Philippians 1:22

KJV

But if I live in the flesh, this [is] the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} if {G1487} I live {G2198} in {G1722} the flesh {G4561}, this {G5124} is the fruit {G2590} of my labour {G2041}{G3427}: yet {G2532} what {G5101} I shall choose {G138} I wot {G1107} not {G3756}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if by living on in the body I can do fruitful work, then I don’t know which to choose.

Berean Standard Bible

But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know.

American Standard Version

But if to live in the flesh,—if this shall bring fruit from my work, then what I shall choose I know not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 1:22 captures the Apostle Paul's profound and deeply personal reflection on the tension inherent in his existence: whether to remain on earth for continued ministry or to depart and be with Christ. This verse immediately follows his powerful declaration that "to live is Christ, and to die is gain," articulating the practical implications of this theological truth as he grapples with the choice between two supremely good outcomes, one for himself and one for the benefit of the Philippian believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Philippians 1:22 is a pivotal statement within Paul's intensely personal reflection on his imprisonment and impending fate, directly following his iconic declaration in [Philippians 1:21](/philippians/1-21 "Philippians 1:21 - To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain"). The preceding verses, [Philippians 1:18-20](/philippians/1-18-20 "Philippians 1:18-20 - Christ Proclaimed"), establish Paul's overriding desire for Christ to be magnified in his body, whether through life or death, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the Gospel's advancement above his personal circumstances. Verse 22 then unpacks the practical dilemma of this commitment, presenting the "fruit of my labour" as the compelling reason to remain in the flesh, contrasting it with the "gain" of death mentioned in the previous verse. This sets the stage for his eventual conclusion in [Philippians 1:23-24](/philippians/1-23-24 "Philippians 1:23-24 - Paul's Dilemma and Desire"), where he explicitly states his desire to depart and be with Christ, yet acknowledges the greater necessity for the Philippians' progress and joy in faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul writes the Epistle to the Philippians from prison, most likely in Rome, around A.D. 60-62. This imprisonment was a significant challenge, yet it did not deter his ministry; rather, it became an opportunity for the Gospel's advancement (cf. [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Philippians 1:12-14 - Gospel Advancement in Prison")). The Philippian church, founded during Paul's second missionary journey (cf. [Acts 16:11-40](/acts/16 "Acts 16 - Paul and Silas in Philippi")), was unique in its deep affection and financial support for Paul, making their spiritual well-being a primary concern for him. In the Roman context, imprisonment often meant an uncertain future, including the possibility of execution, which explains Paul's contemplation of life and death. His perspective, however, transcends mere survival; it is rooted in a profound understanding of life's purpose as service to Christ and death as ultimate union with Him, a stark contrast to the pagan world's fear of death and focus on present earthly pleasures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Philippians. Firstly, it highlights the **Supremacy of Christ**, as Paul's entire existence, whether in life or death, is oriented around magnifying Christ. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Christian Purpose and Service**, emphasizing that life in the flesh is valuable primarily for its "fruit of my labour" in advancing the Gospel and building up believers. Paul's willingness to defer his personal "gain" (death) for the sake of others exemplifies **Selfless Love and Ministry**, a recurring motif throughout the letter. Finally, his declaration "what I shall choose I wot not" speaks to the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Trust**, as Paul ultimately surrenders his preference to God's will, recognizing that God's plan for his life, whether long or short, is for the greater good of the church and the glory of Christ. This echoes the sentiment of [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - Man Plans, God Directs"), where "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **live (Greek, _záō'_):** From a primary verb meaning "to live" literally or figuratively. In this context, it refers to Paul's physical existence on earth, his continued biological and spiritual life as an apostle. It signifies the ongoing opportunity for service and ministry.
* **fruit (Greek, _karpós'_):** Probably from the base of _harpázō_ (to pluck); fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively. Here, it is used metaphorically to denote the positive results, outcomes, or harvest of Paul's spiritual efforts and ministry. It represents the tangible impact of his labor on the growth of the church and the spread of the Gospel.
* **wot (Greek, _gnōrízō'_):** From a derivative of _ginōskō_ (to know); to make known; subjectively, to know. In the KJV's archaic phrasing "I wot not," it means "I do not know" or "I am uncertain." Paul is not expressing ignorance of his options, but rather an inability to decisively choose or prefer one over the other, given the profound benefits of both remaining and departing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if I live in the flesh":** This clause introduces the first of Paul's two options: to continue his earthly existence. "In the flesh" refers to his physical, mortal body and his continued presence in this world. It sets up the condition for the following statement about the purpose and outcome of such a life.
* **"this [is] the fruit of my labour":** Paul here identifies the primary purpose and benefit of his continued earthly life. "The fruit of my labour" is a metaphorical expression for the spiritual results and positive impact of his apostolic work—preaching, teaching, discipling, and suffering for the Gospel. His life is not for personal comfort but for productive service to God's kingdom, yielding a spiritual harvest.
* **"yet what I shall choose I wot not.":** This concluding phrase encapsulates Paul's profound dilemma and his surrender to God's will. "What I shall choose" refers to his preference between living and dying. "I wot not" (an archaic English phrase for "I know not") indicates his genuine inability to make a personal decision or express a strong preference, not out of confusion or apathy, but because both options are supremely good and beneficial, albeit in different ways—one for himself, one for the church. It highlights his complete trust in God's sovereign leading.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise yet profound statement. The most prominent is **Dilemma**, where he presents himself as caught between two equally desirable, yet mutually exclusive, outcomes: continued life for fruitful ministry or immediate death for union with Christ. This creates a powerful tension that draws the reader into his personal struggle. He also uses **Metaphor** with the phrase "fruit of my labour," which vividly portrays the spiritual results of his apostolic work as a harvest, implying growth, sustenance, and abundance. This agricultural imagery is common in biblical literature to describe the outcomes of righteous living and ministry. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Apostolic Self-Reflection**, offering a window into the inner thoughts and motivations of a devoted servant of Christ, revealing his priorities and his deep spiritual maturity in surrendering personal desires to divine purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 1:22 profoundly illustrates the Christian's ultimate purpose: to glorify God and serve His kingdom, whether in life or in death. Paul's "fruit of my labour" points to the inherent value of Christian service, where our earthly existence is seen as an opportunity for spiritual productivity, impacting others for eternity. His inability to choose between life and death, despite the personal "gain" of death, highlights a profound theological truth: the believer's will should be submitted to God's sovereign plan, especially when faced with choices where both paths appear good. This surrender underscores a deep trust in divine providence, recognizing that God's ultimate purpose for our lives, even in their duration, is always for His glory and the good of His people. This perspective elevates ministry and the spiritual well-being of others above personal desires, reflecting the selfless love at the heart of the Gospel.

