Philippians 1:17
New International Version
The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.

New Living Translation
Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me.

English Standard Version
The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.

Berean Standard Bible
The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains.

Berean Literal Bible
but the others are proclaiming Christ out of selfish ambition, not purely, supposing to add tribulation to my chains.

King James Bible
But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

New King James Version
but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

New American Standard Bible
the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking that they are causing me distress in my imprisonment.

NASB 1995
the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.

NASB 1977
the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.

Legacy Standard Bible
the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me affliction in my chains.

Amplified Bible
but the former preach Christ [insincerely] out of selfish ambition [just self-promotion], thinking that they are causing me distress in my imprisonment.

Christian Standard Bible
the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
the others proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely, seeking to cause me anxiety in my imprisonment.

American Standard Version
but the other proclaim Christ of faction, not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds.

Contemporary English Version
But the ones who are jealous of us are not sincere. They just want to cause trouble for me while I am in jail.

English Revised Version
but the other proclaim Christ of faction, not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But the others are insincere. They tell the message about Christ out of selfish ambition in order to stir up trouble for me while I'm in prison.

Good News Translation
The others do not proclaim Christ sincerely, but from a spirit of selfish ambition; they think that they will make more trouble for me while I am in prison.

International Standard Version
The former proclaim the Messiah because they are selfishly ambitious and insincere, thinking that they will stir up trouble for me during my imprisonment.

Majority Standard Bible
The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

NET Bible
The former proclaim Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, because they think they can cause trouble for me in my imprisonment.

New Heart English Bible
The former insincerely proclaim Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains.

Webster's Bible Translation
But the other from love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.

Weymouth New Testament
while the others proclaim Him from motives of rivalry, and insincerely, supposing that by this they are embittering my imprisonment.

World English Bible
but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Good News.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the other out of love, having known that I am set for defense of the good news:

Berean Literal Bible
but the others are proclaiming Christ out of selfish ambition, not purely, supposing to add tribulation to my chains.

Young's Literal Translation
and the other out of love, having known that for defence of the good news I am set:

Smith's Literal Translation
And some of love, knowing that I am placed for justification of the good news:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And some out of contention preach Christ not sincerely: supposing that they raise affliction to my bands.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But others, out of contention, announce Christ insincerely, claiming that their difficulties lift them up to my chains.

New American Bible
the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not from pure motives, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment.

New Revised Standard Version
the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but intending to increase my suffering in my imprisonment.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But those who preach Christ out of contention, do it not sincerely, but do it expecting to increase the hardship of my imprisonment.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But those who preach The Messiah by contention, insincerely, only hope to add suffering to my imprisonment.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
those preach Christ from a contentious disposition, not sincerely, thinking that they will add affliction to my bonds.

Godbey New Testament
the former from self-seeking are proclaiming Christ insincerely, thinking that they will add affliction to my bonds.

Haweis New Testament
but the others of love, knowing that I am exposed for the defence of the gospel.

Mace New Testament
the others act from affection, as knowing that I suffer for having defended the gospel.

Weymouth New Testament
while the others proclaim Him from motives of rivalry, and insincerely, supposing that by this they are embittering my imprisonment.

Worrell New Testament
but the other proclaim Christ of contention, not sincerely, thinking to add tribulation to my bonds.

Worsley New Testament
the others out of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Trials Advance the Gospel
16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 17The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains. 18What then is the issue? Just this: that in every way, whether by false motives or true, Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,…

Cross References
Acts 28:22
But we consider your views worth hearing, because we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect.”

2 Corinthians 2:17
For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.

Galatians 1:7
which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:3-5
For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery. / Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts. / As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!

2 Timothy 1:15
You know that everyone in the Province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

2 Timothy 4:14-15
Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. / You too should beware of him, for he has vigorously opposed our message.

Romans 16:18
For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

1 Corinthians 9:17
If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.

2 Corinthians 12:10
That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Galatians 2:4
This issue arose because some false brothers had come in under false pretenses to spy on our freedom in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us.

Galatians 4:17
Those people are zealous for you, but not in a good way. Instead, they want to isolate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them.

1 Timothy 1:5-7
The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith. / Some have strayed from these ways and turned aside to empty talk. / They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or that which they so confidently assert.

1 Timothy 6:3-5
If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, / he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, / and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.


Treasury of Scripture

But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.

that.

