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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 1:22 But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/philippians/1-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/50_Php_01_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Philippians 1:22 - To Live is Christ" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know." /><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> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><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/1-22.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/1-22.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/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 22</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="/ad2.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/1-21.htm" title="Philippians 1:21">◄</a> Philippians 1:22 <a href="/philippians/1-23.htm" title="Philippians 1:23">►</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/1.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/1.htm">New International Version</a> If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! <a href="/nlt/philippians/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. <a href="/esv/philippians/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. <a href="/bsb/philippians/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. <a href="/blb/philippians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But if I am to live in flesh, this is the fruit of labor for me. And what shall I choose? I do not know. <a href="/kjv/philippians/1.htm">King James Bible</a> But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. <a href="/nkjv/philippians/1.htm">New King James Version</a> But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. <a href="/nasb_/philippians/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. <a href="/nasb/philippians/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. <a href="/nasb77/philippians/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. <a href="/lsb/philippians/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know what I will choose. <a href="/amp/philippians/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> If, however, it is to be life here and I am to go on living, this will mean useful and productive service for me; so I do not know which to choose [if I am given that choice]. <a href="/csb/philippians/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. <a href="/hcsb/philippians/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don&#8217t know which one I should choose. <a href="/asv/philippians/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> But if to live in the flesh, ? if this shall bring fruit from my work, then what I shall choose I know not. <a href="/cev/philippians/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I don't know what to choose. I could keep on living and doing something useful. <a href="/erv/philippians/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> But if to live in the flesh,--if this is the fruit of my work, then what I shall choose I wot not. <a href="/gwt/philippians/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If I continue to live in this life, my work will produce more results. I don't know which I would prefer. <a href="/gnt/philippians/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> But if by continuing to live I can do more worthwhile work, then I am not sure which I should choose. <a href="/isv/philippians/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now if I continue living, fruitful labor is the result, so I do not know which I would prefer. <a href="/net/philippians/1.htm">NET Bible</a> Now if I am to go on living in the body, this will mean productive work for me, yet I don't know which I prefer: <a href="/nheb/philippians/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I do not make known what I will choose. <a href="/wbt/philippians/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I know not. <a href="/wey/philippians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But since to live means a longer stay on earth, that implies more labour for me--and not unsuccessful labour; and which I am to choose I cannot tell.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/philippians/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. <a href="/web/philippians/1.htm">World English Bible</a> But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don’t know what I will choose. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/philippians/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And if to live in the flesh [is] to me a fruit of work, then what will I choose? I do not know; <a href="/blb/philippians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But if I am to live in flesh, this is the fruit of labor for me. And what shall I choose? I do not know. <a href="/ylt/philippians/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And if to live in the flesh is to me a fruit of work, then what shall I choose? I know not; <a href="/slt/philippians/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And if to live in the flesh, this to me the fruit of work: and whether I shall be taken away I know not.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/philippians/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And if to live in the flesh, that is to me the fruit of labour, and what I shall choose I know not. <a href="/cpdv/philippians/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And while I live in the flesh, for me, there is the fruit of works. But I do not know which I would choose. <a href="/nabre/philippians/1.htm">New American Bible</a> If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose. <a href="/nrsvce/philippians/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/philippians/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Even if, in this life of the flesh, my labors bear fruits, I do not know what to choose. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philippians/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But if also in this life of the flesh I have fruit in my work, I do not know what I shall choose for myself.