Philippians - Verse-by-Verse Biblical Exegesis

VUL Philippians 4:16 quia et Thessalonicam et semel et bis in usum mihi misistis
LWB Philp. 4:17 Not because I am seeking after a gift [evil motivation], but I make it a
practice to seek after the spiritual fruit [interest income: divine good production] which
accumulates to your account [accrues to your spiritual balance sheet] as a result of your
doctrine [the investment of Bible doctrine in your soul brings great assets into your
spiritual balance sheet].
KW
Philp. 4:17 Not that it is my character to be ever seeking the gift, but I am seeking the fruit
which is accumulating to your account.
KJV Philippians 4:17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your
account.
TRANSLATION HIGHLIGHTS
Paul corrects any impression that he was seeking to obtain financial support (Static Present
tense). Trying to obtain financial support as a primary goal would be evil motivation. Instead,
Paul focused on seeking spiritual fruit (Iterative Present tense) for the Philippian believers. He
was only interested in the divine good production that would accrue to their spiritual account
(Customary Present tense). Paul had a cursory knowledge of accounting. He uses financial
terminology to portray the accumulation of rewards as a balance sheet transaction. Their spiritual
fruit is shown as interest income on their investment in Bible doctrine. The more doctrine they
learn, metabolize and apply in daily life, the greater spiritual income accrues to their balance
sheet in heaven. This spiritual fruit doesn’t just sit there as an asset; it brings forth additional
fruit in great quantity (Latin: abundance). Doctrine builds upon doctrine; rewards build upon
rewards.
REVELANT OPINIONS
Paul is still defending himself against the slanderous assertion that he is using the gospel as a means
of livelihood. (K. Wuest) The apostle has nervous anxiety to clear himself of wanting more gifts.
(Lightfoot) Paul was not primarily concerned with their gifts as such, but rather in the development
of the grace of giving among them. (H.A. Kent) Paul did not covet the Philippians’ gifts; instead, he
had his heart set on the compound interest that kept on accruing to their account, that is, their
ongoing spiritual progress, and God’s blessing in their lives by which they would continually grow
in the graces of Christ. (P. O’Brien)
These terms were used in the money markets of the day. (K. Wuest) The Philippians’ gifts to Paul
were deposits placed in the bank of heaven [on escrow] that will multiply at compound interest to
their advantage [escrow blessings]. (F.F. Bruce) The apostle has employed this commercial language
to show that he has set his heart on an ongoing, permanent gain for the Philippians in the spiritual
realm. (P. O’Brien) Fruit, for the believer, is total submission to the indwelling Christ, who will then
manifest Himself through the child of God … The Philippians had made an investment in Paul’s