Philippians 2:26

Modern

For he has been longing for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.

Traditional

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

Literal

…since he was longing for you all and being deeply distressed because you heard that he was sick.

Latin

…quoniam quidem omnes vos desiderabat: et mœstus erat, propterea quod audieratis illum infirmatum.

Greek

English

For he has been longing for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.

Paul praises Epaphroditus, a messenger from the church at Philippi (see also 4:18). Paul is now sending Epaphroditus back to Philippi, perhaps with this letter.
Paul describes Epaphroditus as his fellow soldier. This suggests the challenges, opposition, and dangers faced in Christ's work.

Theme notes and profiles

Philippians 1:8
God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up.
Ephesians 3:13
So I ask you not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
Isaiah 61:3
…to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
Psalm 69:20
Insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found no one.
Matthew 26:37
He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.
Matthew 11:28
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
2 Samuel 13:39
And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death.
Romans 9:2
I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.
Philippians 4:1
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.
Philippians 1:3
I thank my God every time I remember you.