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

PHILIPPIANS 2:26KJV
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Philippians 2:26 (KJV)

What does Philippians 2:26 mean?

Philippians 2:26 describes how Epaphroditus deeply missed the believers in Philippi and was distressed because they had heard about his serious illness. The verse shows his strong emotional connection to the church and his concern for their feelings about his condition.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Philippi, explaining Epaphroditus’s situation. Epaphroditus was a member of their church who had traveled to help Paul and had become very sick. Paul wants the Philippians to know that Epaphroditus was not only physically ill but also emotionally troubled, not for himself, but because he knew the church was worried about him.

The Greek behind Philippians 2:26

  • The word "heaviness" (ἀδημονέω, adēmoneō) is often understood as a deep distress or anxiety. In this context, it highlights Epaphroditus’s strong emotional burden, not just physical suffering.
  • The phrase "longed after" (ἐπιποθέω, epipotheō) means to yearn or deeply desire. This shows Epaphroditus’s heartfelt longing to be reunited with his church family.
  • The word "sick" (ἀσθενέω, astheneō) refers to being physically weak or ill, clarifying that his suffering was real and significant.

Why Philippians 2:26 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Epaphroditus was only physically affected; it shows his emotional and spiritual care for others, even while he was suffering.
  • The verse emphasizes the close relationship between Paul, Epaphroditus, and the Philippian church, showing the deep bonds within the early Christian community.
  • It connects to the wider passage by highlighting humility and selflessness, themes Paul stresses throughout Philippians 2, as Epaphroditus thinks more about the church’s feelings than his own hardship.

Where else these words appear

“heaviness” Greek G85 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 26:37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
  • Mark 14:33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;

“after” Greek G1971 · used in 9 verses

  • Romans 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
  • 2 Corinthians 9:14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
  • 2 Timothy 1:4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

“For” Greek G1894 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 21:46 But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.
  • Acts 14:12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

“because” Greek G1360 · used in 21 verses

  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • Acts 22:18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.