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/philippians/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But if this, my life in the flesh, would be profitable for my work in the ministry, verily, what I should choose I know not. <a href="/godbey/philippians/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But if to live in the flesh, this shall be to me the fruit of the work, indeed I know not what I shall ask. <a href="/haweis/philippians/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But if it be his will, that I should live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my travail: and what to chuse I know not. <a href="/mace/philippians/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> whether it be an advantage to me or not still to lead this mortal life, what to chuse I cannot tell. <a href="/wey/philippians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But since to live means a longer stay on earth, that implies more labour for me--and not unsuccessful labour; and which I am to choose I cannot tell. <a href="/worrell/philippians/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But if it be to live in flesh, this is to me a fruit of labor; and what I shall choose I know not; <a href="/worsley/philippians/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> so that I know not what to chuse; <a href="/parallel/philippians/1-22.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=180" 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> 21For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2198.htm" title="2198: zēn (V-PNA) -- To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.">I go on living</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/4561.htm" title="4561: sarki (N-DFS) -- Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. ">the body,</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-NNS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/2590.htm" title="2590: karpos (N-NMS) -- Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively.">will mean fruitful</a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: ergou (N-GNS) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">labor</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: moi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">for me.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">So</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">what</a> <a href="/greek/138.htm" title="138: hairēsomai (V-FIM-1S) -- To choose, prefer. Probably akin to airo; to take for oneself, i.e. To prefer.">shall I choose?</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1107.htm" title="1107: gnōrizō (V-PIA-1S) -- To make known, declare, know, discover. From a derivative of ginosko; to make known; subjectively, to know.">I do not know.</a> 23I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.…<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="/galatians/2-20.htm">Galatians 2:20</a> I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. <a href="/romans/7-4.htm">Romans 7:4</a> Therefore, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. <a href="/john/15-5.htm">John 15:5</a> I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-15.htm">2 Corinthians 5:15</a> And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again. <a href="/colossians/1-10.htm">Colossians 1:10</a> so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, <a href="/john/12-24.htm">John 12:24</a> Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. <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_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7-8</a> 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="/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="/ephesians/2-10.htm">Ephesians 2:10</a> For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life. <a href="/1_peter/4-2.htm">1 Peter 4:2</a> Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God. <a href="/romans/6-22.htm">Romans 6:22</a> But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">1 Corinthians 3:9</a> For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. <a href="/john/4-36.htm">John 4:36</a> Already the reaper draws his wages and gathers a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may rejoice together. <a href="/2_peter/1-8.htm">2 Peter 1:8</a> For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I know not.live.<a href="/philippians/1-24.htm">Philippians 1:24</a> Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.<a href="/2_corinthians/10-3.htm">2 Corinthians 10:3</a> For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:<a href="/galatians/2-20.htm">Galatians 2:20</a> I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.this.<a href="/psalms/71-18.htm">Psalm 71:18</a> Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.<a href="/isaiah/38-18.htm">Isaiah 38:18,19</a> For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth… I wot.<a href="/genesis/21-26.htm">Genesis 21:26</a> And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day.<a href="/genesis/39-8.htm">Genesis 39:8</a> But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;<a href="/exodus/32-1.htm">Exodus 32:1</a> And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/12-6.htm">Choose</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-1.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-3.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/philippians/1-11.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/acts/14-17.htm">Fruitful</a> <a href="/galatians/3-20.htm">Implies</a> <a href="/philippians/1-21.htm">Live</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-17.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/acts/20-37.htm">Lot</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-32.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Means</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-29.htm">Unsuccessful</a> <a href="/philippians/1-6.htm">Work</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-4.htm">Worth</a> <a href="/romans/11-2.htm">Wot</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">Choose</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-5.