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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/philippians/4-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/50_Php_04_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Philippians 4:1 - Stand Firm in the Lord" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/philippians/4-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/philippians/4-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/philippians/">Philippians</a> > <a href="/philippians/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/philippians/3-21.htm" title="Philippians 3:21">◄</a> Philippians 4:1 <a href="/philippians/4-2.htm" title="Philippians 4:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/philippians/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/philippians/4.htm">New International Version</a> Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! <a href="/nlt/philippians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work. <a href="/esv/philippians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. <a href="/bsb/philippians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/philippians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved. <a href="/kjv/philippians/4.htm">King James Bible</a> Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. <a href="/nkjv/philippians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. <a href="/nasb_/philippians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. <a href="/nasb/philippians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. <a href="/nasb77/philippians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. <a href="/lsb/philippians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Therefore my brothers, loved and longed for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. <a href="/amp/philippians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Therefore, my fellow believers, whom I love and long for, my delight and crown [my wreath of victory], in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. <a href="/csb/philippians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So then, my dearly loved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. <a href="/hcsb/philippians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So then, my brothers, you are dearly loved and longed for—my joy and crown. In this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. <a href="/asv/philippians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved. <a href="/cev/philippians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Dear friends, I love you and long to see you. Please keep on being faithful to the Lord. You are my pride and joy. <a href="/erv/philippians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved. <a href="/gwt/philippians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So, brothers and sisters, I love you and miss you. You are my joy and my crown. Therefore, dear friends, keep your relationship with the Lord firm! <a href="/gnt/philippians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> So then, my friends, how dear you are to me and how I miss you! How happy you make me, and how proud I am of you!--this, dear friends, is how you should stand firm in your life in the Lord. <a href="/isv/philippians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Therefore, my dear brothers whom I long for, my joy and my victor's crown, this is how you must stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. <a href="/msb/philippians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/philippians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> So then, my brothers and sisters, dear friends whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand in the Lord in this way, my dear friends! <a href="/nheb/philippians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. <a href="/wbt/philippians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. <a href="/wey/philippians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Therefore, my brethren, dearly loved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my dearly-loved ones. <a href="/web/philippians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/philippians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> So then, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and garland, so stand in the LORD, beloved. <a href="/blb/philippians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved. <a href="/ylt/philippians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> So then, my brethren, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand ye in the Lord, beloved. <a href="/slt/philippians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, thus stand ye in the Lord, dearly beloved.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/philippians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Therefore, my dearly beloved brethren, and most desired, my joy and my crown; so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. <a href="/cpdv/philippians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so, my most beloved and most desired brothers, my joy and my crown: stand firm in this way, in the Lord, most beloved. <a href="/nabre/philippians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved. <a href="/nrsvce/philippians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/philippians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> HENCEFORTH, my dearly beloved brethren, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in our LORD, my beloved. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philippians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Therefore, my beloved and precious brethren, my joy and my crown, so stand in Our Lord, my beloved.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/philippians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> So, then, my brethren, beloved and ardently desired, my joy and my crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.<CM> <a href="/godbey/philippians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> So, my beloved and longed for brethren, my joy and my crown, stand fast in the Lord, beloved. <a href="/haweis/philippians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> WHEREFORE, my brethren, beloved, and very dear to me, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, O beloved.