But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

PHILIPPIANS 2:19KJV
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Philippians 2:19 (KJV)

What does Philippians 2:19 mean?

Philippians 2:19 expresses Paul's hope, trusting in Jesus, to send Timothy soon to visit the believers in Philippi so that Paul can be encouraged when he hears how they are doing. Paul is looking forward to good news about their situation, which will bring him comfort.

Paul, writing from prison, is addressing the Christian community in Philippi. He wants to send Timothy, a trusted companion, to check on them and report back. This shows Paul's care for their well-being and his desire for a close, ongoing relationship with the church, even while he is unable to visit in person.

The Greek behind Philippians 2:19

  • "trust" (ἐλπίζω, elpizō): This word is often understood as "hope" or "expect confidently." Paul is not just wishing but has a confident expectation in the Lord Jesus about sending Timothy.
  • "comfort" (εὐψυχῶ, eupsychō): The Greek here carries the sense of being cheered or encouraged in spirit. Paul is looking for reassurance and relief through news of the Philippians' condition.
  • "know your state" (γνῶναι τὰ περὶ ὑμῶν, gnōnai ta peri hymōn): The phrase means to learn about or understand how the Philippians are doing, highlighting Paul's personal concern for their situation.

Why Philippians 2:19 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Paul is disconnected or indifferent; instead, he is deeply invested in the Philippians' spiritual health.
  • The verse shows the practical ways Paul cared for the early churches, using trusted partners like Timothy to maintain close contact.
  • Philippians 2:19 sets up the following verses, where Paul describes Timothy's character and service, emphasizing the importance of faithful relationships in Christian ministry.

Where else these words appear

“shortly” Greek G5030 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 14:21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

“Timotheus” Greek G5095 · used in 28 verses

  • Acts 16:1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
  • 1 Corinthians 16:24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus and Timotheus.
  • 1 Timothy 1:2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

“trust” Greek G1679 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 12:21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.
  • Romans 15:24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
  • 1 Timothy 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:

“also” Greek G2504 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.