TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
KJV (with Strong's)
Wherefore G5620, my G3450 beloved G27, as G2531 ye have G5219 always G3842 obeyed G5219, not G3361 as G5613 in G1722 my G3450 presence G3952 only G3440, but G235 now G3568 much G4183 more G3123 in G1722 my G3450 absence G666, work out G2716 your own G1438 salvation G4991 with G3326 fear G5401 and G2532 trembling G5156.
Complete Jewish Bible
So, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed when I was with you, it is even more important that you obey now when I am away from you: keep working out your deliverance with fear and trembling,
Berean Standard Bible
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
American Standard Version
So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
World English Bible Messianic
So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Wherefore my beloued, as ye haue alwayes obeyed me, not as in my presence only, but now much more in mine absence, so make an end of your owne saluation with feare and trembling.
Young's Literal Translation
So that, my beloved, as ye always obey, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, with fear and trembling your own salvation work out,
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In the KJVVerse 29,404 of 31,102
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Commentary on Philippians 2 verses 12–13
12 ¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
I. He exhorts them to diligence and seriousness in the Christian course: Work out your own salvation. It is the salvation of our souls (Pe1 1:9), and our eternal salvation (Heb 5:9), and contains deliverance from all the evils sin had brought upon us and exposed us to, and the possession of all good and whatsoever is necessary to our complete and final happiness. Observe, It concerns us above all things to secure the welfare of our souls: whatever becomes of other things, let us take care of our best interests. It is our own salvation, the salvation of our own souls. It is not for us to judge other people; we have enough to do to look to ourselves; and, though we must promote the common salvation (Jde 1:3) as much as we can, yet we must upon no account neglect our own. We are required to work out our salvation, katergazesthe. The word signifies working thoroughly at a thing, and taking true pains. Observe, We must be diligent in the use of all the means which conduce to our salvation. We must not only work at our salvation, by doing something now and then about it; but we must work out our salvation, by doing all that is to be done, and persevering therein to the end. Salvation is the great thing we should mind, and set our hearts upon; and we cannot attain salvation without the utmost care and diligence. He adds, With fear and trembling, that is, with great care and circumspection: "Trembling for fear lest you miscarry and come short. Be careful to do every thing in religion in the best manner, and fear lest under all your advantages you should so much as seem to come short," Heb 4:1. Fear is a great guard and preservative from evil.
II. He urges this from the consideration of their readiness always to obey the gospel: "As you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, Phi 2:12. You have been always willing to comply with every discovery of the will of God; and that in my absence as well as presence. You make it to appear that regard to Christ, and care of your souls, sway more with you than any mode of showing respect whatsoever." They were not merely awed by the apostle's presence, but did it even much more in his absence. "And because it is God who worketh in you, do you work out your salvation. Work, for he worketh." It should encourage us to do our utmost, because our labour shall not be in vain. God is ready to concur with his grace, and assist our faithful endeavours. Observe, Though we must use our utmost endeavours in working out our salvation, yet still we must go forth, and go on, in a dependence upon the grace of God. His grace works in us in a way suitable to our natures, and in concurrence with our endeavours; and the operations of God's grace in us are so far from excusing, that they are intended to quicken and engage our endeavours. "And work out our salvation with fear and trembling, for he worketh in you." All our working depends upon his working in us. "Do not trifle with God by neglects and delays, lest you provoke him to withdraw his help, and all your endeavours prove in vain. Work with fear, for he works of his good pleasure." - To will and to do: he gives the whole ability. It is the grace of God which inclines the will to that which is good: and then enables us to perform it, and to act according to our principles. Thou hast wrought all our works in us, Isa 26:12. Of his good pleasure. As there is no strength in us, so there is no merit in us. As we cannot act without God's grace, so we cannot claim it, nor pretend to deserve it. God's good will to us is the cause of his good work in us; and he is under no engagements to his creatures, but those of his gracious promise.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–13. Public domain.
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Gaius Marius VictorinusAD 370
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.12-13
The fear is to be referred to the soul, the trembling to the body. But it is a great mystery, which we should lay to heart when we hear it, that by taking thought and showing concern for others we work out our own salvation all the more and furthermore that it is in our power to work out salvation for ourselves.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on Philippians 8
The admonitions which we give ought to be accompanied with commendations; for thus they become even welcome, when we refer those whom we admonish to that measure of zeal which they have themselves exhibited; as Paul, for instance, did here; and observe with what singular discretion; "So then, my beloved," he says; he did not say simply "be obedient," not until he had first commended them in these words, "even as ye have always obeyed"; i.e. "it is not other men, but your own selves, whom I bid you take example by." "Not as in my presence only, but much more in my absence." And why, "much more in my absence"? "Ye seemed perhaps at that time to be doing everything out of respect to me, and from a principle of shame, but that is no longer so; if then ye make it evident that ye now strive more earnestly, it is also made evident that neither then was it done out of consideration to me, but for God's sake." Tell me, what wouldest thou? "not that ye give heed to me, but that ye 'work out your own salvation with fear and trembling'"; for it is impossible for one, who lives devoid of fear, to set forth any high or commanding example; and he said not merely "with fear," but "and with trembling," which is an excessive degree of fear. Such fear had Paul: and therefore he said, I fear "lest having preached to others, I myself should be rejected." For if without the aid of fear temporal things can never be achieved, how much less spiritual matters; for I desire to know, who ever learnt his letters without fear? who has become a proficient in any art, without fear? But if, when the devil does not lie in the way, where indolence is the only obstacle, so much of fear is necessary merely in order that we may master that indolence which is natural to us; where there is so fierce a war, so great hindrances, how can we by any possibility be saved without fear?
