Philippians 2:17 Meaning and Explanation
“Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Even if his life is poured out as an offering for their faith, Paul rejoices with them.
What Does Philippians 2:17 Mean?
Paul reaches for the imagery of sacrifice. Even if his own life is poured out like a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of their faith, he says, he rejoices, and rejoices together with them all.
The picture is drawn from the altar, where a drink offering was poured out alongside the main sacrifice. Paul sees the Philippians' faith as the offering and his own possible martyrdom as the libation poured over it. Remarkably, the thought brings him not dread but joy. He counts it a privilege to be spent for their sake, to add his life to the offering of their faith. This is the mind of Christ again, gladly poured out for others. Paul's joy does not depend on being spared but on being useful, even to the point of death, in the service of those he loves.
Philippians 2:17 in the Original Language
spendomai (σπένδω), 'be offered' -- to be poured out as a drink offering or libation upon a sacrifice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Philippians 2:17
What does Philippians 2:17 mean?
Even if his life is poured out as an offering for their faith, Paul rejoices with them.