Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

PHILIPPIANS 2:29KJV
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Philippians 2:29 (KJV)

What does Philippians 2:29 mean?

Philippians 2:29 tells the believers in Philippi to welcome Epaphroditus warmly in the Lord and to honor people like him. Paul is encouraging the church to receive him with genuine happiness and to value those who serve faithfully.

Paul is writing to the Philippian Christians about Epaphroditus, who had risked his life to help Paul on their behalf. Paul wants the church to show real joy and respect when Epaphroditus returns, recognizing the importance of people who serve others sacrificially. This verse highlights the need for the community to appreciate and esteem such dedicated individuals.

The Greek behind Philippians 2:29

  • "Receive" (προσδέχομαι, prosdechomai) is often used for welcoming someone with expectation or eagerness, not just passively allowing them in. Paul is asking for an active, heartfelt welcome.
  • "Gladness" (χαρά, chara) means joy or delight. The Greek here stresses not just politeness but a genuine, shared happiness in the Lord.
  • "Hold...in reputation" (ἔχω ἐν τιμῇ, echo en timē) means to consider someone as worthy of honor or respect. Paul is urging the church to recognize the value of people like Epaphroditus, not to take their service for granted.

Why Philippians 2:29 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that faithful servants like Epaphroditus should be overlooked or taken for granted; Paul insists they deserve honor.
  • The instruction to receive "in the Lord" connects their welcome to their shared faith, not just social custom or politeness.
  • Philippians 2:29 ties into the wider theme of humility and service in Philippians 2, showing that those who serve others should be highly valued in the Christian community.

Where else these words appear

“reputation” Greek G1784 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 7:2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
  • Luke 14:8 When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;
  • 1 Peter 2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

“Receive” Greek G4327 · used in 14 verses

  • Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
  • Luke 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
  • Romans 16:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

“gladness” Greek G5479 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • John 16:21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
  • Philippians 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

“such” Greek G5108 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 9:8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
  • Acts 22:22 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.