Philippians 2:28
New International Version
Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.

New Living Translation
So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and then I will not be so worried about you.

English Standard Version
I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.

Berean Standard Bible
Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less anxious.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly, that having seen him again, you may rejoice, and I might be less anxious.

King James Bible
I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

New King James Version
Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.

New American Standard Bible
Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly, so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you.

NASB 1995
Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you.

NASB 1977
Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly in order that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you.

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned.

Amplified Bible
So I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you.

Christian Standard Bible
For this reason, I am very eager to send him so that you may rejoice again when you see him and I may be less anxious.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For this reason, I am very eager to send him so that you may rejoice when you see him again and I may be less anxious.

American Standard Version
I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

Contemporary English Version
Now I am more eager than ever to send Epaphroditus back again. You will be glad to see him, and I won't have to worry any longer.

English Revised Version
I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So I'm especially eager to send him to you. In this way you will have the joy of seeing him again and I will feel relieved.

Good News Translation
I am all the more eager, then, to send him to you, so that you will be glad again when you see him, and my own sorrow will disappear.

International Standard Version
Therefore, I am especially eager to send him so that you may have the joy of seeing him again, and so that I may feel relieved.

Majority Standard Bible
Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less anxious.

NET Bible
Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you can rejoice and I can be free from anxiety.

New Heart English Bible
I have sent him all the more eagerly, therefore, so that when you see him again you may rejoice, and that I may be less anxious.

Webster's Bible Translation
I sent him therefore the more speedily, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

Weymouth New Testament
I am therefore all the more eager to send him, in the hope that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have the less sorrow.

World English Bible
I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The more eagerly, therefore, I sent him, that having seen him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful;

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly, that having seen him again, you may rejoice, and I might be less anxious.

Young's Literal Translation
The more eagerly, therefore, I did send him, that having seen him again ye may rejoice, and I may be the less sorrowful;

Smith's Literal Translation
Therefore I sent him the more earnestly, that, seeing him, ye might again rejoice, and I be more free from sorrow.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore I sent him the more speedily: that seeing him again, you may rejoice, and I may be without sorrow.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, I sent him more readily, in order that, by seeing him again, you may rejoice, and I may be without sorrow.

New American Bible
I send him therefore with the greater eagerness, so that, on seeing him, you may rejoice again, and I may have less anxiety.

New Revised Standard Version
I am the more eager to send him, therefore, in order that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therefore I have sent him quickly, so that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be relieved from anxiety.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Therefore, I diligently sent him to you, that when you see him again you will rejoice, and I shall have a little rest.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
I sent him, therefore, the sooner, that, by seeing him again, you might rejoice, and that I might be the less sorrowful.

Godbey New Testament
Therefore I the more diligently, in order that, seeing him, you may rejoice again, and I may not be without sorrow.

Haweis New Testament
I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that seeing him once more ye may rejoice, and I be less sorrowful.

Mace New Testament
I sent him therefore with the greater dispatch, that I might have the less disquietude, by the satisfaction you will find in seeing him again.

Weymouth New Testament
I am therefore all the more eager to send him, in the hope that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have the less sorrow.

Worrell New Testament
I sent him, therefore, the more urgently, that, seeing him again, ye may rejoice, and I may be the less sorrowful.

Worsley New Testament
I have sent him therefore the more desirously, that when ye see him again ye may rejoice, and I may be the less sorrowful.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Epaphroditus Commended
27He was sick indeed, nearly unto death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less anxious. 29Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him,…

Cross References
2 Corinthians 7:7
and not only by his arrival, but also by the comfort he had received from you. He told us about your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced all the more.

2 Corinthians 7:13
On account of this, we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were even more delighted by the joy of Titus. For his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.

1 Thessalonians 3:6-7
But just now, Timothy has returned from his visit with the good news about your faith, your love, and the fond memories you have preserved, longing to see us just as we long to see you. / For this reason, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we have been reassured about you, because of your faith.

2 Timothy 1:4
Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.

Romans 15:32
so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.

2 Corinthians 2:3
I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be grieved by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.

2 Corinthians 2:12-13
Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and a door stood open for me in the Lord, / I had no peace in my spirit, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.

2 Corinthians 7:5-6
For when we arrived in Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were pressed from every direction—conflicts on the outside, fears within. / But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the arrival of Titus,

1 Thessalonians 3:9
How can we adequately thank God for you in return for our great joy over you in His presence?

2 Corinthians 1:4
who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

2 Corinthians 1:14
as you have already understood us in part, that you may boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of our Lord Jesus.

1 Corinthians 16:17-18
I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. / For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men.

2 Corinthians 7:16
I rejoice that I can have complete confidence in you.

2 Corinthians 8:22
And we are sending along with them our brother who has proven his earnestness to us many times and in many ways, and now even more so by his great confidence in you.

2 Corinthians 9:4
Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—to say nothing of you—would be ashamed of having been so confident.


