Philippians 4

brothers
Though some translations retain the older English plural, “brethren,” the translation “brothers” here remains perfectly accurate to the Greek text (ἀδελφοί; adelphoi) and is more natural to modern readers. This language describes the close familial union which all believers have with one another as children of God. Paul employs this term eight times in this letter to emphasize the unity that believers should have together as members of the same spiritual family. In chapter 3 (vv. 1, 13, 17) as well as here in chapter 4 (vv. 1, 8), Paul appeals to the Philippians as “brothers,” showing his unity with them and their unity with one another, urging them to join together in unified obedience to the Lord.

my brothers, loved and longed for
The translation here as “my brothers, loved and longed for,” rather than something like “my beloved brothers, whom I long for,” rightly brings out the two parallel sentiments Paul has toward the Philippians. This also best represents the Greek word order (ἀδελφοί μου ἀγαπητοὶ καὶ ἐπιπόθητοι; adelphoi mou agapētoi kai epipothētoi). Thus, Paul doubly affirms his affection for these dear believers as he moves toward the conclusion of this letter.

think
The word “think” rather than “live in harmony” or “agree” is used here to translate the verb φρονέω (phroneō), which literally carries the idea of thinking or considering—a faculty of the mind. This is a major theme in the book of Philippians, as the word occurs 10 times. Paul puts a great emphasis on how believers “think” because it is thinking the same way which leads to the unity the church is to display to honor Christ, and one of Paul’s main goals in the book is to urge for church unity. To help readers notice the emphasis on thinking in Philippians, φρονέω (phroneō) is translated using ‘think’ everywhere it appears (1:7; 2:2 [2x], 5; here [2x], 3:19; 4:2, 10 [2x]). Here, Paul urges Euodia and Syntyche to think the same way, in obedience to his exhortations to all believers in 2:5 and 3:15, bringing it to the level of practical and personal application. That it is essential enough for Paul to explicitly name and urge these two women demonstrates the vital importance of unity in Christ’s church.

contended together
“Contended together” is from συναθλέω (synathleō), which only occurs here and earlier in 1:27. Paul wanted the Philippians to help these women think the same way as part of being unified, and he notes here that they had done it in the past—they just needed to be brought back again to thinking in unity.

considerate
“Considerate spirit” translates ἐπιεικής (apieikēs), which communicates the basic idea of something being appropriate, fitting, reasonable, or suitable. When speaking of people, it carries the idea of being agreeable, courteous, or considerate—conducting oneself in a reasonable, peaceable manner. “Considerate” captures the idea well, and is the consistent word used to render the Greek term in this translation (cf. 1 Tim 3:3; Titus 3:2; James 3:17; 1 Pet 2:18). This is to be the attitude and conduct of believers, in contrast to any belligerence or animosity. This also will preserve the unity of the church and promote a good witness to the watching world.

brothers
Refer to the discussion on verse 1 above.

commendable
“Commendable” translates εὔφημος (euphēmos), which communicates the idea of something being spoken well of. Thus, “commendable” gives the proper sense in English. Believers are to consider things that are of such a quality that they are worthy of being commended or well spoken of.

consider
The word “consider” translates λογίζομαι (logizomai), which is different and more specific than the word Paul most often uses for ‘thinking’ in this epistle (φρονέω; phroneō). Λογίζομαι (logizomai) communicates the idea of “thinking” with more intentionality, thus carefully judging, calculating, reasoning, or considering. Paul puts a great emphasis on how believers think because it is thinking the same way which leads to the unity the church is to display to honor Christ, and one of Paul’s main goals in the book is to urge for church unity. Here, he intensifies this idea with a more specific word to emphasize the importance of not only thinking in general, but carefully considering those things which accord with God’s own character and goodness. Such intentional, biblical thinking will dissipate worry and anxiety and lead to godly living, church unity, and a credible witness before the world.

thinking
“Thinking” is from φρονέω (phroneō), which is usually translated as “think” (cf. discussion on v. 2 above). This demonstrates that the thinking that promotes unity throughout this letter had been done by them—and this is the kind of thinking they are to continue doing.

have been filled
The phrase “have been filled” translates the perfect tense verb πεπλήρωμαι (peplērōmai), from πληρόω (plēroō), which means to “fill” or “make full.” Thus, “have been filled” captures both the meaning of the term and the perfect tense of the verb. Paul tells the Philippians here that because of their ministry to him through Epaphras, he lacks nothing but is fully supplied by their loving provision.

brothers
Though some translations retain the older English plural, “brethren,” the translation “brothers” here remains perfectly accurate to the Greek text (ἀδελφοί; adelphoi) and is more natural to modern readers. This language describes the close familial union which all believers have with one another as children of God. Paul employs this term 8x in this letter to emphasize the unity that believers should have together as members of the same spiritual family. Here, Paul references those known and loved by the Philippians who are with Paul in Rome (likely including Timothy, Epaphroditus, and others who ministered the gospel in Rome).