Philippians 1:7
Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

Romans 1:13-17
Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles…

1 Corinthians 9:16,17
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! …

Jump to Previous
Afflict Affliction Ambition Appointed Bonds Cause Chains Christ Competition Defence Defense Distress Faction Former Good Gospel Hearts Imprisonment Insincerely Latter Motives News Others Pain Preach Preaching Proclaim Pure Purpose Raise Rather Rivalry Selfish Sincerely Spirit Stir Supposing Thinking
Jump to Next
Afflict Affliction Ambition Appointed Bonds Cause Chains Christ Competition Defence Defense Distress Faction Former Good Gospel Hearts Imprisonment Insincerely Latter Motives News Others Pain Preach Preaching Proclaim Pure Purpose Raise Rather Rivalry Selfish Sincerely Spirit Stir Supposing Thinking
Philippians 1
1. Paul testifies his thankfulness to God, and his love toward the Philippians,
9. daily praying for their increase in grace;
12. he shows what good the faith of Christ had received by his troubles at Rome;
21. and how ready he is to glorify Christ either by his life or death;
27. exhorting them to unity;
28. and to fortitude in persecution.














The former, however
This phrase introduces a contrast with those mentioned in the previous verse who preach Christ out of love. The Greek word for "former" (οἱ μὲν) indicates a specific group Paul is addressing. Historically, this reflects the reality of early Christian communities where diverse motivations existed. The "however" (δὲ) serves as a pivot, highlighting the difference in intent and heart posture among those spreading the Gospel.

preach Christ
The central activity here is the proclamation of Christ, which is the core mission of the early church. The Greek word for "preach" (κηρύσσω) means to herald or proclaim publicly. Despite the impure motives of some, the focus remains on Christ, emphasizing that the message itself holds power and truth, regardless of the messenger's intent. This underscores the sovereignty of God in using all circumstances for His glory.

out of selfish ambition
The Greek term for "selfish ambition" (ἐριθεία) suggests a self-seeking attitude, often associated with rivalry or personal gain. In the historical context of the early church, this could refer to individuals seeking to elevate their status or influence within the community. This phrase serves as a caution against allowing personal desires to corrupt the purity of the Gospel message.

not sincerely
The word "sincerely" (ἁγνῶς) in Greek implies purity and genuineness. The lack of sincerity indicates a heart not fully aligned with the truth and love of Christ. This serves as a reminder that God desires truth in the inward being (Psalm 51:6), and that the integrity of the heart is crucial in ministry.

supposing they can add to the distress of my chains
This phrase reveals the malicious intent behind their actions. The Greek word for "distress" (θλῖψις) refers to pressure or tribulation. Paul, imprisoned for the Gospel, faces additional emotional and spiritual burdens from those who seek to exploit his situation. Historically, this reflects the challenges faced by early Christian leaders who often encountered opposition both from outside and within the church. Yet, Paul's response throughout Philippians is one of joy and confidence in God's ultimate plan, demonstrating that no human scheme can thwart God's purposes.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
The [former],
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

however,
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

preach
καταγγέλλουσιν (katangellousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2605: To declare openly, proclaim, preach, laud, celebrate. From kata and the base of aggelos; to proclaim, promulgate.

Christ
Χριστὸν (Christon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

out of
ἐξ (ex)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

selfish ambition,
ἐριθείας (eritheias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2052: Perhaps as the same as erethizo; properly, intrigue, i.e. faction.

not
οὐχ (ouch)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

sincerely,
ἁγνῶς (hagnōs)
Adverb
Strong's 55: Purely, sincerely, with pure motives, honestly. Adverb from hagnos; purely, i.e. Honestly.

supposing
οἰόμενοι (oiomenoi)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3633: To think, suppose, expect, imagine. Or oimai middle voice apparently from hoios; to make like, i.e. Imagine.

they can add to
ἐγείρειν (egeirein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1453: (a) I wake, arouse, (b) I raise up. Probably akin to the base of agora; to waken, i.e. Rouse.

[the] distress
θλῖψιν (thlipsin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2347: Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure.

of my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

chains.
δεσμοῖς (desmois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1199: Or desmos des-mos' neuter and masculine respectively from deo; a band, i.e. Ligament or shackle; figuratively, an impediment or disability.


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NT Letters: Philippians 1:17 But the latter out of love knowing (Philipp. Phil. Php.)
Philippians 1:16
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