• Philippians 4:3
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 3 ναὶ Yes ἐρωτῶ I am requesting καὶ also σέ, you, γνήσιε genuine σύνζυγε, yokefellow, συνλαμβάνου be holding self with αὐταῖς, them, αἵτινες which [women] ἐν in τῷ the εὐαγγελίῳ good news συνήθλησάν they strove together μοι to me μετὰ with καὶ also Κλήμεντος Clement καὶ and τῶν of the λοιπῶν leftover συνεργῶν fellow workers μου, of me, ὧν of whom τὰ the ὀνόματα names ἐν in βίβλῳ book ζωῆς. of life.

  • Philippians 4:3
    The Bible in Living English

    • 3* Yes, and I ask you too, genuine Yokemate, lend them a helping hand, them who took part in my struggles for the gospel, with Clement too and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

  • Philippians 4:3
    American Standard Version

    • 3 Yea, I beseech thee also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

  • Philippians 4:3
    The Emphasized Bible

    • 3 Yea! I request thee also, true yokefellow, Be thou helping together with these women,—Who indeed in the joyful message have maintained the combat with me, Along with Clement also and the rest of my fellow-workers, Whose names are in the book of life.

  • Philippians 4:3
    King James Version

    • 3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

  • Philippians Study Notes—Chapter 4
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 4:3

      true fellow worker: The phrase renders a Greek expression that literally means “genuine yokefellow.” Paul here addresses an unnamed Christian man in the Philippian congregation, entrusting him to help Euodia and Syntyche to resolve their differences by being “of the same mind in the Lord.” (See study note on Php 4:2.) It is noteworthy that Paul, an apostle appointed by Jesus Christ, sees himself as a fellow worker of his Christian brothers and sisters, not their master. (Ac 9:15; Ro 11:13) Rather than lord it over the congregation, Paul applies Christ’s words: “All of you are brothers.”​—Mt 23:8; 1Pe 5:3; see study note on 2Co 1:24.

      who have striven side by side: Or “who have struggled hard side by side.” Even though Euodia and Syntyche seem to have some disagreement that is evidently known in the Philippian congregation, Paul still commends them for having worked with him earlier in preaching and teaching the good news. He describes the help that these women gave by using a Greek verb that he used earlier at Php 1:27, where it likewise conveys the idea of striving together with, working hard side by side, cooperating earnestly with.

      whose names are in the book of life: This figurative book of remembrance is a loving assurance that faithful individuals are in God’s perfect memory and that he will reward them with eternal life, whether in heaven or on earth. (Re 3:5; 20:15) The Hebrew Scripture background of this expression shows that faithful people are listed in the book of life conditionally; they must continue faithful and obedient in order to remain there and receive the promised reward. (Ex 32:32, 33; Ps 69:28, ftn.; Mal 3:16) Paul has just mentioned two hardworking anointed women in the Philippian congregation, Euodia and Syntyche, who were having some kind of dispute. Yet, Paul sees them as included among his fellow workers whose names are inscribed in this figurative book. He does not conclude that their minor imperfections and failures would cost them the promised reward, which is assured as long as they endure in faith to the end. (Compare 2Ti 2:11, 12.) The imagery of names written in a book may have reminded Christians in Philippi, a Roman colony, of the city’s public register, which was inscribed with the names of those enjoying citizenship.