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/philippians/2-10.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/philippians/1-24.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/philippians/4-17.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/colossians/1-10.htm">Fruitful</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-8.htm">Implies</a> <a href="/philippians/3-16.htm">Live</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-1.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-3.htm">Lot</a> <a href="/philemon/1-10.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/philippians/3-11.htm">Means</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-29.htm">Unsuccessful</a> <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Work</a> <a href="/philippians/2-22.htm">Worth</a> <a href="/genesis/21-26.htm">Wot</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>But if I go on living in the body Paul is contemplating the possibility of continuing his earthly life. The phrase "living in the body" reflects the dual nature of human existence, where the body is the temporary dwelling place of the soul. This echoes <a href="/2_corinthians/5.htm">2 Corinthians 5:1-4</a>, where Paul discusses the earthly tent versus the heavenly dwelling. The body is seen as a vessel for service and ministry, emphasizing the importance of physical life for fulfilling God's work.this will mean fruitful labor for me Paul anticipates that remaining alive will result in productive ministry. "Fruitful labor" suggests the spiritual fruits of his apostolic work, such as conversions, church growth, and the edification of believers. This aligns with <a href="/john/15-5.htm">John 15:5</a>, where Jesus speaks of bearing fruit through abiding in Him. Paul's ministry is characterized by spreading the Gospel and nurturing the early church, as seen in his missionary journeys and epistles.So what shall I choose? Paul is expressing a personal dilemma between two desirable outcomes: continuing his ministry on earth or departing to be with Christ. This reflects the tension between earthly responsibilities and heavenly aspirations. The choice is not merely personal but is deeply rooted in his commitment to God's will. This mirrors Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane (<a href="/matthew/26-39.htm">Matthew 26:39</a>), where He submits His will to the Father.I do not know. Paul's uncertainty highlights his humility and submission to God's sovereign plan. Despite his apostolic authority, he acknowledges his limitations in knowing God's ultimate purpose for his life. This resonates with <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>, which encourages trust in the Lord's guidance. Paul's indecision underscores the Christian's reliance on divine wisdom rather than human understanding.<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, writing from prison, expressing his inner conflict between living and dying for 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/t/the_philippian_church.htm">The Philippian Church</a> The recipients of the letter, known for their strong faith and support of Paul's ministry. 4. <a href="/topical/r/roman_imprisonment.htm">Roman Imprisonment</a> The context in which Paul writes, facing the possibility of execution, which adds weight to his reflections on life and death. 5. <a href="/topical/f/fruitful_labor.htm">Fruitful Labor</a> The work Paul refers to, which involves spreading the Gospel and strengthening the church.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_dilemma_of_life_and_death.htm">The Dilemma of Life and Death</a> Paul’s struggle reflects the Christian’s tension between the desire to be with Christ and the call to serve Him on earth. This teaches us to value both eternal life and our earthly mission. <a href="/topical/f/fruitful_labor_as_a_christian_calling.htm">Fruitful Labor as a Christian Calling</a> Our lives should be marked by fruitful labor for the Kingdom of God. This involves evangelism, discipleship, and living out the fruits of the Spirit. <a href="/topical/p/purpose_in_suffering.htm">Purpose in Suffering</a> Even in imprisonment, Paul sees his life as purposeful. Christians are encouraged to find purpose in their trials, knowing that God can use them for His glory. <a href="/topical/d/decision-making_in_light_of_eternity.htm">Decision-Making in Light of Eternity</a> Paul’s indecision highlights the importance of making choices that reflect eternal values. Believers are called to prioritize God’s will in their decisions. <a href="/topical/l/living_with_uncertainty.htm">Living with Uncertainty</a> Paul’s uncertainty about his future teaches us to trust God with our unknowns, focusing on faithful service rather than worrying about outcomes.<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_are_glorified_bodies_in_the_bible.htm">What does the Bible say about glorified bodies?</a> <a href="/q/do_people_sleep_in_heaven.htm">Do people sleep in heaven?</a> <a href="/q/does_philippians_1_21_conflict_with_doctrine.htm">Does Paul’s viewpoint “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21) conflict with central Christian doctrines on the value of life and future resurrection? </a> <a href="/q/is_dying_truly_a_form_of_gain.htm">Is dying truly a form of gain?</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>(22) But if I live in the flesh . . .--The translation of this verse in the Authorised version is inaccurate, and perhaps a gloss to soften the difficulty of the original. The exact translation is, But if to live in the flesh this is to me a fruit of work, and what (or, what also) I shall choose I know not. The construction is clearly broken by emotion or absorption in thought; it can only be supplied by conjecture. If (as in <a href="/2_corinthians/2-2.htm" title="For if I make you sorry, who is he then that makes me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?">2Corinthians 2:2</a>) the word "and," or "also," can be used to introduce the principal clause ("what then I shall choose," &c.), the construction will be correct, though harsh. If otherwise, we must suppose either that the sentence is broken at the word "work," or that the whole should run, But what if to live in the flesh is a part of work? And what I shall choose, I know not, &c. But though the construction is obscure, the sense is plain. St. Paul had said, "to die is gain." But the thought crosses him that to live still in the flesh, this and this only is (i.e., carries with it) a fruit of apostolical labour, in souls brought to Christ or built up in Him. Accordingly what to choose he knows not. For in such a harvest there is a gain, which outweighs his own personal gain on the other side.I am in a strait betwixt (the) two.