Philippians 4:17
New International Version
Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.

New Living Translation
I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.

English Standard Version
Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.

Berean Standard Bible
Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.

Berean Literal Bible
Not that I seek after the gift, but I seek after the fruit abounding to your account.

King James Bible
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

New King James Version
Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.

New American Standard Bible
Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek the profit which increases to your account.

NASB 1995
Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.

NASB 1977
Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.

Legacy Standard Bible
Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek the fruit which increases to your account.

Amplified Bible
Not that I seek the gift itself, but I do seek the profit which increases to your [heavenly] account [the blessing which is accumulating for you].

Christian Standard Bible
Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account.

American Standard Version
Not that I seek for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that increaseth to your account.

Contemporary English Version
I am not trying to get something from you, but I want you to receive the blessings that come from giving.

English Revised Version
Not that I seek for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that increaseth to your account.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
It's not that I'm looking for a gift. The opposite is true. I'm looking for your resources to increase.

Good News Translation
It is not that I just want to receive gifts; rather, I want to see profit added to your account.

International Standard Version
It is not that I am looking for a gift. No, I want to see that you receive the fruit that increases to your benefit.

Majority Standard Bible
Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.

NET Bible
I do not say this because I am seeking a gift. Rather, I seek the credit that abounds to your account.

New Heart English Bible
Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your account.

Webster's Bible Translation
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

Weymouth New Testament
Not that I crave for gifts from you, but I do want to see abundant fruit bring you honour.

World English Bible
Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
not that I seek after the gift, but I seek after the fruit that is overflowing to your account;

Berean Literal Bible
Not that I seek after the gift, but I seek after the fruit abounding to your account.

Young's Literal Translation
not that I seek after the gift, but I seek after the fruit that is overflowing to your account;

Smith's Literal Translation
Not that I covet a gift: but I covet fruit abounding to your word.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that may abound to your account.

Catholic Public Domain Version
It is not that I am seeking a gift. Instead, I seek the fruit that abounds to your benefit.

New American Bible
It is not that I am eager for the gift; rather, I am eager for the profit that accrues to your account.

New Revised Standard Version
Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that accumulates to your account.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I do not say this because I want a gift, but because I want to see the fruits of the gospel increased to you.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Not that I seek gifts, but I seek that fruit may abound to you.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Not that I seek a gift; but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

Godbey New Testament
Not that I seek a gift; but I seek fruit abounding to your credit.

Haweis New Testament
Not that I am anxious for a gift; but I am anxious to see fruit abounding on your account.

Mace New Testament
not that I desire a present; but what I desire is, that the fruits of your liberality may greatly redound to your own account.

Weymouth New Testament
Not that I crave for gifts from you, but I do want to see abundant fruit bring you honour.

Worrell New Testament
Not that I am seeking for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that abounds to your account.

Worsley New Testament
Not that I desire a gift, but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Generosity of the Philippians
16For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again. 17Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account. 18I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.…

Cross References
2 Corinthians 9:11-13
You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will produce thanksgiving to God. / For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God. / Because of the proof this ministry provides, the saints will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all the others.

2 Corinthians 8:2-5
In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity. / For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord, / they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. ...

Matthew 6:20
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Luke 12:33-34
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

1 Timothy 6:18-19
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

Galatians 6:6-10
Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor. / Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. ...

2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. / Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

Matthew 10:42
And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”

Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Acts 20:35
In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

1 Corinthians 9:11
If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you?

Romans 15:27
They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they are obligated to minister to them with material blessings.

2 Kings 4:8-10
One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat. / Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God. / Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.”

Malachi 3:10
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.


Treasury of Scripture

Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

because.

Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Malachi 1:10
Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.

Acts 20:33,34
I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel…

fruit.

Philippians 1:11
Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Micah 7:1
Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit.

John 15:8,16
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples…

to.

