Philippians 4:3 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Paul asks a trusted companion to help these women, honoring them as fellow workers written in the book of life.
What Does Philippians 4:3 Mean?
Paul enlists help in healing the rift. He entreats a faithful companion, his true yokefellow, to help these women, whom he honors as those who labored with him in the gospel alongside Clement and others whose names are written in the book of life.
The image of a yokefellow pictures two oxen pulling together, a partner in shared work. Paul does not leave reconciliation to chance but asks a trusted person to come alongside and help. Notice how warmly he speaks of these women and coworkers; they had truly labored for the gospel, and their names are in the book of life, the register of those who belong to God. This is high honor. Paul models a community that bears one another's burdens, where mature believers help restore broken relationships, and where faithful service, by anyone, is remembered and esteemed before God.
Philippians 4:3 in the Original Language
syzygos (σύζυγος), 'yokefellow' -- one yoked together with another, a true partner in labor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Philippians 4:3
What does Philippians 4:3 mean?
Paul asks a trusted companion to help these women, honoring them as fellow workers written in the book of life.