Philippians 2:16

Lights in the World · Philippians 2:12–18
Read Philippians 2

Translations

Modern
…as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Traditional
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.
Literal
…holding forth the word of life for a boast to me in the day of Christ that I did not run in vain, nor did I toil in vain.
Latin
…verbum vitæ continentes ad gloriam meam in die Christi, quia non in vacuum cucurri, neque in vacuum laboravi.

Original

Greek
English
…as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

Notes

  • hold forth the word of life: Believers must keep trusting in the good news about Jesus, which gives life. God is faithful, but believers must also remain faithful (1:6; 2:12–13).

  • that I did not run or labor in vain: Paul often compares the Christian life to running a race or training for a competition (see 3:12–14; 1 Corinthians 9:24, 26; Galatians 2:2; 5:7; 2 Timothy 4:7).

Paul encourages believers to stay strong in their faith and live lives of obedience and purity, following Christ's example.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) The Day Is Coming

Parallels

Matthew 5:13–16

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Day of Christ Day of the Lord Gymnasium Philippians, Letter to the Second Coming of Christ

Topics

All Christians should be As Missionaries in Their Intercourse with the World Arguments in the Church Christian Minister: Promises To, Joys of Christian Minister: Success Attending: Paul Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Games of a Successful Ministry Games of the Christian Life Games: Foot Races Gospel: Called: Word of Life Grumbling Joy: Ministers should Desire to Render an Account With Race: Foot Race: Figurative Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul The Gospel is Called the Word of Life The Roman Empire: Allusions to Grecian Game Adapted by Foot Races Word of God: Called: Word of Life