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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 1:23 I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/philippians/1-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/50_Php_01_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Philippians 1:23 - To Live is Christ" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I am torn between the two. 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My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. <a href="/bsb/philippians/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. <a href="/blb/philippians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But I am pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and to be with Christ, indeed very much better, <a href="/kjv/philippians/1.htm">King James Bible</a> For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: <a href="/nkjv/philippians/1.htm">New King James Version</a> For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. <a href="/nasb_/philippians/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; <a href="/nasb/philippians/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; <a href="/nasb77/philippians/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; <a href="/lsb/philippians/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But I am hard-pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better, <a href="/amp/philippians/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But I am hard-pressed between the two. I have the desire to leave [this world] and be with Christ, for that is far, far better; <a href="/csb/philippians/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ —which is far better — <a href="/hcsb/philippians/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I am pressured by both. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ—which is far better— <a href="/asv/philippians/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better: <a href="/cev/philippians/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> It is a hard choice to make. I want to die and be with Christ, because this would be much better. <a href="/erv/philippians/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better: <a href="/gwt/philippians/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I find it hard to choose between the two. I would like to leave this life and be with Christ. That's by far the better choice. <a href="/gnt/philippians/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> I am pulled in two directions. I want very much to leave this life and be with Christ, which is a far better thing; <a href="/isv/philippians/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> Indeed, I cannot decide between the two. I have the desire to leave this life and be with the Messiah, for that is far better. <a href="/msb/philippians/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. <a href="/net/philippians/1.htm">NET Bible</a> I feel torn between the two, because I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far, <a href="/nheb/philippians/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. <a href="/wbt/philippians/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: <a href="/wey/philippians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I am in a dilemma, my earnest desire being to depart and be with Christ, for that is far, far better. <a href="/web/philippians/1.htm">World English Bible</a> But I am hard pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/philippians/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for I am pressed by the two, having the desire to depart, and to be with Christ, for it is far better, <a href="/blb/philippians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But I am pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and to be with Christ, indeed very much better, <a href="/ylt/philippians/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for I am pressed by the two, having the desire to depart, and to be with Christ, for it is far better, <a href="/slt/philippians/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For I am pressed together from two, having one eager desire to be loosed, and be with Christ (rather much better:)<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/philippians/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But I am straitened between two: having a desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ, a thing by far the better. <a href="/cpdv/philippians/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For I am constrained between the two: having a desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ, which is the far better thing, <a href="/nabre/philippians/1.htm">New American Bible</a> I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ, [for] that is far better. <a href="/nrsvce/philippians/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/philippians/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For I am drawn between two desires, the one to depart, that I may be with Christ, which is far better: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philippians/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For two things are pressing upon me: I desire to depart that I might be with The Messiah, and this would be much better for me,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/philippians/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> I am in a strait between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better: <a href="/godbey/philippians/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But I am in a strait between two, having a desire to depart and to be with Christ; for this is far better: <a href="/haweis/philippians/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For I am in a strait between the two, having an earnest longing to be dissolved, and to be with Christ, for this is far, far better: <a href="/mace/philippians/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I am doubly press'd between my desire to depart, in order to be with Christ, which is by far the best for ME; <a href="/wey/philippians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I am in a dilemma, my earnest desire being to depart and be with Christ, for that is far, far better. <a href="/worrell/philippians/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> but I am constrained by the two; having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for it is far better; <a href="/worsley/philippians/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> for I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is much preferable: <a href="/parallel/philippians/1-23.