And how may this fear be produced? If we but consider that God is everywhere present, heareth all things, seeth all things, not only whatsoever is done and said, but also all that is in the heart, and in the depth of the soul, for He is "quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart", if we so dispose ourselves, we shall not do or say or imagine aught that is evil. Tell me, if thou hadst to stand constantly near the person of a ruler, wouldest not thou stand there with fear? and how standing in God's presence, dost thou laugh and throw thyself back, and not conceive fear and dread? Let it never be that thou despisest His patient endurance, for it is to bring thee to repentance that He is longsuffering. Whenever thou eatest, consider that God is present, for He is present; whenever thou art preparing to sleep, or giving way to passion, if thou art robbing another, or indulging in luxury, or whatever thou art about, thou wilt never fall into laughter, never be inflamed with rage. If this be thy thought continually, thou wilt continually be in "fear and trembling," forasmuch as thou art standing beside the King. The architect, though he be experienced, though he be perfectly master of his art, yet stands with "fear and trembling," lest he fall down from the building. Thou too hast believed, thou hast performed many good deeds, thou hast mounted high: secure thyself, be in fear as thou standest, and keep a wary eye, lest thou fall thence. For manifold are the spiritual sorts of wickedness which aim to cast thee down. "Serve the Lord with fear," he says, "and rejoice unto Him with trembling." And how is rejoicing compatible with "trembling"? Yet this, be assured, is the only rejoicing; for when we perform some good work, and such as beseemeth those who do anything "with trembling," then only do we rejoice. "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling": he says not "work," but "work out," i.e. with much earnestness, with much diligence; but as he had said, "with fear and trembling," see how he relieves their anxiety: for what does he say? "It is God that worketh in you." Fear not because said, "with fear and trembling." I said it not with this view, that thou shouldest give up in despair, that thou shouldest suppose virtue to be somewhat difficult to be attained, but that thou mightest be led to follow after it, and not spend thyself in vain pursuits; if this be the case, God will work all things. Do thou be bold; "for it is God that worketh in you." If then He worketh, it is our part to bring a mind ever resolute, clenched and unrelaxed.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.12
“Looking at this example,” he says, “you have conceived a greater zeal for your own salvation, notwithstanding my absence. For this reveals the excellence of your goal, that it is not to please your teacher but out of eagerness for good things that you undertake this admirable labor.”
Desert FathersAD 500
The Desert Fathers, Sayings of the Early Christian Monks
Daniel used to say that Arsenius told him a story, as if he were speaking of some other man, and it went like this: Whilst a certain hermit was sitting in his cell, a voice came to him which said, ‘Come here, and I will show you the works of the children of men,’ so he got up and went out. The voice led him out and showed him a black man cutting wood; he made up a large bundle and wanted to take it away, but he could not do so. Then instead of making the bundle smaller, he went and cut down some more wood, and added it to the first, and this he did many times. When he had gone on a little further, the voice showed him a man who was standing by a pit drawing up water; he poured it out into a certain hollowed-out place, and when he had poured the water into it, it ran down back into the pit. Again the voice said to him, ‘Come, and I will show you other things.’ Then he looked, and, behold, there was a temple, and two men on horseback were carrying a piece of wood as wide as the temple between them. They wanted to go in through the door, but the width of the wood did not let them do so, and they would not humble themselves to go in one after his companion to bring it in end-wise, and so they remained outside the door. Now these are the men who bear the yoke of righteousness with boasting, and they will not be humble enough to correct themselves and go in by the humble way of Christ, and therefore they remain outside the kingdom of God. The man who was cutting wood is the man who labours at many sins, and who, instead of repenting and diminishing his sins, adds other wickednesses to them. Now he who was drawing water is the man who does good works, but because other things are mingled in his good works they are lost. It is right for us to be watchful in all we do, lest we toil in vain.
Desert FathersAD 500
The Desert Fathers, Sayings of the Early Christian Monks
Evagrius said, ‘If your attention falters, pray. As it is written, pray in fear and trembling (cf. Phil. 2:12), earnestly and watchfully. We ought to pray like that, especially because our unseen and wicked enemies are trying to hinder us forcefully.’
