translation_id: net-engnet

book_id: PHP

label: NET translator note

text: Or “spiritual fellowship” if πνεύματος ( pneumato" ) is an attributive genitive; or “fellowship brought about by the Spirit” if πνεύματος is a genitive of source or production.


text: Grk “and any affection and mercy.” The Greek idea, however, is best expressed by “or” in English.


text: Or “and feel the same way,” “and think the same thoughts.” The ἵνα ( Jina ) clause has been translated “and be of the same mind” to reflect its epexegetical force to the imperative “complete my joy.”


text: The Greek word here is σύμψυχοι ( sumyucoi , literally “fellow souled”).


text: Grk “not according to selfish ambition.” There is no main verb in this verse; the subjunctive φρονῆτε ( fronhte , “be of the same mind”) is implied here as well. Thus, although most translations supply the verb “do” at the beginning of v. 3 (e.g., “do nothing from selfish ambition”), the idea is even stronger than that: “Don’t even think any thoughts motivated by selfish ambition.”


text: On the meaning “be concerned about” for σκοπέω ( skopew ), see L&N 27.36.


text: The word “only” is not in the Greek text, but is implied by the ἀλλὰ καί ( alla kai ) in the second clause (“but…as well”). The bulk of the Western text dropped the καί , motivated most likely by ascetic concerns.


text: 0278 33 1739 1881 Ï ) also marks it as original. Verses 1-4 constitute one long conditional sentence in Greek. The protasis is in verse 1 , while vv. 2-4 constitute the apodosis. There is but one verb not in a subordinate clause in vv. 2-4 , the imperative “complete” in v. 2 . This is followed by a subjunctive after ἵνα ( Jina , translated as an epexegetical clause, “and be of the same mind”) and three instrumental participles. Thus the focus of these four verses is to “be of the same mind” and all that follows this instruction is the means for accomplishing that.


text: Grk “Have this attitude in/among yourselves which also [was] in Christ Jesus,” or “Have this attitude in/among yourselves which [you] also [have] in Christ Jesus.”


text: See the note on the word “slaves” in 1:1 .


text: Grk “by coming in the likeness of people.” sn The expression the likeness of men is similar to Paul’s wording in Rom 8:3 (“in the likeness of sinful flesh”). The same word “likeness” is used in both passages. It implies that there is a form that does not necessarily correspond to reality. In Rom 8:3 , the meaning is that Christ looked like sinful humanity. Here the meaning is similar: Jesus looked like other men (note anqrwpoi ), but was in fact different from them in that he did not have a sin nature.


text: Grk “with fear and trembling.” The Greek words φόβος and τρόμος both imply fear in a negative sense (L&N 25.251 and 16.6 respectively) while the former can also refer to respect and awe for deity (L&N 53.59). Paul’s use of the terms in other contexts refers to “awe and reverence in the presence of God” (P. T. O’Brien, Philippians [NIGTC], 284; see discussion on 282-84). The translation “awe and reverence” was chosen to portray the attitude the believer should have toward God as they consider their behavior in light of God working through Jesus Christ ( 2:6-11 ) and in the believer’s life ( 2:13 ) to accomplish their salvation.


text: Or “as stars in the universe.”


text: Or “holding out, holding forth.”


text: Grk “For I have no one who is like-minded who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.”


text: The words “to see you” are not in the Greek text, but are implied, and are supplied in the translation for clarity.


text: Grk “But.” The temporal notion (“for now”) is implied in the epistolary aorist (“I have considered”), for Epaphroditus was dispatched with this letter to the Philippians.


text: Grk “my brother” instead of “For he is my brother.” Verse 25 constitutes one sentence in Greek, with “my brother…” functioning appositionally to “Epaphroditus.” sn The reason why Paul refers to Epaphroditus as his brother , coworker , fellow soldier , etc., is because he wants to build up Epaphroditus in the eyes of the Philippians, since Paul is sending him back instead of Timothy. This accent on Epaphroditus’ character and service is implied in the translation “ For he is… ”


text: Grk “apostle.”


text: The Greek word translated “minister” here is λειτουργός ( leitourgo" ).


text: Grk “servant of my need.”


text: Grk “For he became ill to the point of death.”


text: Grk “I have sent him to you with earnestness.” But the epistolary aorist needs to be translated as a present tense with this adverb due to English stylistic considerations.


text: Or “when you see him you can rejoice again.”


text: Grk “make up for your lack of service to me.”