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=190" 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/1.htm">To Live is Christ</a> …22But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. 23<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/4912.htm" title="4912: synechomai (V-PIM/P-1S) -- From sun and echo; to hold together, i.e. To compress or arrest; figuratively, to compel, perplex, afflict, preoccupy.">I am torn</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">between</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1417.htm" title="1417: dyo (Adj-GNP) -- Two. A primary numeral; two.">two.</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1939.htm" title="1939: epithymian (N-AFS) -- Desire, eagerness for, inordinate desire, lust. From epithumeo; a longing.">I desire</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/360.htm" title="360: analysai (V-ANA) -- To unloose, unloose for departure, depart, return. From ana and luo; to break up, i.e. Depart.">to depart</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: einai (V-PNA) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">be</a> <a href="/greek/4862.htm" title="4862: syn (Prep) -- With. A primary preposition denoting union; with or together.">with</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christō (N-DMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ,</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: pollō (Adj-DNS) -- Much, many; often. ">which is far</a> <a href="/greek/3123.htm" title="3123: mallon (Adv) -- More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather."></a> <a href="/greek/2908.htm" title="2908: kreisson (Adj-NNS-C) -- Stronger, more excellent. Neuter of an alternate form of kreitton; better, i.e. Greater advantage.">better</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">indeed.</a> 24But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.…<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="/2_corinthians/5-8.htm">2 Corinthians 5:8</a> We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. <a href="/john/14-2.htm">John 14:2-3</a> In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? / And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am. <a href="/2_timothy/4-6.htm">2 Timothy 4:6-8</a> For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. / I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. / From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing. <a href="/revelation/14-13.htm">Revelation 14:13</a> And I heard a voice from heaven telling me to write, “Blessed are the dead—those who die in the Lord from this moment on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labors, for their deeds will follow them.” <a href="/luke/23-43.htm">Luke 23:43</a> And Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:17</a> After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. <a href="/romans/8-38.htm">Romans 8:38-39</a> For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, / neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-54.htm">1 Corinthians 15:54-57</a> When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” / “Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting?” / The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. ... <a href="/colossians/3-4.htm">Colossians 3:4</a> When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. <a href="/1_john/3-2.htm">1 John 3:2</a> Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. <a href="/matthew/25-21.htm">Matthew 25:21</a> His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’ <a href="/hebrews/11-16.htm">Hebrews 11:16</a> Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. <a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Psalm 16:11</a> You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. <a href="/psalms/73-24.htm">Psalm 73:24-26</a> You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory. / Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You. / My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. <a href="/isaiah/57-1.htm">Isaiah 57:1-2</a> The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous are taken away from the presence of evil. / Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest, lying down in death.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For I am in a strait between two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:in.<a href="/2_samuel/24-14.htm">2 Samuel 24:14</a> And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.<a href="/1_thessalonians/2-1.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:1,13</a> For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: … <a href="/luke/12-50.htm">Luke 12:50</a> But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!a desire.<a href="/luke/2-29.htm">Luke 2:29,30</a> Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: … <a href="/john/13-1.htm">John 13:1</a> Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.<a href="/2_corinthians/5-8.htm">2 Corinthians 5:8</a> We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.with.<a href="/job/19-26.htm">Job 19:26,27</a> And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: … <a href="/psalms/49-15.htm">Psalm 49:15</a> But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.<a href="/luke/8-38.htm">Luke 8:38</a> Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,far.<a href="/psalms/16-10.htm">Psalm 16:10,11</a> For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption… <a href="/psalms/17-15.htm">Psalm 17:15</a> As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.<a href="/psalms/73-24.htm">Psalm 73:24-26</a> Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/4-24.htm">Better</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-4.htm">Betwixt</a> <a href="/philippians/1-21.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-8.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/acts/20-29.htm">Departure</a> <a href="/philippians/1-12.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-34.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/philippians/1-20.htm">Earnest</a> <a href="/philippians/1-14.htm">Far</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-18.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-21.htm">Hard-Pressed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-14.htm">Pressed</a> <a href="/luke/13-24.htm">Strait</a> <a href="/galatians/4-15.htm">Torn</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Better</a> <a href="/genesis/17-11.htm">Betwixt</a> <a href="/philippians/1-26.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-3.htm">Departure</a> <a href="/philippians/2-13.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-22.