Philippians 4:1
New International Version
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

New Living Translation
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.

English Standard Version
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Berean Standard Bible
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.

King James Bible
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

New King James Version
Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

New American Standard Bible
Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

NASB 1995
Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

NASB 1977
Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore my brothers, loved and longed for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

Amplified Bible
Therefore, my fellow believers, whom I love and long for, my delight and crown [my wreath of victory], in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

Christian Standard Bible
So then, my dearly loved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So then, my brothers, you are dearly loved and longed for—my joy and crown. In this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.

American Standard Version
Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.

Contemporary English Version
Dear friends, I love you and long to see you. Please keep on being faithful to the Lord. You are my pride and joy.

English Revised Version
Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So, brothers and sisters, I love you and miss you. You are my joy and my crown. Therefore, dear friends, keep your relationship with the Lord firm!

Good News Translation
So then, my friends, how dear you are to me and how I miss you! How happy you make me, and how proud I am of you!--this, dear friends, is how you should stand firm in your life in the Lord.

International Standard Version
Therefore, my dear brothers whom I long for, my joy and my victor's crown, this is how you must stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.

Majority Standard Bible
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

NET Bible
So then, my brothers and sisters, dear friends whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand in the Lord in this way, my dear friends!

New Heart English Bible
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

Webster's Bible Translation
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

Weymouth New Testament
Therefore, my brethren, dearly loved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my dearly-loved ones.

World English Bible
Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
So then, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and garland, so stand in the LORD, beloved.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.

Young's Literal Translation
So then, my brethren, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand ye in the Lord, beloved.

Smith's Literal Translation
Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, thus stand ye in the Lord, dearly beloved.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore, my dearly beloved brethren, and most desired, my joy and my crown; so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, my most beloved and most desired brothers, my joy and my crown: stand firm in this way, in the Lord, most beloved.

New American Bible
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.

New Revised Standard Version
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
HENCEFORTH, my dearly beloved brethren, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in our LORD, my beloved.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Therefore, my beloved and precious brethren, my joy and my crown, so stand in Our Lord, my beloved.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
So, then, my brethren, beloved and ardently desired, my joy and my crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.

Godbey New Testament
So, my beloved and longed for brethren, my joy and my crown, stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

Haweis New Testament
WHEREFORE, my brethren, beloved, and very dear to me, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, O beloved.

Mace New Testament
Wherefore, my dearly beloved brethren, my joy and my crown, whom I long to see, continue firm in your christian profession, my beloved.

Weymouth New Testament
Therefore, my brethren, dearly loved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my dearly-loved ones.

Worrell New Testament
Therefore, my brethren, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

Worsley New Testament
Wherefore, my brethren, beloved and much desired, my joy and crown, so stand ye fast in the Lord, my beloved.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Stand Firm in the Lord
1Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. 2I urge Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.…

Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? / You are indeed our glory and our joy.

1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

2 Thessalonians 2:15
Therefore, brothers, stand firm and cling to the traditions we taught you, whether by speech or by letter.

Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.

1 Thessalonians 3:8
For now we can go on living, as long as you are standing firm in the Lord.

1 Peter 5:12
Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

2 Corinthians 1:14
as you have already understood us in part, that you may boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of our Lord Jesus.

Romans 5:2
through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Colossians 1:23
if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Ephesians 6:13-14
Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. / Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed,

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. / The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.

Hebrews 3:6
But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast.

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

Isaiah 62:5
For as a young man marries a young woman, so your sons will marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you.


Treasury of Scripture

Therefore, my brothers dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

Therefore.

Philippians 3:20,21
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: …

2 Peter 3:11-14
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, …

and.

Philippians 1:8
For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2:26
For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

my joy.

Philippians 2:16
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

2 Corinthians 1:14
As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 2:19,20
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? …

so.

Philippians 1:27
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Psalm 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalm 125:1
A Song of degrees. They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.

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Beloved Crown Dear Dearly Dearly-Loved Fast Firm Friends Joy Longed Ones Stand Strong Way Wherefore
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Philippians 4
1. From particular admonitions,
4. he proceeds to general exhortations,
10. showing how he rejoiced at their generosity toward him while in prison.
19. And so he concludes with prayer and salutations.














Therefore
This word serves as a bridge, connecting the previous teachings and exhortations of Paul to the practical application he is about to give. In the Greek, "ὥστε" (hōste) indicates a conclusion drawn from what has been previously stated. Paul has been discussing the citizenship of believers in heaven and the transformation that awaits them. "Therefore" signals that what follows is a direct consequence of these truths.

my brothers
The Greek term "ἀδελφοί" (adelphoi) is often used to refer to both male and female members of the Christian community, emphasizing the familial bond among believers. Paul’s use of "my brothers" underscores the deep personal connection and affection he feels for the Philippian church, highlighting the unity and love that should characterize the body of Christ.

whom I love and long for
The Greek words "ἀγαπητοί" (agapetoi) and "ἐπιπόθητοι" (epipothētoi) express a profound affection and yearning. "Agapetoi" is derived from "agape," the highest form of love, often associated with divine love. "Epipothētoi" conveys an intense desire or longing, suggesting Paul’s deep emotional connection and pastoral concern for the Philippians, reflecting the heart of a shepherd for his flock.

my joy and crown
The word "χαρά" (chara) for "joy" indicates a deep-seated gladness that transcends circumstances, rooted in the spiritual success and faithfulness of the Philippians. "Crown" translates from "στέφανος" (stephanos), referring to a victor’s wreath awarded in athletic contests. This metaphor suggests that the Philippians’ faithfulness is both a source of personal joy for Paul and a testament to his apostolic labor, symbolizing victory and honor.

