To our God and Father
This phrase emphasizes the personal and relational aspect of God in the life of believers. The Greek word for "God" here is "Theos," which signifies the supreme deity, the Creator of the universe. The use of "our" indicates a communal relationship, highlighting the unity of believers in Christ. "Father" (Greek: "Pater") underscores the intimate and familial relationship between God and His children. This dual designation of God as both "God" and "Father" reflects the balance of His sovereignty and His loving care, a theme that resonates throughout the New Testament. Historically, this understanding would have been revolutionary in a Greco-Roman context, where gods were often seen as distant and capricious.

be glory
The word "glory" (Greek: "doxa") refers to the honor, praise, and splendor that is due to God. In the biblical context, glory is often associated with the visible manifestation of God's presence and majesty. The call for God to receive glory is a recognition of His ultimate worthiness and the believer's response to His divine nature and acts. This phrase is a doxology, a short hymn of praises to God, which was a common practice in early Christian worship. It serves as a reminder that all aspects of life should reflect God's glory, aligning with the scriptural mandate to do everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

forever and ever
This expression, in Greek "eis tous aionas ton aionon," literally translates to "unto the ages of the ages." It signifies the eternal nature of God's glory and reign. The repetition of "ages" emphasizes the unending duration of time, pointing to the infinite and timeless existence of God. In the historical context of the early church, this would have been a powerful affirmation of faith, especially in the face of persecution and temporal suffering. It reassures believers of the eternal hope and future they have in Christ, transcending the temporary nature of earthly life.

Amen
The word "Amen" is a transliteration from Hebrew, meaning "truly" or "so be it." It is a declaration of affirmation and agreement, often used to conclude prayers and doxologies. In the context of this verse, "Amen" serves as a seal of truth, affirming the preceding statement of God's eternal glory. It reflects the confidence and certainty that believers have in God's promises and character. The use of "Amen" in early Christian liturgy was a way for the congregation to collectively express their faith and agreement with the truths being proclaimed. It is a powerful reminder of the communal aspect of worship and the shared belief in the eternal glory of God.

(20) Now unto God and our Father . . .--The doxology of this verse seems suggested by the very use of "glory" in the previous verse. "Glory" may be derivatively the privilege of man; but "the glory" (for the original has the article here)--the essential and incommunicable glory--must be ascribed to God alone. Whether we supply here the word "is" or "be" matters not. His it is; to Him let it be ascribed. Such doxologies are common with St. Paul (see Romans 16:27; Galatians 1:5; Ephesians 3:21; 1Timothy 1:17; 2Timothy 4:18); always with the addition of "for ever and ever," or literally, for the ages of the ages, throughout every age till time shall be no more; always in close connection with some declaration, not so much of the majesty, as of the wisdom, and still more the goodness, of the Father.

Philippians 4:21-23 contain the salutation and blessing. The salutation is very brief, as compared, for example, with the corresponding passage in the Colossian Epistle (Philippians 4:10-15), naming none, either of those saluted or those joining with St. Paul in the salutation. The omission in the latter case may perhaps be accounted for by the words above (Philippians 2:20-21), in which, with the single exception of Timotheus, St. Paul declares dissatisfaction with those near him, because "all seek their own, and not the things which are Jesus Christ's. . . .

Verse 20. - Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen; rather, with R.V., unto our God and Father be the glory. The thought of God's present mercies, and the hope of glory to come mentioned in the last verse, suggest the doxology. Observe, St. Paul says, "our God and Father" here. He said, "my God" in ver. 19, where he was speaking of the reward which God would give for kindness shown to himself; but now "our God," as the one Object of praise and worship from the universal Church. The glory; the article is commonly used with δόξα in these doxologies - the glory which is God's peculiar possession, which is essentially his (comp. John 17:5). Bishop Lightfoot says, in his note on Galatians 1:5, "It is probable that we should supply ἐστὶν in such cases rather than ἔστω. It is an affirmation rather than a wish. Glory is the essential attribute of God. See 1 Peter 4:11, Ωι ἐστὶν ἡ δόξα καὶ τὸ κράτος, and the doxology added to the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:13)." For ever and ever; literally, for the ages of ages; for the ages which consist, not of years, but of ages, for the countless ages of eternity (comp. Galatians 1:5 and 1 Timothy 1:17).

Parallel Commentaries ...


To
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

God
Θεῷ (Theō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

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

Father
Πατρὶ (Patri)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

[be]
ἡ (hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

glory
δόξα (doxa)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391: From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.

forever
αἰῶνας (aiōnas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 165: From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.

[and]
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive 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.

ever.
αἰώνων (aiōnōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 165: From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.

Amen.
ἀμήν (amēn)
Hebrew Word
Strong's 281: Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.


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NT Letters: Philippians 4:20 Now to our God and Father be (Philipp. Phil. Php.)