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Earnest</a> <a href="/philippians/3-1.htm">Far</a> <a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-6.htm">Hard-Pressed</a> <a href="/genesis/19-3.htm">Pressed</a> <a href="/numbers/22-26.htm">Strait</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-17.htm">Torn</a><div class="vheading2">Philippians 1</div>1. <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Paul testifies his thankfulness to God, and his love toward the Philippians,</a> 9. <a href="/philippians/1-9.htm">daily praying for their increase in grace;</a> 12. <a href="/philippians/1-12.htm">he shows what good the faith of Christ had received by his troubles at Rome;</a> 21. <a href="/philippians/1-21.htm">and how ready he is to glorify Christ either by his life or death;</a> 27. <a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">exhorting them to unity;</a> 28. <a href="/philippians/1-28.htm">and to fortitude in persecution.</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/1.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/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>I am torn between the two. Paul expresses an internal conflict, reflecting his deep commitment to both his earthly ministry and his heavenly hope. This tension highlights the apostle's dedication to serving the early church while longing for eternal communion with Christ. The phrase captures the essence of Christian life, balancing earthly responsibilities with the anticipation of eternal life. Paul's struggle is reminiscent of Jesus' own prayer in Gethsemane (<a href="/matthew/26-39.htm">Matthew 26:39</a>), where He submits to the Father's will despite personal anguish.I desire to depart and be with Christ, Paul's longing to "depart" indicates his readiness for death, which he views not as an end but as a transition to a more profound existence with Christ. This reflects the Christian belief in the afterlife, where death is a gateway to eternal life with the Savior. The term "depart" can be likened to a ship setting sail, suggesting a journey to a better place. This desire is rooted in the assurance of salvation and the promise of being in the presence of the Lord, as seen in <a href="/2_corinthians/5-8.htm">2 Corinthians 5:8</a>, where Paul states, "to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord."which is far better indeed. Paul emphasizes the superiority of being with Christ over any earthly experience. This conviction underscores the Christian hope of eternal life, where believers will experience the fullness of joy and peace in the presence of God. The phrase "far better" suggests an incomparable state of existence, aligning with the biblical promise of a future glory that surpasses present sufferings (<a href="/romans/8-18.htm">Romans 8:18</a>). This assurance provides comfort and motivation for believers to endure trials, knowing that their ultimate reward is with Christ in eternity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Philippians, Paul is writing from prison, expressing his inner conflict between living to continue his ministry and departing to be with Christ. 2. <a href="/topical/p/philippi.htm">Philippi</a> A city in Macedonia where the church to whom Paul is writing is located. It was the first European church founded by Paul. 3. <a href="/topical/c/christ.htm">Christ</a> Central to Paul's desire, Christ represents the ultimate goal and fulfillment of Paul's faith and life. 4. <a href="/topical/r/roman_imprisonment.htm">Roman Imprisonment</a> The context of Paul's writing, as he is under house arrest in Rome, facing the possibility of execution. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_philippian_church.htm">The Philippian Church</a> The recipients of the letter, known for their strong faith and support of Paul.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_tension_of_earthly_life_and_heavenly_desire.htm">The Tension of Earthly Life and Heavenly Desire</a> Paul exemplifies the Christian tension between fulfilling earthly duties and longing for heavenly rest. Believers are called to live purposefully on earth while yearning for eternal life with Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_supremacy_of_being_with_christ.htm">The Supremacy of Being with Christ</a> Paul's statement underscores the surpassing value of being with Christ. This should encourage believers to prioritize their relationship with Christ above all else. <a href="/topical/l/living_with_eternal_perspective.htm">Living with Eternal Perspective</a> Understanding that being with Christ is "far better" should influence how Christians live daily, making choices that reflect eternal values rather than temporary gains. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_death.htm">Courage in the Face of Death</a> Paul's willingness to depart and be with Christ demonstrates a fearless attitude towards death, rooted in the assurance of salvation and eternal life. <a href="/topical/b/balancing_ministry_and_personal_desire.htm">Balancing Ministry and Personal Desire</a> While Paul desires to be with Christ, he also recognizes the importance of his ministry. Christians are encouraged to balance personal spiritual desires with their calling to serve others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_philippians_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Philippians 1</a> <a href="/q/what_is_god's_holy_mountain.htm">Do Christians go to heaven immediately after death?</a> <a href="/q/do_christians_enter_heaven_right_after_death.htm">Do Christians go to heaven immediately after death?</a> <a href="/q/do_people_sleep_in_heaven.htm">Do people sleep in heaven?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_crown_of_life_mean.htm">Is he present with the Lord now?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/philippians/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) Having a desire . . .--Properly, having my own desire for departure. The verb "depart" corresponds exactly to the substantive used in <a href="/2_timothy/4-6.htm" title="For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.">2Timothy 4:6</a>, "The time of my departure is at hand." It is itself used only here and in <a href="/luke/12-36.htm" title="And you yourselves like to men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he comes and knocks, they may open to him immediately.">Luke 12:36</a>, "When he shall return (break up) from the wedding." The metaphor is drawn either from "loosing" from the shore of life, or (perhaps better) from striking tents and breaking up a camp. The body (as in <a href="/2_corinthians/5-1.htm" title="For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.">2Corinthians 5:1</a>) is looked upon as a mere tabernacle. Each day is a march nearer home, and death is the last striking of the tent on arrival.To be with Christ.