CS LewisAD 1963
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ON CHRISTIANITY, from God in the Dock
The controversy about faith and works is one that has gone on for a very long time, and it is a highly technical matter. I personally rely on the paradoxical text: "Work out your own salvation... for it is God that worketh in you." [Philippians 2:12] It looks as if in one sense we do nothing, and in another case we do a damned lot. "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling," but you must have it in you before you can work it out.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Philippians 2:12 is a pivotal exhortation from the Apostle Paul, urging believers to diligently and reverently live out the implications of their salvation. Following his profound exposition on Christ's humility and obedience, Paul calls the Philippian Christians to actively pursue sanctification, demonstrating their faith through consistent obedience, not just when under direct supervision but especially in his absence. The phrase "with fear and trembling" emphasizes a profound reverence for God and a serious, humble diligence in their spiritual walk, highlighting the sacredness and gravity of their ongoing journey of faith.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The primary device is Exhortation, as Paul issues a direct command ("work out") to the Philippian believers, urging them to action. There is a clear Contrast established between their obedience "in my presence only" and "much more in my absence," which highlights the authenticity and maturity of their faith. This contrast serves to commend their past behavior while simultaneously setting a higher standard for their ongoing spiritual diligence. The phrase "fear and trembling" functions as an Idiom, a well-established expression in both biblical and secular Greek literature that conveys profound seriousness, humility, and carefulness in a weighty undertaking, particularly in the presence of a superior authority. Furthermore, the use of the Imperative Mood in "work out" underscores the non-negotiable nature of this call to active, diligent participation in the sanctification process.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 2:12 stands as a crucial theological statement on the nature of Christian living, bridging the gap between divine initiative and human responsibility. It emphatically teaches that while salvation is entirely a gift of God's grace, received through faith (justification), it demands an active, lifelong response from the believer (sanctification). This "working out" is not a means to earn salvation but the necessary evidence and ongoing expression of it. It underscores the serious, reverent, and diligent commitment required from those who have been redeemed, recognizing the profound privilege and responsibility of bearing Christ's name. This human effort, however, is never independent, as the very next verse, Philippians 2:13, clarifies that it is God who "works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure," thereby affirming God's empowering sovereignty behind all genuine Christian obedience.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 2:12 serves as a powerful and enduring call to active, diligent, and reverent Christian living. It challenges the passive notion of faith, reminding us that while salvation is a free and unmerited gift, it initiates a dynamic journey of transformation. For believers today, this means embracing the ongoing process of sanctification with seriousness and commitment. It calls us to consistently live out our faith, not just in public or under the watchful eye of others, but especially in the quiet moments of our lives, demonstrating genuine obedience and Christlikeness. The "fear and trembling" is not a call to anxiety or doubt about our salvation, but a profound recognition of God's holiness, the immense privilege of our redemption, and the gravity of living a life worthy of the gospel. It compels us to pursue holiness with humility, vigilance, and a deep dependence on God's enabling grace, ensuring that our lives are a continuous and visible testimony to the saving work God has accomplished and continues to accomplish within us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "work out your own salvation" mean I have to earn my salvation?
Answer: Absolutely not. The phrase "work out your own salvation" (G2716 katergázomai G4991 sōtēría) does not imply earning salvation, which the Bible consistently teaches is a free gift of God's grace received through faith alone, not by human works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Instead, it refers to the ongoing process of sanctification—the active, diligent living out of the salvation that has already been received. It means to bring to completion or full expression in your daily life what God has already initiated within you. It's about demonstrating the reality of your salvation through obedience, holiness, and Christlikeness, rather than striving to achieve it.
What does "with fear and trembling" signify? Is it about being afraid of God?
Answer: The phrase "with fear and trembling" (G3326 metá G5401 phóbos G2532 kaí G5156 trómos) is a biblical idiom that conveys a profound sense of reverence, awe, seriousness, and humility, rather than a servile terror or fear of condemnation. It is a holy awe and respect for God's majesty, His holiness, and the gravity of living a life that honors Him. It implies a careful, diligent, and watchful approach to one's spiritual walk, recognizing the immense privilege of being God's child and the seriousness of displeasing Him. It's the kind of fear that leads to obedience and deep respect, not paralyzing anxiety. This is further clarified by Philippians 2:13, which assures believers that God Himself is working within them.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 2:12 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct prophecy, but in the ultimate example and enabling power of Jesus Christ. The entire exhortation to "work out your own salvation" is predicated on the preceding Christological hymn in Philippians 2:5-11, where Christ's perfect obedience, even to the point of death on a cross, is presented as the supreme model. Jesus Himself perfectly "worked out" the Father's will with ultimate "fear and trembling"—a profound reverence and submission to God's plan, even in the face of immense suffering (Luke 22:42). Our salvation was secured by Christ's finished work on the cross (John 19:30), and our "working out" is the Spirit-empowered response to that accomplished fact. The very ability to obey and pursue sanctification comes from Christ, who lives in us (Galatians 2:20) and empowers us through His Spirit (Philippians 2:13). Thus, our sanctification is not merely human effort, but the unfolding of Christ's life and character within us, making our lives a living testament to His transformative power and ultimate Lordship (Colossians 1:27).