Philippians study section

Philippians word studies

A handful of Greek words carry the theology of Philippians. Tap the speaker next to any word to hear it pronounced.

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Key words

χαρά (chara): “Joy”

Usage: Philippians 1:4, 25; 2:2; 4:1; and the verb chairō (“rejoice”) throughout

Meaning: Joy, gladness, rejoicing. Related to charis, “grace.”

Theological Significance: Joy is the keynote of Philippians, sounded from a prison cell. It flows not from circumstances but from the Lord, so believers can “rejoice in the Lord always.” Christian joy is grounded in Christ and unshaken by suffering (Philippians 4:4; John 15:11).

κοινωνία (koinōnia): “Partnership, Fellowship”

Usage: Philippians 1:5; 2:1; 3:10; 4:15

Meaning: Fellowship, partnership, sharing in common. A joint participation in something.

Theological Significance: The Philippians share koinōnia in the gospel with Paul through prayer, gifts, and labor. Believers are partners in a common cause, and share too in Christ Himself and even in His sufferings (Philippians 1:5; 3:10; 1 John 1:3).

φρονέω (phroneō): “To Think, Set the Mind”

Usage: Philippians 2:2, 5; 3:15, 19; 4:2

Meaning: To think, be minded, set one’s mind and attitude, have a certain outlook.

Theological Significance: Paul calls believers to a shared, humble mindset: “Have this mind (phroneō) among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” The humility of Christ is to shape the church’s whole way of thinking and relating (Philippians 2:5; Romans 12:16).

κενόω (kenoō): “To Empty”

Usage: Philippians 2:7

Meaning: To empty, to make of no account. Christ “emptied himself” (the source of the term “kenosis”).

Theological Significance: The Son did not empty Himself of deity but of His rightful privileges and glory, “taking the form of a servant.” This self-emptying humility, culminating in the cross, is the heart of the gospel and the model for the church (Philippians 2:6-8; 2 Corinthians 8:9).

αὐτάρκης (autarkēs): “Content, Self-Sufficient”

Usage: Philippians 4:11 (the noun autarkeia)

Meaning: Content, satisfied, sufficient in oneself, needing no more.

Theological Significance: Paul has “learned” contentment “in whatever situation,” but its secret is not self-sufficiency but Christ-sufficiency: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” True contentment rests not in circumstances but in Christ (Philippians 4:11-13; 1 Timothy 6:6).

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