Bible Strands
Philippians 4:3
Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses an unnamed Philippian believer he calls a "yokefellow" alongside the church, issuing this appeal during a pastoral intervention over a dispute between Euodia and Syntyche. The moment is defined by urgent ecclesial conflict requiring immediate mediation.
The words — The term σύζυγε (suzuge) literally means "yokefellow" or "mate," designating a partner in shared labor. Paul pairs it with συλλαμβάνου (sullambanou), a middle-voice verb meaning "help yourself" or "take hold of," to command direct, personal assistance.
The thread — The declaration that these workers' names are "in the Book of Life" aligns with the same biblical category of recorded names found in Revelation 3:5 and Luke 10:20. These references consistently mark divine preservation and covenant belonging outside the earthly narrative.
Why it lands — The text commands practical intervention to resolve a gospel-related conflict among recognized co-workers. It requires the reader to prioritize communal unity and active support over personal preference or passive observation.
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
And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
Cross-references
- Revelation 3:5 Like them, he who overcomes will be dressed in white. And I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and His angels.
- Luke 10:20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
- Revelation 13:8 And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world in the Book of Life belonging to the Lamb who was slain.
- Philippians 1:27 Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel,
- Revelation 21:27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
- Acts 16:14 Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.
- Revelation 17:8 The beast that you saw—it was, and now is no more, but is about to come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction. And those who dwell on the earth whose names were not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world will marvel when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet will be.
- Exodus 32:32 Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin.... But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.”
- Psalms 69:28 May they be blotted out of the Book of Life and not listed with the righteous.
- Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.