Philippians 2:16 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)16 as you hold out [i.e., offer to people] the message of [never ending] life. Then I will have something to boast about on the day of Christ’s [return, See 1:6], that I had not run the race for nothing nor had worked for nothing. Ver CapítuloMás versionesKing James Version (Oxford) 176916 holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Ver CapítuloAmplified Bible - Classic Edition16 Holding out [to it] and offering [to all men] the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose. Ver CapítuloAmerican Standard Version (1901)16 holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain. Ver CapítuloCommon English Bible16 because you hold on to the word of life. This will allow me to say on the day of Christ that I haven’t run for nothing or worked for nothing. Ver CapítuloCatholic Public Domain Version16 holding to the Word of Life, until my glory in the day of Christ. For I have not run in vain, nor have I labored in vain. Ver Capítulo |
[It was] in response to [a divine] revelation that I went [there] and explained to them [i.e., the apostles and elders] the Gospel [message] that I had been preaching among the Gentiles. Then [later on I presented it] privately before those who were highly regarded [i.e., the three apostles, verse 9] so [they would have verification that] my running [i.e., ministry] had not been, nor was now, in vain.
We [apostles] proclaim to you [the truth about Jesus], who existed from the beginning [of time]. We have heard [Him] and seen [Him] with our [own] eyes. We looked at Him, and [even] touched Him with our hands. [See John 20:20]. [So, we proclaim that] He is the word of life [i.e., the life-giving Word]!
It is the Holy Spirit who [Note: The Greek word here is “that” instead of “who”] gives life [i.e., understanding the spiritual nature of Jesus’ teaching can produce spiritual life]; the flesh is of no value [i.e., understanding Jesus’ teaching only in a physical sense makes it worthless]. The words I have spoken to you are [from the] Holy Spirit and [they give] life.
For God’s word is alive and active and sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates [deep enough] even to divide [a person’s] soul [from his] spirit, and his joints [from his] bone marrow [Note: This is figurative language describing the penetrating effect of God’s word into a person’s spiritual, inner being] and is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of a person’s heart.