Philippians 2:27

KJV

For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} indeed {G2532} he was sick {G770} nigh {G3897} unto death {G2288}: but {G235} God {G2316} had mercy {G1653} on him {G846}; and {G1161} not {G3756} on him {G846} only {G3440}, but {G235} on me {G1691} also {G2532}, lest {G3363} I should have {G2192} sorrow {G3077} upon {G1909} sorrow {G3077}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Indeed he was ill, close to death; but God had mercy on him — and not only on him, but also on me — otherwise I would have had sorrow piled on sorrow.

Berean Standard Bible

He was sick indeed, nearly unto death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.

American Standard Version

for indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 2:27 powerfully illustrates God's compassionate intervention in the life of Epaphroditus, a faithful co-laborer who had fallen gravely ill while serving Paul. The verse highlights the severity of Epaphroditus's condition, emphasizing that he was on the brink of death, yet God mercifully restored him. Paul reveals his profound personal relief and gratitude, confessing that Epaphroditus's death would have compounded his own existing sorrows, underscoring the deep bonds of Christian fellowship and the providential care of God for His servants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a section (Philippians 2:19-30) where Paul provides updates to the Philippian church regarding his plans and the status of his trusted associates, Timothy and Epaphroditus. Having just exhorted the Philippians to live out their salvation with humility and selfless service, mirroring Christ's example (Philippians 2:1-18), Paul now presents Epaphroditus as a living embodiment of such dedication. He commends Epaphroditus's sacrificial service and explains the reason for his delayed return, directly leading into the description of his near-fatal illness and miraculous recovery. The immediate verses, particularly [Philippians 2:25-26](/philippians/2-25-26 "Philippians 2:25-26 - Paul's Commendation of Epaphroditus"), introduce Epaphroditus as the Philippians' messenger and minister to Paul, and note their concern for him, setting the stage for Paul's detailed explanation of his illness in [Philippians 2:27](/philippians/2-27 "Philippians 2:27 - God's Mercy on Epaphroditus").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians from prison, likely in Rome, around A.D. 60-62. The Philippian church was Paul's first convert community in Europe, and they maintained a close relationship, supporting him financially during his missionary journeys and imprisonment (as seen in [Philippians 4:15-18](/philippians/4-15-18 "Philippians 4:15-18 - The Philippians' Generosity")). Epaphroditus was their chosen emissary, sent to minister to Paul's needs. In the ancient world, travel was arduous and dangerous, and medical knowledge was limited. Serious illness could easily prove fatal, making Epaphroditus's recovery a significant event. Paul's expression of "sorrow upon sorrow" reflects the deep emotional toll that imprisonment, constant concern for the fledgling churches, and the potential loss of a beloved co-worker would have taken on him, a common human experience exacerbated by the isolation and uncertainty of ancient incarceration.

* **Key Themes:** Philippians 2:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the letter. It underscores the theme of **Christian fellowship and partnership in the gospel**, demonstrating the deep affection and mutual dependence among believers, especially those engaged in ministry. Epaphroditus's willingness to risk his life for the sake of Christ's work (as further elaborated in [Philippians 2:30](/philippians/2-30 "Philippians 2:30 - Epaphroditus's Sacrifice")) exemplifies the theme of **selfless service and sacrifice**, echoing the humility of Christ presented earlier in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Humility of Christ"). Crucially, the verse highlights **God's divine providence and mercy**, showcasing His active involvement in the lives of His servants, even to the point of miraculous healing. Paul's vulnerability also reinforces the theme of **humanity and reliance on God's comfort** amidst suffering, a recurring motif throughout Paul's epistles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sick (Greek, _asthenéō'_):** This word means "to be feeble in any sense," encompassing physical weakness, illness, or even spiritual infirmity. In this context, it clearly refers to a severe physical sickness that brought Epaphroditus to the brink of death, emphasizing the grave nature of his condition.
* **had mercy (Greek, _eleéō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "compassion," this term signifies showing pity or compassion, often through active intervention or divine grace. Here, it highlights God's compassionate act of restoring Epaphroditus to health, demonstrating His benevolent care and intervention in human affairs.
* **sorrow (Greek, _lýpē'_):** This word denotes sadness, grief, or heaviness. Paul's use of "sorrow upon sorrow" powerfully conveys a compounding of grief, indicating that Epaphroditus's death would have added a fresh, overwhelming layer of distress to Paul's already existing burdens and anxieties.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For indeed he was sick nigh unto death:"** This clause sets the scene by confirming the severity of Epaphroditus's illness. The phrase "nigh unto death" graphically conveys that he was on the very verge of dying, underscoring the critical nature of his condition and the human impossibility of his recovery without divine intervention. It emphasizes the dire circumstances from which God delivered him.
* **"but God had mercy on him;"** This pivotal clause introduces the divine turning point. The conjunction "but" signals a stark contrast to the preceding statement of near-death. It was not human effort or medical skill, but God's direct and compassionate intervention—His mercy—that brought about Epaphroditus's recovery. This highlights God's sovereignty over life and death and His active care for His servants.
* **"and not on him only, but on me also,"** Paul expands on the scope of God's mercy, revealing its dual impact. God's compassion extended not only to Epaphroditus, preserving his life, but also to Paul himself. This demonstrates the interconnectedness within the body of Christ, where the well-being of one member profoundly affects others. Paul's personal stake in Epaphroditus's survival is made clear.
* **"lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow."** This final clause articulates Paul's deeply personal reason for gratitude. He confesses that Epaphroditus's death would have inflicted an additional, overwhelming layer of grief upon his already existing burdens (likely his imprisonment, anxieties for the churches, and general hardships of ministry). The repetition of "sorrow" emphasizes the intensity and compounding nature of the potential emotional distress, revealing Paul's genuine human vulnerability and reliance on God's comforting hand.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this verse to convey his message with emotional depth and theological weight. The phrase "**nigh unto death**" is a powerful **hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme severity of Epaphroditus's condition. While he was indeed gravely ill, this vivid expression underscores the miraculous nature of his recovery and the directness of God's intervention. Paul's confession, "lest I should have **sorrow upon sorrow**," is a striking example of **intensification through repetition**. This doubling of the word "sorrow" serves to amplify the profound emotional burden Paul would have experienced, highlighting the cumulative effect of grief and the immense relief brought by God's mercy. This also functions as **pathos**, appealing directly to the readers' emotions by revealing Paul's vulnerability and deep affection for his co-laborer, thereby fostering empathy and underscoring the value of Christian fellowship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 2:27 profoundly illustrates the active and compassionate providence of God in the lives of His faithful servants. It underscores the biblical truth that God is intimately involved in the details of human existence, even to the point of intervening in matters of life and death, not merely for the individual's sake but also for the wider community of faith. Paul's personal vulnerability and relief reveal the deep, familial bonds within the early Christian community, emphasizing that the suffering or well-being of one member impacts the whole body. God's mercy here is not just an abstract theological concept but a tangible, life-preserving act that averts profound grief, reminding believers that divine compassion often manifests through the preservation of vital relationships and the alleviation of burdens.

* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love and Mercies")
* [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bearing One Another's Burdens")
* [Psalm 116:15](/psalms/116-15 "Psalm 116:15 - Precious in the Sight of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 2:27 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, encouraging a deeper trust in God's sovereign mercy and a greater appreciation for the bonds of Christian fellowship. In a world often marked by suffering and loss, this verse reminds us that God is attentive to our distress and capable of bringing healing and relief, even from the brink of death. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude for His interventions, recognizing His hand in every recovery, every moment of comfort, and every averted sorrow. Furthermore, Paul's candid admission of his potential "sorrow upon sorrow" humanizes the apostle and validates our own experiences of grief and vulnerability. It compels us to extend genuine empathy and practical support to fellow believers who are suffering, burdened, or serving sacrificially, remembering that we are called to bear one another's burdens and rejoice in each other's triumphs. This verse ultimately fosters a hopeful reliance on God's unfailing compassion and a commitment to nurturing the precious relationships within the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's vulnerability in this verse encourage you to be more open about your own struggles and needs within your Christian community?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's mercy in your life, perhaps averting a "sorrow upon sorrow," and how can you better acknowledge and give Him thanks for such interventions?**
* **How can your local church community better demonstrate the kind of mutual care and support exemplified by Paul and Epaphroditus, especially for those serving in demanding ministries?**

### FAQ

**Was Epaphroditus's illness a punishment from God?**

Answer: No, there is no indication in the text that Epaphroditus's illness was a punishment from God. On the contrary, Paul explicitly states that Epaphroditus became sick "for the work of Christ" (as mentioned in [Philippians 2:30](/philippians/2-30 "Philippians 2:30 - Epaphroditus's Sacrifice")), implying that his illness was a consequence of his zealous and sacrificial service to Paul and the gospel, not a divine judgment. Paul praises his dedication and rejoices in God's mercy that restored him, seeing it as an act of grace, not a punitive measure.

**What does "sorrow upon sorrow" mean for Paul?**

Answer: "Sorrow upon sorrow" (Greek: _lýpē epí lýpē_) vividly describes a compounding or intensification of grief. Paul was already enduring significant hardships, primarily his imprisonment (as referenced throughout [Philippians 1](/philippians/1 "Philippians 1 - Paul's Imprisonment and the Gospel's Advance")). The potential death of Epaphroditus, a beloved brother and faithful co-laborer who had risked his life to serve Paul, would have added a fresh, overwhelming layer of personal grief and spiritual burden to his existing afflictions. It signifies an unbearable accumulation of distress, highlighting the depth of Paul's affection for Epaphroditus and his human vulnerability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 2:27, while focusing on Epaphroditus's recovery, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Epaphroditus's willingness to risk his life "for the work of Christ" ([Philippians 2:30](/philippians/2-30 "Philippians 2:30 - Epaphroditus's Sacrifice")) foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who willingly laid down His life to accomplish the Father's work, enduring suffering and death not "nigh unto death" but fully into death itself for our salvation ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")). Just as God had mercy on Epaphroditus, sparing Paul from "sorrow upon sorrow," so too did God, in His infinite mercy, provide the ultimate remedy for humanity's "sorrow upon sorrow" – the sorrow of sin, death, and separation from Him. Through Christ's resurrection, God demonstrated His ultimate power over death and sorrow, offering eternal life and comfort to all who believe ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Jesus, our great High Priest, is not one who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, for He was tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")), truly bearing our griefs and carrying our sorrows ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - Christ, the Suffering Servant")). Thus, God's mercy on Epaphroditus serves as a poignant, earthly echo of the immeasurable, redemptive mercy extended to all humanity through the cross and resurrection of Christ, who promises a future where there will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Sorrow or Pain")).

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

Psalms 34:19

Many [are] the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

Philippians 2:30

Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

Acts 9:37

And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid [her] in an upper chamber.

John 11:3

Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

John 11:4

When Jesus heard [that], he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

2 Corinthians 2:7

So that contrariwise ye [ought] rather to forgive [him], and comfort [him], lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

Psalms 103:3

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;