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Philippians 4:10

New American Standard Bible (NASB ©1995) [2]
— But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned [before], but you lacked opportunity.
King James Version (KJV 1769) [2]
— But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
English Revised Version (ERV 1885)
— But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity.
American Standard Version (ASV 1901) [2]
— But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity.
Webster's Revision of the KJB (WEB 1833)
— But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
Darby's Translation (DBY 1890)
— But I rejoiced in [the] Lord greatly, that now however at length ye have revived your thinking of me, though surely ye did also think [of me], but lacked opportunity.
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible (EBR 1902)
— Howbeit I have been made to rejoice in the Lord greatly—that, now, at length, ye have flourished in your care for me,—although, indeed, ye were caring, but lacked opportunity.
Young's Literal Translation (YLT 1898)
— And I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye flourished again in caring for me, for which also ye were caring, and lacked opportunity;
Douay-Rheims Challoner Revision (DR 1750)
— Now I rejoice in the Lord exceedingly that now at length your thought for me hath flourished again, as you did also think; but you were busied.
Geneva Bible (GNV 1560)
— Nowe I reioyce also in the Lord greatly, that nowe at the last your care for mee springeth afresh, wherein notwithstanding ye were careful, but yee lacked opportunitie.
Original King James Bible (AV 1611) [2]
— But I reioyced in the Lorde greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished againe, wherein yee were also carefull, but ye lacked opportunitie.
Lamsa Bible (1957)
— But I rejoiced in our Lord greatly, that you have continued to care for me, just as you have always cared, even though you yourselves have not had sufficient.
John Etheridge Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1849)
— But greatly do I rejoice in our Lord, that you have begun to care (again) for me, as also you were [formerly] careful, but you have not had ability.
James Murdock Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1852)
— And I rejoice greatly in our Lord, that ye have [again] commenced caring for me; even as ye had before cared [for me,] but ye had not the opportunity.

Strong's Numbers & Red-LettersGreek New TestamentColor-Code/Key Word Studies
But 1161
{1161} Prime
δέ
de
{deh}
A primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.
I rejoiced 5463
{5463} Prime
χαίρω
chairo
{khah'-ee-ro}
A primary verb; to be full of 'cheer', that is, calmly happy or well off; impersonal especially as a salutation (on meeting or parting), be well.
z5644
<5644> Grammar
Tense - Second Aorist (See G5780)
Voice - Passive Deponent (See G5789)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 13
in 1722
{1722} Prime
ἐν
en
{en}
A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); 'in', at, (up-) on, by, etc.
the Lord 2962
{2962} Prime
κύριος
kurios
{koo'-ree-os}
From κῦρος [[kuros]] (supremacy); supreme in authority, that is, (as noun) controller; by implication Mr. (as a respectful title).
greatly, 3171
{3171} Prime
μεγάλως
megalos
{meg-al'-oce}
Adverb from G3173; much.
that 3754