<CM> <a href="/mace/philippians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Wherefore, my dearly beloved brethren, my joy and my crown, whom I long to see, continue firm in your christian profession, my beloved. <a href="/wey/philippians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Therefore, my brethren, dearly loved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my dearly-loved ones. <a href="/worrell/philippians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Therefore, my brethren, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. <a href="/worsley/philippians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Wherefore, my brethren, beloved and much desired, my joy and crown, so stand ye fast in the Lord, my beloved. <a href="/parallel/philippians/4-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mXomUhcrPbg?start=724" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/philippians/4.htm">Stand Firm in the Lord</a> 1<a href="/greek/5620.htm" title="5620: Hōste (Conj) -- So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore.">Therefore,</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">my</a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphoi (N-VMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brothers,</a> <a href="/greek/27.htm" title="27: agapētoi (Adj-VMP) -- From agapao; beloved.">whom I love</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1973.htm" title="1973: epipothētoi (Adj-VMP) -- Longed for, missed, greatly desired. From epi and a derivative of the latter part of epipotheo; yearned upon, i.e. Greatly loved.">long for,</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">my</a> <a href="/greek/5479.htm" title="5479: chara (N-VFS) -- Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight.">joy</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4735.htm" title="4735: stephanos (N-VMS) -- A crown, garland, honor, glory. From an apparently primary stepho; a chaplet, literally or figuratively.">crown,</a> <a href="/greek/3779.htm" title="3779: houtōs (Adv) -- Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).">that is how</a> <a href="/greek/4739.htm" title="4739: stēkete (V-PMA-2P) -- To stand fast, stand firm, persevere. From the perfect tense of histemi; to be stationary, i.e. to persevere.">you must stand firm</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriō (N-DMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">the Lord,</a> <a href="/greek/27.htm" title="27: agapētoi (Adj-VMP) -- From agapao; beloved.">my beloved.</a> 2I urge Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-19.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:19-20</a> After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? / You are indeed our glory and our joy. <a href="/1_corinthians/16-13.htm">1 Corinthians 16:13</a> Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a> Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-15.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:15</a> Therefore, brothers, stand firm and cling to the traditions we taught you, whether by speech or by letter. <a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Galatians 5:1</a> It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery. <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-8.htm">1 Thessalonians 3:8</a> For now we can go on living, as long as you are standing firm in the Lord. <a href="/1_peter/5-12.htm">1 Peter 5:12</a> Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. <a href="/2_corinthians/1-14.htm">2 Corinthians 1:14</a> as you have already understood us in part, that you may boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of our Lord Jesus. <a href="/romans/5-2.htm">Romans 5:2</a> through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. <a href="/colossians/1-23.htm">Colossians 1:23</a> if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. <a href="/ephesians/6-13.htm">Ephesians 6:13-14</a> Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. / Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-23.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:23-24</a> Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. / The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it. <a href="/hebrews/3-6.htm">Hebrews 3:6</a> But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast. <a href="/james/1-12.htm">James 1:12</a> Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. <a href="/isaiah/62-5.htm">Isaiah 62:5</a> For as a young man marries a young woman, so your sons will marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Therefore, my brothers dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.Therefore.<a href="/philippians/3-20.htm">Philippians 3:20,21</a> For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: … <a href="/2_peter/3-11.htm">2 Peter 3:11-14</a> Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, … and.<a href="/philippians/1-8.htm">Philippians 1:8</a> For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.<a href="/philippians/2-26.htm">Philippians 2:26</a> For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.my joy.<a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">Philippians 2:16</a> 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.<a href="/2_corinthians/1-14.htm">2 Corinthians 1:14</a> As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.<a href="/1_thessalonians/2-19.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:19,20</a> For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? … so.<a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">Philippians 1:27</a> Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;<a href="/psalms/27-14.htm">Psalm 27:14</a> Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.<a href="/psalms/125-1.htm">Psalm 125:1</a> A Song of degrees. They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">Crown</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-1.htm">Dearly</a> <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Dearly-Loved</a> <a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">Firm</a> <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/philippians/2-29.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/philippians/2-26.htm">Longed</a> <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/philippians/1-20.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/philippians/3-17.htm">Way</a> <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/colossians/1-7.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-19.htm">Crown</a> <a href="/colossians/1-7.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Dearly</a> <a href="/colossians/1-7.htm">Dearly-Loved</a> <a href="/philippians/4-9.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/colossians/4-12.htm">Firm</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-4.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/philippians/4-10.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-8.htm">Longed</a> <a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/colossians/2-18.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/colossians/2-7.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/philippians/4-2.htm">Way</a> <a href="/colossians/2-20.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Philippians 4</div>1. <a href="/philippians/4-1.htm">From particular admonitions,</a> 4. <a href="/philippians/4-4.htm">he proceeds to general exhortations,</a> 10. <a href="/philippians/4-10.htm">showing how he rejoiced at their generosity toward him while in prison.