Philippians 2:30
New International Version
because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

New Living Translation
For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn’t do from far away.

English Standard Version
for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

Berean Standard Bible
because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit of service to me.

Berean Literal Bible
because for the sake of the work of Christ he came near unto death, having disregarded his life so that he might fill up your deficit of service toward me.

King James Bible
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

New King James Version
because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

New American Standard Bible
because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to compensate for your absence in your service to me.

NASB 1995
because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.

NASB 1977
because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.

Legacy Standard Bible
because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to fulfill what was lacking in your service to me.

Amplified Bible
because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me [which distance prevented you from rendering personally].

Christian Standard Bible
because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me.

American Standard Version
because for the work of Christ he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.

Contemporary English Version
He almost died working for Christ, and he risked his own life to do for me what you could not.

English Revised Version
because for the work of Christ he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He risked his life and almost died for the work of Christ in order to make up for the help you couldn't give me.

Good News Translation
because he risked his life and nearly died for the sake of the work of Christ, in order to give me the help that you yourselves could not give.

International Standard Version
because he came close to death for the work of the Messiah by risking his life to complete what remained unfinished in your service to me.

Majority Standard Bible
because he nearly died for the work of Christ, disregarding his life to make up for your deficit of service to me.

NET Bible
since it was because of the work of Christ that he almost died. He risked his life so that he could make up for your inability to serve me.

New Heart English Bible
because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.

Webster's Bible Translation
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh to death, not regarding his life, to supply the want of your service towards me.

Weymouth New Testament
because it was for the sake of Christ's work that he came so near death, hazarding, as he did, his very life in endeavouring to make good any deficiency that there might be in your gifts to me.

World English Bible
because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
because on account of the work of the Christ he drew near to death, having hazarded life that he might fill up your deficiency of service to me.

Berean Literal Bible
because for the sake of the work of Christ he came near unto death, having disregarded his life so that he might fill up your deficit of service toward me.

Young's Literal Translation
because on account of the work of the Christ he drew near to death, having hazarded the life that he might fill up your deficiency of service unto me.

Smith's Literal Translation
Because for the work of Christ he drew near to death, having exposed the soul to danger, that he might fill up your want of service to me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Because for the work of Christ he came to the point of death: delivering his life, that he might fulfil that which on your part was wanting towards my service.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For he was brought close even to death, for the sake of the work of Christ, handing over his own life, so that he might fulfill what was lacking from you concerning my service.

New American Bible
because for the sake of the work of Christ he came close to death, risking his life to make up for those services to me that you could not perform.

New Revised Standard Version
because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for those services that you could not give me.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Because for the work of Christ he came near to death; and by his self denial, he made good your lack of service to me.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For because of the work of The Messiah he approached death and scorned his life, to fulfill what you lacked in the ministry that was for me.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
because for the work of the Christ he was near to death, not regarding his life, that he might supply that which was lacking in your service to me.

Godbey New Testament
because he was nigh unto death on account of the work of Christ, having jeoparded his life, in order that he might fulfill your deficiency of ministry towards me.

Haweis New Testament
for in the work of Christ he was nigh unto death indifferent about life, that he might afford me that service which it was not in your power to render me.

Mace New Testament
for he was upon the brink of death for the service of Christ, having expos'd his life to the greatest dangers, to perform those kind offices, which you could not do yourselves.

Weymouth New Testament
because it was for the sake of Christ's work that he came so near death, hazarding, as he did, his very life in endeavouring to make good any deficiency that there might be in your gifts to me.

Worrell New Testament
because, for the work of Christ, he came near to death; imperiling his soul, that he might fill up your lack of ministry toward me.

Worsley New Testament
because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his own life, so that he might fill up what was wanting in your kind offices towards me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Epaphroditus Commended
29Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit of service to me.

Cross References
Romans 16:4
who have risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

2 Corinthians 8:23
As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you. As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:9
And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.

1 Thessalonians 3:2
We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

2 Timothy 4:6
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.

Acts 15:26
men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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 1:8-9
We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. / Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead.

2 Corinthians 12:15
And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?

Colossians 1:24
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.

1 John 3:16
By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Matthew 25:40
And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’

Hebrews 6:10
For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.

Galatians 6:2
Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.


Treasury of Scripture

Because for the work of Christ he was near to death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

the work.

1 Corinthians 15:53
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

1 Corinthians 16:10
Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

nigh.

Philippians 2:17,27
Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all…

Philippians 1:19,20
For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, …

Matthew 25:36-40
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me…

to.

