Bible Strands
Philippians 2:16
as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Philippian church while reflecting on their conduct and his impending ministry. He speaks during a period of active preaching, looking ahead to the day of Christ when he will evaluate his labor.
The words — `epechontes` (holding forth) describes the active presentation of the message, while `kauchēma` (boast) denotes the confident ground for future pride. These terms anchor the verse in the physical and rhetorical act of proclaiming the gospel.
The thread — The theme of purposeful labor appears in 1 Corinthians 9:26, where Paul contrasts running aimlessly with directed effort. The gospel proclamation is also highlighted in Galatians 2:2, where Paul sets forth the message he preaches among the Gentiles.
Why it lands — The text demands that believers actively present the gospel so their faithfulness yields tangible fruit. It requires readers to measure their ministry against eternal accountability rather than temporary approval.
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
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 9:26 Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air.
- Galatians 2:2 I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I spoke privately to those recognized as leaders, for fear that I was running or had already run in vain.
- 1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have gazed upon and touched with our own hands—this is the Word of life.
- John 6:68 Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.
- 2 Corinthians 1:14 as you have already understood us in part, that you may boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of our Lord Jesus.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter had somehow tempted you and that our labor might have been in vain.
- Luke 12:8 I tell you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will also confess him before the angels of God.
- John 6:63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.
- Isaiah 49:4 But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength in futility and vanity; yet My vindication is with the LORD, and My reward is with My God.”
- 2 Timothy 2:15 Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.