Bible Strands
Philippians 4:17
Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul, writing from prison to the Philippian church, responds to their repeated financial support (v.16) and the gift just delivered by Epaphroditus (v.18).
The words — ἐπιζητῶ (epizētō), "I seek after," appears twice, framing the contrast: not a one-time gift (δῶμα) but an ongoing yield credited to the giver's account.
The thread — Hebrews 6:10 promises God will not forget the work and love shown in ministering to His people; 2 Corinthians 9:9 grounds this in the character of the one who scatters gifts to the poor.
Why it lands — The verse tells the giver that their act does not evaporate on delivery; it is stored as a credit on their own account, which means generosity is not a loss but a deposit.
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
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Cross-references
- Titus 3:14 And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet the pressing needs of others, so that they will not be unfruitful.
- Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
- 2 Corinthians 9:9 As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”
- John 15:8 This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples.
- Luke 14:12 Then Jesus said to the man who had invited Him, “When you host a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or brothers or relatives or rich neighbors. Otherwise, they may invite you in return, and you will be repaid.
- John 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.
- 2 Corinthians 9:5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you beforehand and make arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. This way, your gift will be prepared generously and not begrudgingly.
- Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances.
- Titus 1:7 As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.
- 1 Peter 5:2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;