Philippians 2:28

Modern

Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less anxious.

Traditional

I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

Literal

Therefore I sent him all the more eagerly, so that having seen him again you may rejoice, and I may be less anxious.

Latin

Festinantius ergo misi illum, ut viso eo iterum gaudeatis, et ego sine tristitia sim.

Greek

English

Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less anxious.

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

John 16:22
So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
2 Timothy 1:4
Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.
Philippians 2:26–27
For he has been longing for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.
2 Corinthians 2:3
I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be grieved by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.
Genesis 46:29–30
Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely.
Acts 20:38
They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.
Genesis 45:27–28
However, when they relayed all that Joseph had told them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob was revived.
1 John 1:3–4
We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.
Genesis 48:11
“I never expected to see your face again,” Israel said to Joseph, “but now God has let me see your children as well.”