Philippians 2:23

Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

Him {G3303}{G5126} therefore {G3767} I hope {G1679} to send {G3992} presently {G1824}, so soon as {G5613} I {G302} shall see {G542} how {G4012} it will go with me {G1691}.

So I hope to send him just as soon as I see how things will go with me,

So I hope to send him as soon as I see what happens with me.

Him therefore I hope to send forthwith, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me:

Philippians 2:23 captures the Apostle Paul's immediate plans and concerns while imprisoned, reflecting his deep pastoral heart for the church in Philippi.

Context

This verse follows Paul's heartfelt commendation of Timothy in the preceding verses (Philippians 2:19-22). Paul expresses his longing to send Timothy to them, primarily to gain knowledge of their well-being, as he himself is unable to visit due to his imprisonment. Timothy is presented as a loyal, selfless, and genuinely concerned minister, contrasting with others who sought their own interests (Philippians 2:21).

Key Themes

  • Pastoral Care and Concern: Paul's primary motivation for sending Timothy is his genuine love and concern for the Philippian believers. He desires to know their state, demonstrating true pastoral care even from his chains.
  • Dependence on Divine Providence: Paul's plans are contingent on the outcome of his own legal situation. "How it will go with me" refers to his impending trial and potential release or execution. This highlights his reliance on God's will and timing, even as he makes practical plans. Paul often faced uncertainty, as seen in his discussion of life and death in Philippians 1:20-26.
  • Selfless Leadership: Despite his own precarious circumstances, Paul's focus remains on the needs of the church. He is willing to dispatch his most trusted aide, Timothy, to serve them, prioritizing their spiritual welfare over his own immediate needs for companionship or assistance.
  • Timothy's Reliability: The verse implicitly reinforces Timothy's vital role and trustworthiness. Paul is confident that Timothy will accurately assess the situation in Philippi and provide a faithful report, proving himself a true partner in the gospel ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "send presently" uses an older sense of "presently" meaning "soon" or "immediately," reflecting Paul's earnest desire for Timothy to go without undue delay. The Greek word for "presently" is eutheōs (εὐθέως), which conveys a sense of promptness or soonness. "How it will go with me" is a common idiom for his personal circumstances, specifically the outcome of his Roman imprisonment and trial, which ultimately determined his freedom to travel or send others.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers to exercise patience and trust in God's timing, even when personal circumstances create uncertainty about future plans. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of selfless service and delegating tasks to trusted individuals for the good of the community or mission. Paul's example teaches us to prioritize the well-being of others and the advancement of the gospel, even amidst our own challenges, trusting that God orchestrates our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Samuel 22:3

    And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, [and be] with you, till I know what God will do for me.

  • Philippians 2:19

    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.

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