Bible Strands
Philippians 1:23
I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul, writing from prison awaiting trial, to the church at Philippi. He is mid-decision between staying alive for their sake and dying to be with Christ.
The words — συνέχομαι (sunechomai), literally "I am pressed," not a gentle torn-ness but a force from both sides. ἐπιθυμίαν (epithumian) is a strong, active desire, not a vague wish.
The thread — 2 Corinthians 5:8 states the same preference in plainer terms: "away from the body and at home with the Lord." Revelation 14:13 confirms the blessedness of dying in the Lord as a present reality, not a distant hope.
Why it lands — Paul names a real longing without resolving it into a comfortable answer; the next verse immediately pulls him back to the community's need. The reader is left holding both the desire for Christ's presence and the cost of that desire to others, without being told which to prefer.
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
For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
- Psalms 17:15 As for me, I will behold Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied in Your presence.
- Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven telling me to write, “Blessed are the dead—those who die in the Lord from this moment on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labors, for their deeds will follow them.”
- Luke 23:43 And Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
- John 17:24 Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
- Acts 7:59 While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
- 2 Timothy 4:6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
- Revelation 7:14 “Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
- Psalms 49:15 But God will redeem my life from Sheol, for He will surely take me to Himself. Selah
- John 12:26 If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.