For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

PHILIPPIANS 1:23KJV
Know the Bible

Philippians 1:23 (KJV)

What does Philippians 1:23 mean?

Philippians 1:23 describes Paul’s struggle between continuing to live and dying. Paul says he wants to leave this life and be with Christ, because being with Christ would be far better for him.

The KJV phrase “in a strait betwixt two” pictures Paul as pressed from both sides. After speaking of the choice between life and death in verse 22, Paul puts his personal desire into words.

The Greek behind Philippians 1:23

  • “strait” — συνέχομαι (synechomai): The word can mean being held or pressed together. Here it gives a picture of pressure from two competing possibilities.
  • “depart” — ἀναλῦσαι (analysai): The word can mean to leave or set out. Paul uses this gentle expression for dying, the possibility he has just mentioned in verse 21.
  • “far better” — πολλῷ μᾶλλον κρεῖσσον (pollō mallon kreisson): The Greek piles up words of comparison for emphasis. Paul expresses a strong preference for being with Christ, not merely a slight preference.

Why Philippians 1:23 matters

  • Paul distinguishes his own preference from what would help his readers. In verses 24–25, he says remaining alive is more necessary for their sake.
  • Paul’s words connect death with being with Christ. His desire is not simply “to depart,” but “to depart, and to be with Christ.”
  • The pressure comes from two valued possibilities, not from a lack of purpose in living. Verse 22 speaks of useful work if Paul continues to live.

Where else these words appear

“depart” Greek G360 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 12:36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

“better” Greek G2908 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 7:38 So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.

“strait” Greek G4912 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Luke 8:45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
  • Acts 7:57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

“desire” Greek G1939 · used in 37 verses

  • Mark 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
  • Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
  • 1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;