What Does Philippians 4:18 Mean in the King James?
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The same Greek word-family describes Paul receiving the gift and the offering being acceptable to God, joining them in a chain of welcome.
THE MEANING
The gift reaches Paul as provision, and he receives it with abundance. Its meaning extends beyond meeting his need: he sees it as an offering welcomed by God, with the fragrance of devotion.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
This loosens the belief that provision shared between people is only a transaction; here the same gift is also an offering acceptable to God.
THE ROOT
δεξάμενος
dexamenos
GROWS FROM
δέχομαι
dechomai
to receive or welcome
“received / acceptable” in this verse is dexamenos. The same Greek word-family stands behind Paul having received the gift and the offering being acceptable to God. English separates those actions; the root links them as a chain of welcome, from the community, to Paul, to God.
ALSO GROWS
dechomai: to receive, welcome
δέχομαι
This is the root behind Paul receiving the things sent from the Philippians.
dektos: welcome, acceptable
δεκτός
This related form describes the offering as acceptable to God, joining its welcome by Paul to its welcome by God.
prosdechomai: to receive or welcome
προσδέχομαι
This related form carries the same receiving root into the idea of welcoming what is offered.
THE PATTERN
A gift that meets a human need can also be received as an offering in God’s presence.
And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.THE THREAD
That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;The word translated accepted belongs to the same receive-and-welcome family as received and acceptable in Philippians. The shared root lets the passage’s pattern widen: a gift is welcomed by Paul, its service is welcomed by others, and its offering is acceptable to God.
Read the SDV Bible.
Every verse has a Deep Dive in the app.
The iPhone Bible app with the Selah Decoded Version.
Does something in this reading look wrong? Tell us