Philippians - Verse-by-Verse Biblical Exegesis

Paul does not have in view the kind of superficial happiness that manifests itself only when things go
well. No, it is a rejoicing that can be had always, because it depends not on changing circumstances
but on the One who does not change. (M. Silva) It is a Christian duty, as you know, for everyone to
be as happy as he can. Pursuing joy in God is obedience. God is most glorified in us when we are
most satisfied in Him. (J. Piper) Rejoice in the Lord always. That means regardless of the day,
whether it is dark or bright, whether it is difficult or easy, whether it brings problems and
temptations or clear sailing on cloud nine. We are commanded to rejoice. Joy is something we
cannot produce ourselves; it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. There is no power in a Christian’s life if he
has no joy. One who does not experience the joy of the Lord has no power at all. (J. McGee)
Philp. 4:4 Keep on having inner happiness (cai,rw, PAImp.2P,
Iterative, Command; rejoice) in the Lord (Loc. Sph.) at all
times (Adv. of Time). Again (Adv. of repetition; once more),
I say and will continue saying (le,gw, FAI1S, Iterative; "will
continue saying"): Keep on having inner happiness (cai,rw,
PAImp.2P, Iterative, Command; rejoice).
WHO Philippians 4:4 Cai,rete evn kuri,w| pa,ntote\ pa,lin evrw/ cai,rete
VUL Philippians 4:4 gaudete in Domino semper iterum dico gaudete
LWB Philp. 4:5 Let your relaxed mental attitude [grace orientation] be known to all men.
The Lord is near [imminency of the rapture].
KW Philp. 4:5 Let your sweet reasonableness, your forbearance, your being satisfied with less
than your due, become known to all men. The Lord is near [in that His coming may occur at any
moment].
KJV Philippians 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
TRANSLATION HIGHLIGHTS
Inner happiness is not the only thing Paul wants us to maintain at all times. He also encourages
(Imperative of Entreaty) us to maintain a relaxed mental attitude (Latin: modesty, moderation),
grace orientation in action. Now it’s easy to have a relaxed mental attitude if you are living in
isolation. But Paul isn’t talking about the relaxed mind you have in your own home. He want this
relaxed mental attitude to be observed and therefore known (Dramatic Aorist tense) by all men.
What better way to have a witnessing effect on others than being rightminded, reasonable,
adaptable, relaxed, and grace oriented on all occasions, especially during stressful situations?
Paul then reminds us that the Lord is near. This phrase could be translated three ways. As an
adverb of time, it would refer to the imminency of the rapture. As an adverb of relationship, it
would refer to fellowship with the Lord. As an adverb of provision, it would refer to logistical