Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.
Parallel translations
- WEB Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.
- KJV Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
- BSB But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
- NASB yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes.
- NLT But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Yet remaining alive is more needful for the Philippians' sake. Love for others tempers Paul's longing for heaven.
Overview
Although departing would be better for Paul personally, staying serves the churches he loves. His desire is shaped by self-giving concern for their growth. This selflessness embodies the mind of Christ he will soon describe in chapter 2.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 4
- Phil 1:22But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don’t know what I will choose.
- Phil 1:25–26Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,
- John 16:7Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don’t go away, the Counselor won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
- Acts 20:29–31For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
The one who, being in the form of God, emptied himself to the point of death on a cross and was exalted to the name above every name — the joy and prize of the believer.
How Philippians 1:24 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.