that is how you must stand firm
The phrase "στήκετε" (stēkete) means to stand firm or be steadfast. It is a call to spiritual stability and perseverance in the face of trials. Paul is urging the Philippians to remain unwavering in their faith, grounded in the truths he has taught them. This steadfastness is not passive but an active, resolute commitment to the gospel.

in the Lord
The phrase "ἐν Κυρίῳ" (en Kyriō) emphasizes the sphere and source of their strength and stability. It is only through their relationship with Christ, "the Lord," that they can stand firm. This underscores the centrality of Christ in the believer’s life, as the foundation and enabler of their spiritual endurance.

my beloved
The Greek "ἀγαπητοί" (agapetoi) is repeated here, reinforcing the deep love Paul has for the Philippians. This repetition serves to bookend the verse with love, framing his exhortation in the context of a loving relationship. It reflects the heart of a pastor who deeply cares for his congregation, urging them to live out their faith with love and perseverance.

(1) Therefore.--By this word, just as at the conclusion of the description of the "depth of the riches of the wisdom of God" (in Romans 11:33-36), or of the glorious climax of the doctrine of the resurrection (in 1Corinthians 15:50-57), St. Paul makes the vision of future glory to be an inspiring force, giving life to the sober, practical duties of the present time. For the faith, which is the root of good works, is not only "the evidence of things not seen," although already existing as spiritual realities, but also "the substantiation of things hoped for" (Hebrews 11:1).

Dearly beloved and longed for . . .--The peculiar affectionateness of this verse is notable. It is curiously coincident with the words addressed years before to Thessalonica (1Thessalonians 2:19), "What is our hope and joy and crown of rejoicing? Are not ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ . . .? Ye are our glory and our joy." But it has just the addition natural to the yearnings of captivity: they are "longed for," and that (see Philippians 1:8) "in the heart of Jesus Christ." The "crown" is here the garland, the sign of victory in the apostolic race and struggle of which he had spoken above (Philippians 3:12-14). The crown of glory, of righteousness, and of life, is usually described as future (see 2Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10), and this is the case in the Thessalonian Epistle. Here, without excluding that completer sense, the reference is also to the present. The Philippians are St. Paul's crown, as the Corinthians are his "seal" (1Corinthians 9:2)--at once the proof of His apostolic mission and the reward of his apostolic labour. In both aspects the present is the earnest of the future. . . .

Verse 1. - Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown. The apostle here, as in 1 Corinthians 15:58, urges the hope of a glorious resurrection as an incentive to steadfastness in the Christian life. He seems scarcely able to find words adequate to express his love for the Philippians; he heaps together epithets of affection, dwelling tenderly on the word "beloved." He tells them of his longing desire to see them, repeating the word used in Philippians 1:8. He calls them his "joy and crown" - his joy now, his crown hereafter. He uses the same words of the other great Macedonian Church in 1 Thessalonians 2:19, "What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye?" The Greek word for "crown" (στέφανος) means commonly either the wreath ("the corruptible crown," 1 Corinthians 9:25) which was the prize of victors at the Grecian games; or a garland worn at banquets and festivities. The royal crown is generally διάδημα. But στέφανος is used in the Septuagint for a king's crown (see (in the Greek) 2 Samuel 12:30; Psalm 20:4 (A.V., Psalms 21:3); Esther 8:15). The crown of thorns, too, which was used in mockery of the Savior's kingly title, was στέφανος ἐξ ἀκανθῶν, though this may possibly have been suggested by the laurel wreath worn by the Roman Caesars (see Trench, 'Synonyms of the New Testament,' sect. 23.). "The crown of life," "the crown of glory that fadeth not away," is the emblem both of victory and of gladness. Yet it is also in some sense kingly: the saints shall sit with Christ in his throne; they shall reign with him; they are kings ("a kingdom," R.V., with the best manuscripts) and priests unto God (Revelation 1:6). In this place victory seems to be the thought present to the apostle's mind. In Philippians 2:16 and Philippians 2:12-14 he has been comparing the Christian life with the course of the Grecian athletes. Now he represents his converts as constituting his crown or wreath of victory at the last; their salvation is the crowning reward of his labors and sufferings. So stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. So; that is, as ye have us for an example; or perhaps, as becomes citizens of the heavenly commonwealth. The same word (στήκετε) is used in Philippians 1:27, also in connection with the idea of citizenship.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Therefore,
Ὥστε (Hōste)
Conjunction
Strong's 5620: So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore.

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.

brothers,
ἀδελφοί (adelphoi)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

whom I love and long for,
ἐπιπόθητοι (epipothētoi)
Adjective - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1973: Longed for, missed, greatly desired. From epi and a derivative of the latter part of epipotheo; yearned upon, i.e. Greatly loved.

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.

joy
χαρὰ (chara)
Noun - Vocative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5479: Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

crown,
στέφανός (stephanos)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4735: A crown, garland, honor, glory. From an apparently primary stepho; a chaplet, literally or figuratively.

that is how
οὕτως (houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

you must stand firm
στήκετε (stēkete)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4739: To stand fast, stand firm, persevere. From the perfect tense of histemi; to be stationary, i.e. to persevere.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] Lord,
Κυρίῳ (Kyriō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

my beloved.
ἀγαπητοί (agapētoi)
Adjective - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 27: From agapao; beloved.


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NT Letters: Philippians 4:1 Therefore my brothers beloved and longed (Philipp. Phil. Php.)
Philippians 3:21
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