--This is contemplated by St. Paul as the immediate consequence of death, even while still "out of the body," and before the great day. The state of the faithful departed is usually spoken of as one of "rest" (<a href="/context/1_corinthians/15-51.htm" title="Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,">1Corinthians 15:51-52</a>; <a href="/context/1_thessalonians/4-14.htm" title="For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.">1Thessalonians 4:14-16</a>; <a href="/revelation/14-13.htm" title="And I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from now on: Yes, said the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.">Revelation 14:13</a>), although not without expectation and longing for the consummation of all things (<a href="/context/revelation/6-10.htm" title="And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, do you not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?">Revelation 6:10-11</a>). Such a condition of rest, and suspension of conscious exercise of spiritual energy, is, indeed, that which human reason and analogy would suggest, so far as they can suggest anything on this mysterious subject. But such passages as this seem certainly to imply that this rest is emphatically a "rest in the Lord," having an inner consciousness of communion with Christ. His "descent unto Hades," not only brings out the reality of the unseen world of souls, but also claims it as His. As on earth and in heaven, so also in the intermediate state, we are "ever with the Lord;" and that state, though not yet made perfect, is spiritually far higher than this earthly life. The original here is an emphatic double comparative, "far, far better." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philippians/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 23. - For I am in a strait betwixt two; rather, but (so the best manuscripts) I am straitened, hemmed in (Bishop Lightfoot) betwixt the two alternatives, life and death, pressing upon me, constraining me on either side. Having a desire to depart; having my desire set towards departing εἰς τὸ ἀναλῦσαι). The word occurs again in <a href="/2_timothy/4-6.htm">2 Timothy 4:6</a>, Ὁ καιρὸς τῆς ἐμῆς ἀναλύσεως It is used of a ship, to loose from its moorings; or a camp, to break up; comp. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-1.htm">2 Corinthians 5:1</a>, "If our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved (καταλυθῇ)." Probably here the metaphor is taken from tent life; to loosen, to remove the tent, the temporary abode, in the journey to the heavenly city. And to be with Christ. The holy dead are with Christ, they rest from their labors; they live unto God (<a href="/luke/20-38.htm">Luke 20:38</a>); they do not sleep idly without consciousness, for they are described in Holy Scripture as witnesses (<a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1</a>) of the race set before living Christians (comp. also <a href="/2_corinthians/5-6.htm">2 Corinthians 5:6, 8</a> and <a href="/acts/7-59.htm">Acts 7:59</a>). Yet they are elsewhere described as sleeping (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-51.htm">1 Corinthians 15:51, 52</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-14.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:14, 15</a>); for the rest of the spirits of just men in Paradise is as a sleep compared with the perfect consummation and bliss of God's elect, both in body and soul, in his everlasting glory. Which is far better; read and translate, for it is by much very far better. He piles up comparatives, as if unable to find words capable of expressing the glory of his hope. <a href="/commentaries/philippians/1-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>I am torn συνέχομαι (synechomai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4912.htm">Strong's 4912: </a> From sun and echo; to hold together, i.e. To compress or arrest; figuratively, to compel, perplex, afflict, preoccupy. between ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. two. δύο (dyo) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1417.htm">Strong's 1417: </a> Two. A primary numeral; 'two'. I desire ἐπιθυμίαν (epithymian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1939.htm">Strong's 1939: </a> Desire, eagerness for, inordinate desire, lust. From epithumeo; a longing. to depart ἀναλῦσαι (analysai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_360.htm">Strong's 360: </a> To unloose, unloose for departure, depart, return. From ana and luo; to break up, i.e. Depart. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. be εἶναι (einai) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. with σὺν (syn) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4862.htm">Strong's 4862: </a> With. A primary preposition denoting union; with or together. Christ, Χριστῷ (Christō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. [which is] far πολλῷ (pollō) Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. better κρεῖσσον (kreisson) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_2908.htm">Strong's 2908: </a> Stronger, more excellent. Neuter of an alternate form of kreitton; better, i.e. Greater advantage. indeed. γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philippians/1-23.htm">Philippians 1:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/philippians/1-23.htm">Philippians 1:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/philippians/1-23.htm">Philippians 1:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/philippians/1-23.htm">Philippians 1:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/philippians/1-23.htm">Philippians 1:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/philippians/1-23.htm">Philippians 1:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philippians/1-23.htm">Philippians 1:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/philippians/1-23.htm">Philippians 1:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/philippians/1-23.htm">Philippians 1:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/philippians/1-23.htm">Philippians 1:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/philippians/1-23.htm">NT Letters: Philippians 1:23 But I am in a dilemma between (Philipp. Phil. Php.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philippians/1-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philippians 1:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philippians 1:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philippians/1-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philippians 1:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philippians 1:24" /></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>