Philippians 2:23-25
New English Translation
23 So I hope to send him as soon as I know more about my situation, 24 though I am confident in the Lord that I too will be coming to see you[a] soon.
25 But for now[b] I have considered it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. For he is my brother,[c] coworker and fellow soldier, and your messenger[d] and minister[e] to me in my need.[f]
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Philippians 2:24 tn The words “to see you” are not in the Greek text, but are implied, and are supplied in the translation for clarity.
- Philippians 2:25 tn Grk “But.” The temporal notion (“for now”) is implied in the epistolary aorist (“I have considered”), for Epaphroditus was dispatched with this letter to the Philippians.
- Philippians 2:25 tn Grk “my brother” instead of “For he is my brother.” Verse 25 constitutes one sentence in Greek, with “my brother…” functioning appositionally to “Epaphroditus.” sn The reason why Paul refers to Epaphroditus as his brother, coworker, fellow soldier, etc., is because he wants to build up Epaphroditus in the eyes of the Philippians, since Paul is sending him back instead of Timothy. This accent on Epaphroditus’ character and service is implied in the translation “For he is…”
- Philippians 2:25 tn Grk “apostle.”
- Philippians 2:25 tn The Greek word translated “minister” here is λειτουργός (leitourgos).
- Philippians 2:25 tn Grk “servant of my need.”
Philippians 2:23-25
New International Version
23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.(A) 24 And I am confident(B) in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker(C) and fellow soldier,(D) who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.(E)
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