Bible Strands
Philippians 1:22
But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Philippian believers while imprisoned, weighing his imminent execution against his ongoing ministry. He addresses his uncertain fate between death and continued physical life.
The words — The Greek phrase ἐν σαρκὶ ζῆν (en sarki zēn) literally means "to live in flesh." This phrasing anchors the verse in the physical, temporal reality of Paul's continued ministry.
The thread — The tension between earthly existence and spiritual commitment echoes Galatians 2:20, where life in the body is lived by faith, and 1 Peter 4:2, which contrasts human passions with God's will. Paul resolves the uncertainty in Philippians 1:24 by prioritizing the church's need over his personal preference.
Why it lands — The text demands a reader confront the reality of unresolved divine calling without demanding immediate certainty. It requires choosing service over comfort when the outcome remains unknown.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
Cross-references
- 1 Peter 4:2 Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.
- Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
- Philippians 1:24 But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
- 2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh.
- Psalms 71:18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come.
- Acts 3:17 And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders.
- Colossians 2:1 For I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me face to face,
- Genesis 39:8 But he refused. “Look,” he said to his master’s wife, “with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in his house, and he has entrusted everything he owns to my care.
- Exodus 32:1 Now when the people saw that Moses was delayed in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him!”
- Isaiah 38:18 For Sheol cannot thank You; Death cannot praise You. Those who descend to the Pit cannot hope for Your faithfulness.