* [John 15:8](/john/15-8 "Bearing Much Fruit")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord")
* [Romans 14:7-8](/romans/14-7-8 "Living and Dying to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's dilemma in Philippians 1:22 offers a powerful framework for contemporary believers to evaluate their own lives and priorities. It challenges us to consider what "fruit of our labour" we are producing for the kingdom of God. Are our earthly pursuits primarily aimed at personal gain, or are they oriented towards serving others and advancing the Gospel? Paul's willingness to defer his ultimate personal gain (being with Christ) for the sake of the Philippians' spiritual growth calls us to a radical selflessness, prioritizing the needs and spiritual maturity of our fellow believers and the lost. In a world that often emphasizes individual fulfillment, Paul reminds us that our lives have profound eternal significance when lived for Christ and His church. Furthermore, his "I wot not" teaches us a vital lesson in spiritual surrender: to hold our own preferences loosely, trusting that God's sovereign plan for our lives, whether long or short, whether filled with active ministry or quiet suffering, is always the best and most purposeful. This perspective frees us from anxiety about the future and empowers us to live fully in the present, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Christ, and our present moments are opportunities for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "fruit of my labour" look like in my own life and ministry today?**
* **How does Paul's willingness to prioritize the needs of others over his personal desire challenge my own priorities?**
* **In what areas of my life am I struggling to trust God's sovereignty, especially when faced with choices where both paths seem good?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of purpose in my daily life, viewing every moment as an opportunity to glorify Christ?**

### FAQ

**What does "I wot not" mean in modern English?**

Answer: The King James Version's phrase "I wot not" is an archaic English expression that simply means "I do not know" or "I am uncertain." In the context of [Philippians 1:22](/philippians/1-22 "Philippians 1:22 - Paul's Dilemma"), it conveys Paul's genuine inability to prefer one outcome (living for ministry or dying to be with Christ) over the other. It's not that he lacks knowledge of the options, but rather that he cannot make a definitive personal choice because both are profoundly good and beneficial, one for him personally and the other for the church. His statement reflects a deep spiritual surrender to God's ultimate will.

**How does Paul's dilemma in Philippians 1:22 relate to his statement in Philippians 1:21?**

Answer: [Philippians 1:22](/philippians/1-22 "Philippians 1:22 - Paul's Dilemma") is the practical outworking and explanation of Paul's profound theological declaration in [Philippians 1:21](/philippians/1-21 "Philippians 1:21 - To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain"), "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Verse 21 states the principle: Christ is the purpose of life, and death brings greater union with Him. Verse 22 then explores the *implications* of this principle. If he lives, his life is dedicated to producing "fruit" for Christ's kingdom. If he dies, it's "gain" because he'll be with Christ. The dilemma in verse 22 is precisely *because* both options are so good, forcing him to acknowledge that he cannot choose, but must trust God's sovereign purpose for him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 1:22, while describing Paul's personal dilemma, ultimately points to the supreme example of Christ, who perfectly embodied the principle of living and dying for the "fruit of His labour." While Paul wrestled with the choice between two good options, Jesus, the Son of God, deliberately chose the path of suffering and death, knowing it was the only way to achieve the ultimate "fruit"—the redemption of humanity and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. His life was entirely dedicated to glorifying the Father and bringing salvation, as seen in His declaration in [John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father"): "I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do." The "fruit" of Christ's labor is not merely spiritual growth but the very possibility of eternal life for all who believe, as He Himself stated in [John 12:24](/john/12-24 "John 12:24 - The Grain of Wheat"): "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." Paul's surrender of his personal preference to God's will foreshadows Christ's ultimate submission in Gethsemane, praying, "Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Thus, Paul's dilemma, resolved in humble submission to God's will for the sake of others, mirrors and is fulfilled in Christ's perfect self-sacrifice, which yielded the greatest fruit imaginable: salvation for the world and the glory of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 4:2

That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Philippians 1:24

Nevertheless to abide in the flesh [is] more needful for you.

Acts 3:17

And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did [it], as [did] also your rulers.

2 Corinthians 10:3

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

Psalms 71:18

Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto [this] generation, [and] thy power to every one [that] is to come.

Romans 11:2

God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,