{3754} Prime
ὅτι
hoti
{hot'-ee}
Neuter of G3748 as conjugation; demonstrative that (sometimes redundant); causatively because.
now 2235
{2235} Prime
ἤδη
ede
{ay'-day}
Apparently from G2228 (or possibly G2229) and G1211; even now.
at the last 4218
{4218} Prime
ποτέ
pote
{pot-eh'}
From the base of G4225 and G5037; indefinite adverb, at some time, ever.
your care 5426
{5426} Prime
φρονέω
phroneo
{fron-eh'-o}
From G5424; to exercise the mind, that is, entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intensively to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience).
z5721
<5721> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Infinitive (See G5795)
Count - 647
y330
[0330] Standard
ἀναθάλλω
anathallo
{an-ath-al'-lo}
From G0303 and θάλλω [[thallo]] (to flourish); to revive.
z0
<0000> Grammar
The original word in the Greek or Hebrew is translated by more than one word in the English. The English translation is separated by one or more other words from the original.
of 5228
{5228} Prime
ὑπέρ
huper
{hoop-er'}
A primary preposition; 'over', that is, (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case superior to, more than. In compounds it retains many of the listed applications.
me 1700
{1700} Prime
ἐμοῦ
emou
{em-oo'}
A prolonged form of G3449; of me.
hath flourished again; 330
{0330} Prime
ἀναθάλλω
anathallo
{an-ath-al'-lo}
From G0303 and θάλλω [[thallo]] (to flourish); to revive.
z5627
<5627> Grammar
Tense - Second Aorist (See G5780)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 2138 plus 1 in a variant reading in a footnote
wherein 1909
{1909} Prime
ἐπί
epi
{ep-ee'}
A primary preposition properly meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution [with the genitive case], that is, over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.
3739
{3739} Prime
ὅς
hos
{hos}
Probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article G3588); the relative (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that.
ye were y5426
[5426] Standard
φρονέω
phroneo
{fron-eh'-o}
From G5424; to exercise the mind, that is, entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intensively to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience).
z0
<0000> Grammar
The original word in the Greek or Hebrew is translated by more than one word in the English. The English translation is separated by one or more other words from the original.
also 2532
{2532} Prime
καί
kai
{kahee}
Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words.
careful, 5426
{5426} Prime
φρονέω
phroneo
{fron-eh'-o}
From G5424; to exercise the mind, that is, entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intensively to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience).
z5707
<5707> Grammar
Tense - Imperfect (See G5775)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 855
but 1161
{1161} Prime
δέ
de
{deh}
A primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.
ye lacked opportunity. 170
{0170} Prime
ἀκαιρέομαι
akaireomai
{ak-ahee-reh'-om-ahee}
From a compound of G0001 (as a negative particle) and G2540 (meaning unseasonable); to be inopportune (for oneself), that is, to fail of a proper occasion.
z5711
<5711> Grammar
Tense - Imperfect (See G5775)
Voice - Middle or Passive Deponent (See G5790)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 184
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