</a> 19. <a href="/philippians/4-19.htm">And so he concludes with prayer and salutations.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philippians/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philippians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/philippians/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Therefore, my brothers, The term "brothers" indicates a familial relationship among believers, emphasizing unity and equality within the body of Christ. This reflects the early Christian understanding of the church as a family, transcending social and ethnic boundaries. The use of "therefore" connects this verse to the preceding discussion on citizenship in heaven and the call to imitate Paul and other mature believers.whom I love and long for, Paul's deep affection for the Philippian church is evident here. This love is not merely emotional but rooted in their shared faith and partnership in the gospel. The longing suggests a strong desire for reunion, highlighting the close bond formed during Paul's time in Philippi, as recorded in <a href="/acts/16.htm">Acts 16</a>.my joy and crown, The Philippians are described as Paul's "joy and crown," indicating that their faithfulness and growth in Christ bring him great happiness and serve as a reward for his ministry efforts. The "crown" may allude to the laurel wreath awarded to victors in ancient athletic games, symbolizing victory and achievement. This metaphor underscores the spiritual success and eternal value of Paul's work among them.that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, The exhortation to "stand firm" calls for steadfastness in faith amidst trials and opposition. This echoes the military imagery often used by Paul, suggesting discipline and perseverance. Standing firm "in the Lord" emphasizes reliance on Christ's strength rather than human effort, aligning with themes found in <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-18</a> regarding the armor of God.my beloved. The repetition of affectionate language reinforces the deep personal connection and pastoral care Paul has for the Philippians. This term of endearment serves to encourage and comfort them, reminding them of their valued place in his heart and in the community of believers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who authored the letter to the Philippians. He is writing from prison, expressing his deep affection and pastoral concern for the believers in Philippi. 2. <a href="/topical/p/philippians.htm">Philippians</a> The recipients of the letter, the Christian community in Philippi, a city in Macedonia. They were known for their strong faith and partnership in the gospel. 3. <a href="/topical/p/philippi.htm">Philippi</a> A Roman colony in Macedonia, significant for being the first European city where Paul established a church.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/affectionate_leadership.htm">Affectionate Leadership</a> Paul’s language reflects a deep love and longing for the Philippians, serving as a model for how leaders should care for their communities. Leaders today should cultivate genuine affection and concern for those they lead. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_stability.htm">Spiritual Stability</a> The command to "stand firm in the Lord" emphasizes the importance of spiritual stability. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith, especially in the face of trials and challenges. <a href="/topical/c/community_as_joy_and_reward.htm">Community as Joy and Reward</a> Paul views the Philippians as his "joy and crown," suggesting that the relationships and spiritual growth within a community are a source of joy and a reward for faithful ministry. Christians should invest in their communities, finding joy in mutual growth and encouragement. <a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a> The imagery of a "crown" points to an eternal reward, reminding believers to maintain an eternal perspective in their daily lives and relationships.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_philippians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Philippians 4</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_being_sober-minded.htm">Why are many Christians often perceived as grumpy?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_types_of_heavenly_crowns.htm">What are the types of Heavenly Crowns?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'bought_with_a_price'_mean.htm">What does the Bible say about perseverance?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'stand_fast_in_faith'_mean.htm">What does "Stand Fast in the Faith" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/philippians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) Therefore.--By this word, just as at the conclusion of the description of the "depth of the riches of the wisdom of God" (in <a href="/context/romans/11-33.htm" title="O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!">Romans 11:33-36</a>), or of the glorious climax of the doctrine of the resurrection (in <a href="/context/1_corinthians/15-50.htm" title="Now this I say, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption.">1Corinthians 15:50-57</a>), St. Paul makes the vision of future glory to be an inspiring force, giving life to the sober, practical duties of the present time. For the faith, which is the root of good works, is not only "the evidence of things not seen," although already existing as spiritual realities, but also "the substantiation of things hoped for" (<a href="/hebrews/11-1.htm" title="Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.">Hebrews 11:1</a>).Dearly beloved and longed for . . .--The peculiar affectionateness of this verse is notable. It is curiously coincident with the words addressed years before to Thessalonica (<a href="/1_thessalonians/2-19.htm" title="For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?">1Thessalonians 2:19</a>), "What is our hope and joy and crown of rejoicing? Are not ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ . . .? Ye are our glory and our joy." But it has just the addition natural to the yearnings of captivity: they are "longed for," and that (see <a href="/philippians/1-8.htm" title="For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.">Philippians 1:8</a>) "in the heart of Jesus Christ." The "crown" is here the garland, the sign of victory in the apostolic race and struggle of which he had spoken above (<a href="/context/philippians/3-12.htm" title="Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.">Philippians 3:12-14</a>). The crown of glory, of righteousness, and of life, is usually described as future (see <a href="/2_timothy/4-8.htm" title="From now on there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing.">2Timothy 4:8</a>; <a href="/james/1-12.htm" title="Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.">James 1:12</a>; <a href="/1_peter/5-4.htm" title="And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.">1Peter 5:4</a>; <a href="/revelation/2-10.htm" title="Fear none of those things which you shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days: be you faithful to death, and I will give you a crown of life.">Revelation 2:10</a>), and this is the case in the Thessalonian Epistle. Here, without excluding that completer sense, the reference is also to the present. The Philippians are St. Paul's crown, as the Corinthians are his "seal" (<a href="/1_corinthians/9-2.htm" title="If I be not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of my apostleship are you in the Lord.">1Corinthians 9:2</a>)--at once the proof of His apostolic mission and the reward of his apostolic labour. In both aspects the present is the earnest of the future. