CINXE.COM

<!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. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></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/1-23.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/1-23.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 23</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/1-22.htm" title="Philippians 1:22">◄</a> Philippians 1:23 <a href="/philippians/1-24.htm" title="Philippians 1:24">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </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> I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; <a href="/nlt/philippians/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. <a href="/esv/philippians/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> I am hard pressed between the two. 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="study" id="study"></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> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/philippians/1.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>I am torn between the two The phrase "I am torn" reflects the Apostle Paul's deep internal conflict. The Greek word used here is "συνέχομαι" (synechomai), which conveys a sense of being held together or constrained. Paul is expressing a profound struggle between two compelling desires. Historically, this reflects the early Christian understanding of life and death, where life is seen as an opportunity to serve Christ, while death is viewed as a gateway to eternal communion with Him. This tension is a testament to Paul's unwavering commitment to his mission and his longing for eternal fellowship with Christ.I desire to depart The word "desire" comes from the Greek "ἐπιθυμία" (epithymia), which often denotes a strong longing or earnest yearning. Paul's use of this term indicates a deep, heartfelt longing to "depart," which in Greek is "ἀναλῦσαι" (analuō), meaning to unloose or set free. This metaphor of departure suggests a release from the earthly bonds and trials, reflecting the early Christian belief in the soul's liberation at death. It underscores the transient nature of earthly life and the hope of eternal life with Christ.and be with Christ The phrase "be with Christ" encapsulates the ultimate hope and goal of the Christian faith. The preposition "with" (Greek "σύν," syn) implies a close, personal, and intimate union. For Paul, being with Christ is not merely a future hope but a present reality that begins in this life and is consummated in the next. This reflects the early church's eschatological hope, where the presence of Christ is the ultimate reward and fulfillment of the believer's journey.which is far better indeed The expression "far better" is translated from the Greek "πολλῷ μᾶλλον κρεῖσσον" (pollō mallon kreisson), which intensifies the comparison between earthly life and the afterlife with Christ. The use of "indeed" (Greek "γάρ," gar) serves to affirm and emphasize the superiority of being with Christ. This reflects the Christian conviction that the eternal joy and peace found in Christ's presence far surpass any earthly experience. Historically, this assurance provided comfort and hope to early Christians facing persecution and martyrdom, reinforcing the belief that their ultimate reward lay beyond this life.<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>