Philippians 4:17

Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

Not {G3756} because {G3754} I desire {G1934} a gift {G1390}: but {G235} I desire {G1934} fruit {G2590} that may abound {G4121} to {G1519} your {G5216} account {G3056}.

I am not seeking the gift; rather, I am looking for what will increase the credit balance of your account.

Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.

Not that I seek for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that increaseth to your account.

Context

Philippians 4:17 is nestled within Paul's profound expression of gratitude to the church in Philippi for their consistent financial support during his various trials and imprisonments. Having just declared his spiritual independence from material circumstances, stating that he had learned to be content in every circumstance (Philippians 4:11-13), Paul acknowledges their generous partnership in the gospel (Philippians 4:14-16). This specific verse serves to clarify his true motivation for appreciating their gifts, emphasizing that his desire is not for personal gain but for their spiritual prosperity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Selfless Motivation: Paul explicitly states that his appreciation stems not from a personal desire for gifts or material possessions. This underscores his integrity and commitment to the gospel, distinguishing himself from those who might preach for financial profit. His joy is rooted in the spiritual well-being and growth of the Philippian believers.
  • Spiritual Profit for the Giver: The "fruit" Paul desires is the spiritual blessing, increase, and divine reward that accrues to the Philippians themselves. It highlights the principle that genuine generosity, especially in supporting God's work, is a form of spiritual investment that yields eternal returns for the giver. This aligns with the teaching that giving leads to receiving abundance.
  • Divine Accounting: The phrase "abound to your account" paints a picture of a spiritual ledger or a heavenly record. It implies that God meticulously notes and rewards acts of faithfulness and generosity. The Philippians' giving was not merely a transaction for Paul's benefit but an offering credited to their spiritual "account," promising future blessings and rewards. This concept is similar to laying up treasures in heaven.

Linguistic Insights

The word "fruit" in this context (Greek: karpos) does not refer to literal produce but signifies the beneficial outcome, spiritual return, or positive effect of their generosity. It's about the spiritual harvest for the givers. The phrase "abound to your account" (Greek: pleonazo eis logon hymon) literally means "to increase to your credit" or "to overflow to your reckoning." This vivid imagery emphasizes that their acts of giving are not forgotten but are recorded in a divine ledger, leading to spiritual enrichment and reward for them.

Practical Application

Philippians 4:17 offers timeless wisdom for believers today regarding the motives behind both giving and receiving. For those who give, it encourages a heart of pure generosity, understanding that true giving is a spiritual act that God acknowledges and rewards, not just materially but spiritually. It reminds us that our giving is an investment in our eternal "account." For those who receive support, it underscores the importance of valuing the spiritual growth and blessing of the givers above personal material gain. This verse teaches that God honors and multiplies the sincere heart behind the gift, whether it is given to support ministry, help the needy, or advance the Gospel, encouraging us to give cheerfully, knowing that our heavenly "account" is being enriched.

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.

  • Titus 3:14

    And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

  • Hebrews 6:10

    For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:9

    (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:13

    Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for [your] liberal distribution unto them, and unto all [men];

  • John 15:8

    Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

  • Luke 14:12

    Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor [thy] rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.

  • Luke 14:14

    And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

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