Treasury of Scripture

I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

ye see.

Philippians 2:26
For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

Genesis 45:27,28
And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived: …

Genesis 46:29,30
And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while…

and that.

Philippians 2:27
For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

2 Corinthians 2:3
And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

1 John 1:3,4
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ…

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Anxious Carefully Concerned Diligently Eager Eagerly Glad Gladly Happy Hope Less Rejoice Sorrow Sorrowful Speedily
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Anxious Carefully Concerned Diligently Eager Eagerly Glad Gladly Happy Hope Less Rejoice Sorrow Sorrowful Speedily
Philippians 2
1. Paul exhorts them to unity, and to all humbleness of mind, by the example of Christ's humility;
12. to a careful proceeding in the way of salvation, that they be as lights to a wicked world,
16. and comforts to him their apostle, who is now ready to be offered up to God.
19. He hopes to send Timothy to them, and Epaphroditus also.














Therefore I am all the more eager to send him
The word "Therefore" connects this verse to the preceding context, where Paul discusses the character and service of Epaphroditus. The phrase "all the more eager" reflects Paul's intense desire and urgency. The Greek word for "eager" (σπουδαιότερον, spoudaioteron) conveys a sense of diligence and earnestness. Paul’s eagerness is not just a personal preference but a reflection of his pastoral heart, deeply concerned for the well-being of the Philippians and Epaphroditus. This eagerness is rooted in love and responsibility, demonstrating the Christian virtue of selflessness.

so that when you see him again
The phrase "when you see him again" indicates a reunion that is anticipated with joy. The Greek word for "see" (ἰδόντες, idontes) implies more than just physical sight; it suggests recognition and understanding. This reunion is not merely a social event but a spiritual encouragement. The Philippians' ability to "see" Epaphroditus again would affirm their faith and strengthen their community, highlighting the importance of fellowship in the early church.

you may rejoice
The word "rejoice" (χαρῆτε, charēte) is central to the message of Philippians, often called the "Epistle of Joy." This joy is not circumstantial but rooted in the shared faith and mutual love among believers. The historical context of the Philippian church, facing external pressures and internal challenges, makes this call to rejoice even more profound. It underscores the Christian belief that true joy is found in Christ and community, transcending temporary trials.

and I may be less anxious
Paul's admission of anxiety (ἀλυπότερος, alypoteros) reveals his humanity and deep pastoral concern. The Greek term suggests a relief from distress or worry. Paul’s anxiety is not for himself but for the spiritual and emotional well-being of the Philippians and Epaphroditus. This reflects the biblical principle of bearing one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2). Paul’s transparency in sharing his feelings models authentic Christian leadership, where vulnerability and care for others are paramount.

(28) I sent him therefore the more carefully.--That is, I was the more earnest and anxious to send him. In any case the Apostle would have been desirous to express his thanks and send news by Epaphroditus. But the circumstances of his illness increased that desire to greater earnestness.

I may be the less sorrowful.--There is a peculiar pathos in this expression, as contrasted with the completeness of joy described above in Philippians 2:17-18. Epaphroditus' recovery and safe return would take away the "sorrow upon sorrow;" but the old sorrow of captivity, enforced inactivity, and anxiety for the condition of the gospel, would remain. The expression of perfect joy belongs to the "spirit which was willing" indeed; the hint of an unspoken sorrow marks the weakness of the flesh.

Verse 28. - I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful; rather, I send him (epistolary aorist, as Ver. 25), I send him with the letter. Perhaps "again" is better taken with the following clause; "that when ye see him, ye may again rejoice." Note St. Paul's ready sympathy with the Philippians: their restored joy will involve a diminution of his sorrow. Mark also the implied admission that sorrows must still remain, though spiritual joy brightens and relieves them. "Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" (2 Corinthians 6:10).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Therefore
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

{I am} all the more eager
Σπουδαιοτέρως (Spoudaioterōs)
Adverb - Comparative
Strong's 4708: More earnestly, diligently, zealously. Adverb from spoudaioteros; more speedily, i.e. Sooner than otherwise.

to send
ἔπεμψα (epempsa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3992: To send, transmit, permit to go, put forth.

him,
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

when you see
ἰδόντες (idontes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

him
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

again
πάλιν (palin)
Adverb
Strong's 3825: Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.

you may rejoice,
χαρῆτε (charēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 5463: A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.

and I
κἀγὼ (kagō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2504: To also, I too, but I. From kai and ego; so also the dative case kamoi, and accusative case kame and I, me.

may be
(ō)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

less anxious.
ἀλυπότερος (alypoteros)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative
Strong's 253: Free from pain (grief, trouble). Comparative of a compound of a and lupe; more without grief.


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NT Letters: Philippians 2:28 I have sent him therefore the more (Philipp. Phil. Php.)
Philippians 2:27
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