Philippians 4:10

_ _ But — transitional conjunction. But “now” to pass to another subject.

_ _ in the Lord — He views everything with reference to Christ.

_ _ at the last — “at last”; implying he was expecting their gift, not from a selfish view, but as a “fruit” of their faith, and to “abound” to their account (Philippians 4:11, Philippians 4:17). Though long in coming, owing to Epaphroditus’ sickness and other delays, he does not imply their gift was too late.

_ _ your care ... hath flourished againGreek, “Ye have flourished again (revived, as trees sprouting forth again in spring) in your care for me.”

_ _ wherein ye were also careful — in respect to which (revival, namely, the sending of a supply to me) “ye were also (all along) careful, but ye lacked opportunity”; whether from want of means or want of a messenger. Your “lack of service” (Philippians 2:30), was owing to your having “lacked opportunity.”

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Philippians 4:10-19

_ _ In these verses we have the thankful grateful acknowledgment which the apostle makes of the kindness of the Philippians in sending him a present for his support, now that he was a prisoner at Rome. And here,

_ _ I. He takes occasion to acknowledge their former kindnesses to him, and to make mention of them, Philippians 4:15, Philippians 4:16. Paul had a grateful spirit; for, though what his friends did for him was nothing in comparison of what he deserved from them and the obligations he had laid upon them, yet he speaks of their kindness as if it had been a piece of generous charity, when it was really far short of a just debt. If they had each of them contributed half their estates to him, they had not given him too much, since they owed to him even their own souls; and yet, when they send a small present to him, how kindly does he take it, how thankfully does he mention it, even in this epistle which was to be left upon record, and read in the churches, through all ages; so that wherever this epistle shall be read there shall this which they did to Paul be told for a memorial of them. Surely never was present so well repaid. He reminds them that in the beginning of the gospel no church communicated with him as to giving and receiving but they only, Philippians 4:15. They not only maintained him comfortably while he was with them, but when he departed from Macedonia they sent tokens of their kindness after him; and this when no other church did so. None besides sent after him of their carnal things, in consideration of what they had reaped of his spiritual things. In works of charity, we are ready to ask what other people do. But the church of the Philippians never considered that. It redounded so much the more to their honour that they were the only church who were thus just and generous. Even in Thessalonica (after he had departed from Macedonia) you sent once and again to my necessity, Philippians 4:16. Observe, 1. It was but little which they sent; they sent only to his necessity, just such things as he had need of; perhaps it was according to their ability, and he did not desire superfluities nor dainties. 2. It is an excellent thing to see those to whom God has abounded in the gifts of his grace abounding in grateful returns to his people and ministers, according to their own ability and their necessity: You sent once and again. Many people make it an excuse for their charity that they have given once; why should the charge come upon them again? But the Philippians sent once and again; they often relieved and refreshed him in his necessities. He makes this mention of their former kindness, not only out of gratitude, but for their encouragement.

_ _ II. He excuses their neglect of late. It seems, for some time they had not sent to enquire after him, or sent him any present; but now at the last their care of him flourished again (Philippians 4:10), like a tree in the spring, which seemed all the winter to be quite dead. Now, in conformity to the example of his great Master, instead of upbraiding them for their neglect, he makes an excuse for them: Wherein you were also careful, but you lacked opportunity. How could they lack opportunity, if they had been resolved upon it? They might have sent a messenger on purpose. But the apostle is willing to suppose, in favour of them, that they would have done it if a fair opportunity had offered. How contrary is this to the behaviour of many to their friends, by whom neglects which really are excusable are resented very heinously, when Paul excused that which he had reason enough to resent.

_ _ III. He commends their present liberality: Notwithstanding, you have well done that you did communicate with my affliction, Philippians 4:14. It is a good work to succour and help a good minister in trouble. Here see what is the nature of true Christian sympathy; not only to be concerned for our friends in their troubles, but to do what we can to help them. They communicated with his affliction, in relieving him under it. He who says, Be you warmed, be you filled, and giveth not those things they have need of, what doth it profit? James 2:16. He rejoiced greatly in it (Philippians 4:10), because it was an evidence of their affection to him and the success of his ministry among them. When the fruit of their charity abounded towards the apostle, it appeared that the fruit of his ministry abounded among them.