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philippians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown. The apostle here, as in <a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a>, urges the hope of a glorious resurrection as an incentive to steadfastness in the Christian life. He seems scarcely able to find words adequate to express his love for the Philippians; he heaps together epithets of affection, dwelling tenderly on the word "beloved." He tells them of his longing desire to see them, repeating the word used in <a href="/philippians/1-8.htm">Philippians 1:8</a>. He calls them his "joy and crown" - his joy now, his crown hereafter. He uses the same words of the other great Macedonian Church in <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-19.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:19</a>, "What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye?" The Greek word for "crown" (στέφανος) means commonly either the wreath ("the corruptible crown," <a href="/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">1 Corinthians 9:25</a>) which was the prize of victors at the Grecian games; or a garland worn at banquets and festivities. The royal crown is generally διάδημα. But στέφανος is used in the Septuagint for a king's crown (see (in the Greek) <a href="/2_samuel/12-30.htm">2 Samuel 12:30</a>; Psalm 20:4 (A.V., Psalms 21:3); <a href="/esther/8-15.htm">Esther 8:15</a>). The crown of thorns, too, which was used in mockery of the Savior's kingly title, was στέφανος ἐξ ἀκανθῶν, though this may possibly have been suggested by the laurel wreath worn by the Roman Caesars (see Trench, 'Synonyms of the New Testament,' sect. 23.). "The crown of life," "the crown of glory that fadeth not away," is the emblem both of victory and of gladness. Yet it is also in some sense kingly: the saints shall sit with Christ in his throne; they shall reign with him; they are kings ("a kingdom," R.V., with the best manuscripts) and priests unto God (<a href="/revelation/1-6.htm">Revelation 1:6</a>). In this place victory seems to be the thought present to the apostle's mind. In <a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">Philippians 2:16</a> and Philippians 2:12-14 he has been comparing the Christian life with the course of the Grecian athletes. Now he represents his converts as constituting his crown or wreath of victory at the last; their salvation is the crowning reward of his labors and sufferings. So stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. So; that is, as ye have us for an example; or perhaps, as becomes citizens of the heavenly commonwealth. The same word (στήκετε) is used in <a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">Philippians 1:27</a>, also in connection with the idea of citizenship. <a href="/commentaries/philippians/4-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Therefore, Ὥστε (Hōste) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_5620.htm">Strong's 5620: </a> So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore. my μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. brothers, ἀδελφοί (adelphoi) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. whom I love and long for, ἐπιπόθητοι (epipothētoi) Adjective - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1973.htm">Strong's 1973: </a> Longed for, missed, greatly desired. From epi and a derivative of the latter part of epipotheo; yearned upon, i.e. Greatly loved. my μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. joy χαρὰ (chara) Noun - Vocative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5479.htm">Strong's 5479: </a> Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. crown, στέφανός (stephanos) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4735.htm">Strong's 4735: </a> A crown, garland, honor, glory. From an apparently primary stepho; a chaplet, literally or figuratively. that is how οὕτως (houtōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3779.htm">Strong's 3779: </a> Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows). you must stand firm στήκετε (stēkete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4739.htm">Strong's 4739: </a> To stand fast, stand firm, persevere. From the perfect tense of histemi; to be stationary, i.e. to persevere. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] Lord, Κυρίῳ (Kyriō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. my beloved. ἀγαπητοί (agapētoi) Adjective - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_27.htm">Strong's 27: </a> From agapao; beloved. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philippians/4-1.htm">Philippians 4:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/philippians/4-1.htm">Philippians 4:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/philippians/4-1.htm">Philippians 4:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/philippians/4-1.htm">Philippians 4:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/philippians/4-1.htm">Philippians 4:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/philippians/4-1.htm">Philippians 4:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philippians/4-1.htm">Philippians 4:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/philippians/4-1.htm">Philippians 4:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/philippians/4-1.htm">Philippians 4:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/philippians/4-1.htm">Philippians 4:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/philippians/4-1.htm">NT Letters: Philippians 4:1 Therefore my brothers beloved and longed (Philipp. Phil. Php.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philippians/3-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philippians 3:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philippians 3:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philippians/4-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philippians 4:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philippians 4:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>