I will say it again Paul repeats himself because believers are prone to forget. Repetition drills this truth deeper into our hearts. • Jesus repeats truths often, such as “Truly, truly” in John 3:3, underscoring importance. • Peter admits in 2 Peter 1:12-13 that reminders safeguard believers. Joy must be rehearsed; otherwise, troubles drown it out. Rejoice! The exclamation mark drives the command home: act on it now. Joy is more than emotion; it’s a deliberate response to God’s character. • Isaiah 61:10 exclaims, “I greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul exults in my God.” • Acts 16:25 shows Paul and Silas singing in chains—living proof that rejoicing is possible anywhere. Choosing joy proclaims that Christ’s victory defines reality more than present pain. summary Philippians 4:4 summons believers to a life marked by unshakeable, Christ-centered joy. We rejoice—continually, consciously, and loudly—because our Lord remains worthy, our salvation secure, and our future certain. (4-7) St. Paul returns once more to the exhortation to joy so characteristic of this Epistle. But it is a joy in the sense of the Lord's being at hand. Hence it turns at once to thanksgiving and prayer, and finally is calmed and deepened into peace.(4) Rejoice in the Lord . . . and again I say, Rejoice.--The original word is the word always used in classical Greek (see the corresponding word in Latin) for "farewell" (i.e., "Joy be with you!"), and this verse is obviously a resumption of Philippians 3:1, after the digression of warning. But the emphasis laid on it here, coupled with the constant references to joy in the Epistle, show that St. Paul designed to call attention to its strict meaning, and to enforce, again and again, the Christian duty of joy. It is, of course, a "joy in the Lord:" for only in the Lord is joy possible to any thoughtful mind or feeling heart in such a world as this. Verse 4. - Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say, Rejoice; rather, as R.V., again I will say. St. Paul returns to the key-note of the Epistle, Christian joy. He writes again the same things (see Philippians 2:1); he will say it again, he. never wearies of repeating that holy joy is a chief Christian duty. Rejoice in the Lord; in his presence, in communion with him, and that always; for he who rejoices in the Lord, as Chrysostom says, always rejoices, even in affliction: "Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" (2 Corinthians 6:10).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek RejoiceΧαίρετε (Chairete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 5463: A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well. 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. [the] Lord Κυρίῳ (Kyriō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. always. πάντοτε (pantote) Adverb Strong's 3842: Always, at all times, ever. From pas and hote; every when, i.e. At all times. I will say [it] ἐρῶ (erō) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 2046: Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say. again: πάλιν (palin) Adverb Strong's 3825: Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand. Rejoice! χαίρετε (chairete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 5463: A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well. Links Philippians 4:4 NIVPhilippians 4:4 NLT Philippians 4:4 ESV Philippians 4:4 NASB Philippians 4:4 KJV Philippians 4:4 BibleApps.com Philippians 4:4 Biblia Paralela Philippians 4:4 Chinese Bible Philippians 4:4 French Bible Philippians 4:4 Catholic Bible NT Letters: Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always! (Philipp. Phil. Php.) |