Proverbs 19:17
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Matthew 10:40-42
He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me…

Matthew 25:34-40
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: …

Jump to Previous
Abound Abounding Abundant Account Crave Credit Credited Desire Fruit Gift Gifts Honour Increases Increaseth Itself Offering Overflowing Profit Seek Want
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Abound Abounding Abundant Account Crave Credit Credited Desire Fruit Gift Gifts Honour Increases Increaseth Itself Offering Overflowing Profit Seek Want
Philippians 4
1. From particular admonitions,
4. he proceeds to general exhortations,
10. showing how he rejoiced at their generosity toward him while in prison.
19. And so he concludes with prayer and salutations.














Not that I am seeking a gift
The Apostle Paul begins this verse by clarifying his intentions. The Greek word for "seeking" is "ζητῶ" (zētō), which implies an active pursuit or desire. Paul wants to make it clear that his joy and gratitude for the Philippians' support are not rooted in a desire for material gain. Historically, Paul was a tentmaker by trade (Acts 18:3), which allowed him to support himself financially. This context underscores his sincerity and integrity, as he was not dependent on the church's gifts for his livelihood. His focus was not on receiving but on the spiritual growth and blessings of the Philippians.

but I am looking for the fruit
The term "fruit" in Greek is "καρπός" (karpos), often used metaphorically in the New Testament to denote the results or outcomes of one's actions, particularly in a spiritual sense. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists the "fruit of the Spirit," which includes love, joy, peace, and other virtues. Here, Paul is emphasizing that the Philippians' generosity is a reflection of their spiritual maturity and growth. Their giving is not just a transaction but a manifestation of their faith and love in action, which is the true "fruit" he desires to see.

that may be credited to your account
The phrase "credited to your account" uses the Greek word "λογίζομαι" (logizomai), an accounting term meaning to reckon or calculate. This imagery suggests a divine ledger where God records the righteous acts of believers. In the historical context of the early church, such language would resonate with the Philippians, who were familiar with trade and commerce. Paul is assuring them that their generosity is not unnoticed by God; it is being recorded and will result in spiritual dividends. This reflects the biblical principle that God rewards those who are faithful and generous (Proverbs 19:17, Matthew 6:20).

(17) Fruit that may abound (rather, abounds) to your account.--The metaphor is still kept, hardly disturbed by the introduction of the word "fruit," since this is so constantly used in the sense of "recompense" that it readily lends itself to pecuniary associations. There is, says St. Paul, "the fruit" of reward, which "is over" as a surplus, or rather a balance, "placed to their account." Their gift is a token of love and gratitude to him; but, as Christian almsgiving, it is something more, and what that something more is will be seen hereafter, when all accounts shall be finally taken. The idea is not unlike that of Proverbs 19:17, "He that hath pity on the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and behold, what he layeth out it shall be paid him again."

Verse 17. - Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account; rather, as R.V., not that I seek for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that creaseth to your account. He shrinks sensitively from the danger of being mistaken; his words are not to be understood as a hint for further gifts. It is not the gift that he desires; but there is something which he longs for, and that is, charity, the fruit of the Spirit, showing itself in the generosity of the Philippians - the fruit of good works, continually increasing, and set down in heaven to their account.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Not
Οὐχ (Ouch)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

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

I am seeking
ἐπιζητῶ (epizētō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1934: To seek after, desire, search for, make inquiries about. From epi and zeteo; to search for; intensively, to demand, to crave.

a
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.

gift,
δόμα (doma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1390: A gift, present. From the base of didomi; a present.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

I am looking for
ἐπιζητῶ (epizētō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1934: To seek after, desire, search for, make inquiries about. From epi and zeteo; to search for; intensively, to demand, to crave.

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

fruit
καρπὸν (karpon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2590: Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively.

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

may be credited
πλεονάζοντα (pleonazonta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4121: From pleion; to do, make or be more, i.e. Increase; by extension, to superabound.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

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

account.
λόγον (logon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.


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NT Letters: Philippians 4:17 Not that I seek for the gift (Philipp. Phil. Php.)
Philippians 4:16
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