Bible Strands
Philippians 2:28
Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less anxious.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Philippian believers from imprisonment, explaining his decision to dispatch Epaphroditus back to them after the latter’s near-fatal illness. He states this as he finalizes the return of a messenger who had served them and recovered by God’s mercy.
The words — The adverb σπουδαιοτέρως (spoudaioteros) means “all the more speedily,” intensifying the verb ἔπεμψα (epempsa), “I have sent.”
The thread — The pattern of rejoicing upon seeing a person again appears in John 16:22 and 2 Timothy 1:4, where physical presence directly produces joy. This motif also runs through Philippians 2:26, where the same longing and distress over illness frame the current relief.
Why it lands — The text states that the readers will rejoice when they see the returned messenger and that Paul will be less anxious because of it. It requires the reader to welcome the messenger with joy and to honor those who serve like him, aligning personal relief with communal responsibility.
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
I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
Cross-references
- 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.
- 2 Timothy 1:4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.
- Philippians 2:26 For he has been longing for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.
- Genesis 45:27 However, when they relayed all that Joseph had told them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob was revived.
- Genesis 46:29 Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely.
- Acts 20:38 They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.
- 2 Corinthians 2:3 I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be grieved by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.
- Genesis 48:11 “I never expected to see your face again,” Israel said to Joseph, “but now God has let me see your children as well.”
- 1 John 1:3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.