--The word here used signifies "to be hemmed in," or "confined," and is generally associated with some idea of distress (as in <a href="/luke/8-45.htm" title="And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng you and press you, and say you, Who touched me?">Luke 8:45</a>; <a href="/luke/19-43.htm" title="For the days shall come on you, that your enemies shall cast a trench about you, and compass you round, and keep you in on every side,">Luke 19:43</a>), not unfrequently with the pressure of disease (<a href="/matthew/4-24.htm" title="And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought to him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.">Matthew 4:24</a>; <a href="/luke/4-38.htm" title="And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they sought him for her.">Luke 4:38</a>; <a href="/acts/28-8.htm" title="And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.">Acts 28:8</a>). Our Lord uses it of mental distress in Himself (<a href="/luke/12-50.htm" title="But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!">Luke 12:50</a>): "How am I straitened till it be accomplished!" Here the sense is clear. St. Paul's mind is "hemmed in" between two opposing considerations, till it knows not which way to move, even in desire. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philippians/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 22. - But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I wot not; or perhaps, as Meyer, "I make not known." St. Paul wavers between his own personal longing for rest in Paradise with Christ, and the thought that the continuance of his life on earth might conduce to the spreading of the gospel. The grammar of the Greek sentence aptly represents the apostle's hesitation. The construction is almost hopelessly confused. Perhaps the interpretation of the R.V. is the simplest: "But if to live in the flesh, - if this is the fruit of my work, then what shall choose I wot not." Thus καρπός is parallel with κέρδος (Ver. 21); τὸ ζῇν ἐν σαρκι is also a gain, a fruit; the genitive is one of apposition; the work itself is the fruit. St. Paul, says Bengel, regards his work as fruit, others seek fruit from their work. Bishop Lightfoot proposes another rendering, "But what if my living in the flesh will bear fruit, etc.? In fact what to choose I know not." Surely, says Bengel, the Christian's lot is excellent; he can hesitate only in the choice of blessings; disappointed he cannot be. <a href="/commentaries/philippians/1-22.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. if εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. I go on living ζῆν (zēn) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2198.htm">Strong's 2198: </a> To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live. 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] body, σαρκί (sarki) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4561.htm">Strong's 4561: </a> Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. this τοῦτό (touto) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. [will mean] fruitful καρπὸς (karpos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2590.htm">Strong's 2590: </a> Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively. labor ἔργου (ergou) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. for me. μοι (moi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 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. So καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. what τί (ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. shall I choose? αἱρήσομαι (hairēsomai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_138.htm">Strong's 138: </a> To choose, prefer. Probably akin to airo; to take for oneself, i.e. To prefer. I do not know. γνωρίζω (gnōrizō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1107.htm">Strong's 1107: </a> To make known, declare, know, discover. From a derivative of ginosko; to make known; subjectively, to know. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philippians/1-22.htm">Philippians 1:22 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/philippians/1-22.htm">Philippians 1:22 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/philippians/1-22.htm">Philippians 1:22 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/philippians/1-22.htm">Philippians 1:22 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/philippians/1-22.htm">Philippians 1:22 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/philippians/1-22.htm">Philippians 1:22 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philippians/1-22.htm">Philippians 1:22 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/philippians/1-22.htm">Philippians 1:22 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/philippians/1-22.htm">Philippians 1:22 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/philippians/1-22.htm">Philippians 1:22 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/philippians/1-22.htm">NT Letters: Philippians 1:22 But if I live on (Philipp. Phil. Php.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philippians/1-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philippians 1:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philippians 1:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philippians/1-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philippians 1:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philippians 1:23" /></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>