Philippians 4:10,18
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity…

1 Corinthians 16:17
I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

Philemon 1:13
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

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Almost Care Christ Christ's Complete Danger Death Deficiency Deficient Died Endeavouring Gifts Good Help Lacking Life Nearly Nigh Putting Regarding Sake Service Supply Towards Want Work
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Almost Care Christ Christ's Complete Danger Death Deficiency Deficient Died Endeavouring Gifts Good Help Lacking Life Nearly Nigh Putting Regarding Sake Service Supply Towards Want Work
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.














because he came close to death
This phrase highlights the extreme dedication and sacrifice of Epaphroditus, a fellow worker of Paul. The Greek word for "came close" is "παραβολεύομαι" (paraboleuomai), which implies a willingness to expose oneself to danger. Historically, this reflects the perilous nature of early Christian ministry, where physical harm and persecution were common. Epaphroditus's near-death experience underscores the seriousness and commitment required in serving Christ, reminding believers of the call to selfless devotion.

for the work of Christ
The "work of Christ" refers to the mission and ministry of spreading the Gospel and serving the church. In the early church, this work was often fraught with danger and required immense personal sacrifice. The Greek term "ἔργον" (ergon) signifies labor or toil, emphasizing that Christian service is not merely a passive endeavor but an active, sometimes strenuous, commitment to furthering the Kingdom of God. This phrase inspires believers to view their own service as a continuation of Christ's mission on earth.

risking his life
The phrase "risking his life" is translated from the Greek "παραβολεύομαι" (paraboleuomai), which conveys the idea of gambling or hazarding one's life. This term was used in ancient times to describe those who would stake their lives for a cause. Epaphroditus's willingness to risk his life for the Gospel serves as a powerful example of Christian courage and faithfulness. It challenges modern believers to consider the extent of their own commitment to Christ and His work.

to make up for your deficit of service to me
This phrase indicates that Epaphroditus was fulfilling a role that the Philippian church was unable to complete themselves. The Greek word "ὑστέρημα" (hysterēma) for "deficit" suggests a lack or shortcoming. In the context of the early church, it was common for congregations to support missionaries like Paul through financial gifts or personal assistance. Epaphroditus's actions demonstrate the importance of standing in the gap and supporting fellow believers in their ministry efforts. This serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the body of Christ and the call to support one another in service.

(30) Not regarding his life.--According to the true reading, the sense is "having hazarded his life; literally, having gambled with his life, not merely having staked it, but staked it recklessly. It is possible that (as Bishop Wordsworth suggests) there may be allusion to the caution money, staked in a cause to show that it was not frivolous and vexatious, and forfeited in case of loss; and that Epaphroditus, risking his life through over-exertion in the cause of St. Paul, as a prisoner awaiting trial, is therefore said to have gambled with his life. This would give a special appropriateness to the allusion. But it is, perhaps, too artificial, and the figure is in itself intelligible and striking.

To supply your lack of service.--There is not in the original the touch of reproach which our version may seem to imply. Epaphroditus' presence and activity are said to have "filled up the one thing wanting" to make the service of the Philippians effective for its purpose.

Verse 30. - Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death. The readings vary between "Christ" and "the Lord." One ancient manuscript reads simply, "for the work's sake." The work in this case consisted in ministering to the wants of St. Paul. Translate the following words, with R.V., he came nigh unto death. Not regarding his life; rather, as R.V., hazarding his life, which translation represents the best-supported reading, παραβολευσάμενος: the verb literally means "to lay down a stake, to gamble." Hence the word Parabolani, the name given to certain brotherhoods in the ancient Church who undertook the hazardous work of tending the sick and burying the dead in times of pestilence. The A.V. represents the reading παραβουλευσάμενος consulting amiss. To supply your lack of service toward me; rather, as R.V., that which was lacking in your service. The Philippians are not blamed. Epaphroditus did that which their absence prevented them from doing. His illness was caused by over-exertion in attending to the apostle's wants, or, it may be, by the hardships of the journey. Υμῶν must be taken closely with ὑστέρημα, the lack of your presence. St. Paul, with exquisite delicacy, represents the absence of the Philippians as something lacking to his complete satisfaction, something which he missed, and which Epaphroditus supplied.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

he nearly
ἤγγισεν (ēngisen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1448: Trans: I bring near; intrans: I come near, approach. From eggus; to make near, i.e. approach.

died
θανάτου (thanatou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2288: Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.

for
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

work
ἔργον (ergon)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

of Christ,
Χριστοῦ (Christou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

risking
παραβολευσάμενος (paraboleusamenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3851: From para and the middle voice of bouleuo; to misconsult, i.e. Disregard.

[his]
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

life
ψυχῇ (psychē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5590: From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.

to make up for
ἀναπληρώσῃ (anaplērōsē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 378: From ana and pleroo; to complete; by implication, to occupy, supply; figuratively, to accomplish.

your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

deficit
ὑστέρημα (hysterēma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5303: From hustereo; a deficit; specially, poverty.

of
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

service
λειτουργίας (leitourgias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3009: From leitourgeo; public function ('liturgy') or almsgiver).

to
πρός (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

me.
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Letters: Philippians 2:30 Because for the work of Christ he (Philipp. Phil. Php.)
Philippians 2:29
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