Philippians - 2:28



28 I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Philippians 2:28.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
Therefore I sent him the more speedily: that seeing him again, you may rejoice, and I may be without sorrow.
I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that seeing him ye might again rejoice, and that I might be the less sorrowful.
I sent him therefore the more speedily, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
The more eagerly, therefore, I did send him, that having seen him again ye may rejoice, and I may be the less sorrowful;
I am therefore all the more eager to send him, in the hope that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have the less sorrow.
I have sent him, then, the more gladly, so that when you see him again, you may be happy and I may have the less sorrow.
I have sent him all the more eagerly, therefore, so that when you see him again you may rejoice, and that I may be less anxious.
Therefore, I sent him more readily, in order that, by seeing him again, you may rejoice, and I may be without sorrow.
I am all the more ready, therefore, to send him, so that the sight of him may revive your spirits and my own sorrow be lightened.
Studiosius itaque misi illum, ut eo viso rursus gaudeatis, et ego magis vacem dolore.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

I have sent him the more carefully. The presence of Epaphroditus was no small consolation to him; yet to such a degree did he prefer the welfare of the Philippians to his own advantage, that he says that he rejoices on occasion of his departure, because it grieved him that, on his account, he was taken away from the flock that was intrusted to him, and was reluctant to avail himself of his services, though otherwise agreeable to him, when it was at the expense of loss to them. Hence he says, that he will feel more happiness in the joy of the Philippians.

I send him therefore the more carefully - With more diligence, or speed; I was the more ready to send him.
That I may be the less sorrowful - That is, on account of my solicitude for you; that I may know that your minds are at ease, and that you rejoice in his being among you.

The more carefully - Σπουδαιοτερως· With the more haste or despatch; because, having suffered so much on account of his apprehended death, they could not be too soon comforted by seeing him alive and restored.

I sent him therefore the more carefully,.... Or in greater haste, and as soon as possible:
that when ye see him again ye may rejoice; for this must greatly increase their joy, to see him again after he had been so long from them, and under such a disorder, which had made them to fear they should never see him more. The Syriac version renders it, "that when ye see him ye may rejoice again"; as they had done heretofore in his conversation and ministry, when among them:
and that I may be the less sorrowful; when he should hear of his safe arrival among them, and of their joyful reception of him to their mutual satisfaction, which would be an alleviation of the apostle's sorrow in his present circumstances; for he did not expect to be wholly without sorrow while in this life.

That I may be the less sorrowful - When I know you are rejoicing.

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