_ _ IV. He takes care to obviate the bad use some might make of his taking so much notice of what was sent him. It did not proceed either from discontent and distrust (Philippians 4:11) or from covetousness and love of the world, Philippians 4:12. 1. It did not come from discontent, or distrust of Providence: Not that I speak in respect of want (Philippians 4:11); not in respect of any want he felt, nor of any want he feared. As to the former, he was content with the little he had, and that satisfied him; as to the latter, he depended upon the providence of God to provide for him from day to day, and that satisfied him: so that he did not speak in respect of want any way. For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. We have here an account of Paul's learning, not that which he got at the feet of Gamaliel, but that which he got at the feet of Christ. He had learnt to be content; and that was the lesson he had as much need to learn as most men, considering the hardships and sufferings with which he was exercised. He was in bonds, and imprisonments, and necessities, often; but in all he had learnt to be content, that is, to bring his mind to his condition, and make the best of it. — I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound, Philippians 4:12. This is a special act of grace, to accommodate ourselves to every condition of life, and carry an equal temper of mind through all the varieties of our state. (1.) To accommodate ourselves to an afflicted condition — to know how to be abased, how to be hungry, how to suffer want, so as not to be overcome by the temptations of it, either to lose our comfort in God or distrust his providence, or to take any indirect course for our own supply. (2.) To a prosperous condition — to know how to abound, how to be full, so as not to be proud, or secure, or luxurious. And this is as hard a lesson as the other; for the temptations of fulness and prosperity are not less than those of affliction and want. But how must we learn it? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, Philippians 4:13. We have need of strength from Christ, to enable us to perform not only those duties which are purely Christian, but even those which are the fruit of moral virtue. We need his strength to teach us to be content in every condition. The apostle had seemed to boast of himself, and of his own strength: I know how to be abased (Philippians 4:12); but here he transfers all the praise to Christ. “What do I talk of knowing how to be abased, and how to abound? It is only through Christ who strengthens me that I can do it, not in my own strength.” So we are required to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might (Ephesians 6:10), and to be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:1); and we are strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man, Ephesians 3:16. The word in the original is a participle of the present tense, en t endunamounti me Christ, and denotes a present and continued act; as if he had said, “Through Christ, who is strengthening me, and does continually strengthen me; it is by his constant and renewed strength I am enabled to act in every thing; I wholly depend upon him for all my spiritual power.” 2. It did not come from covetousness, or an affection to worldly wealth: “Not because I desired a gift (Philippians 4:17): that is, I welcome your kindness, not because it adds to my enjoyments, but because it adds to your account.” He desired not so much for his own sake, but theirs: “I desire fruit that may abound to your account, that is, that you may be enabled to make such a good use of your worldly possessions that you may give an account of them with joy.” It is not with any design to draw more from you, but to encourage you to such an exercise of beneficence as will meet with a glorious reward hereafter. “For my part,” says he, “I have all, and abound, Philippians 4:18. What can a man desire more than enough? I do not desire a gift for the gift's sake, for I have all, and abound.” They sent him a small token, and he desired no more; he was not solicitous for a present superfluity, or a future supply: I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things which were sent by you. Note, A good man will soon have enough of this world; not only of living in it, but of receiving from it. A covetous worldling, if he has ever so much, would still have more; but a heavenly Christian, though he has little, has enough.

_ _ V. The apostle assures them that God did accept, and would recompense, their kindness to him. 1. He did accept it: It is an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God. Not a sacrifice of atonement, for none makes atonement for sin but Christ; but a sacrifice of acknowledgment, and well-pleasing to God. It was more acceptable to God as it was the fruit of their grace than it was to Paul as it was the supply of his want. With such sacrifices God is well pleased, Hebrews 13:16. 2. He would recompense it: But my God shall supply all your wants according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:19. He does as it were draw a bill upon the exchequer in heaven, and leaves it to God to make them amends for the kindness they had shown him. “He shall do it, not only as your God, but as my God, who takes what is done to me as done to himself. You supplied my needs, according to your poverty; and he shall supply yours, according to his riches.” But still it is by Christ Jesus; through him we have grace to do that which is good, and through him we must expect the reward of it. Not of debt, but of grace; for the more we do for God the more we are indebted to him, because we receive the more from him.

John Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Philippians 4:10

I rejoiced greatly — St. Paul was no Stoic: he had strong passions, but all devoted to God. That your care of me hath flourished again — As a tree blossoms after the winter. Ye wanted opportunity — Either ye had not plenty yourselves, or you wanted a proper messenger.

Geneva Bible Translation Notes

Philippians 4:10

(8) But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

(8) He witnesses that their liberality was acceptable to him, with which they helped him in his extreme poverty: but yet so moderating his words, that he might declare himself void of all suspicion of dishonesty, and that he has a mind content both with prosperity and adversity, and to be short, that he rests himself only in the will of God.

Cross-Reference Topical ResearchStrong's Concordance
I:

Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Philippians 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
2 Corinthians 7:6-7 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; ... And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.

your:

2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all [things] I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and [so] will I keep [myself].
Galatians 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

hath flourished:
or, is revived,
Psalms 85:6 Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?
Hosea 14:7 They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive [as] the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof [shall be] as the wine of Lebanon.

ye lacked:

2 Corinthians 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
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Chain-Reference Bible SearchCross References with Concordance

Ps 85:6. Ho 14:7. 2Co 6:7; 7:6; 11:9. Ga 6:6, 10. Php 1:1, 3.

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