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Philippians 2:20

Philippians 2:20 in Multiple Translations

I have nobody else like him who will genuinely care for your needs.

For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

For I have no man likeminded, who will care truly for your state.

For I have no man of like mind who will truly have care for you.

I don't know anyone who genuinely cares about you as he does.

For I haue no man like minded, who will faithfully care for your matters.

for I have no one like-minded, who sincerely for the things concerning you will care,

For I have no one else like-minded, who will truly care about you.

For I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state.

For I have no man so of the same mind, who with sincere affection is solicitous for you.

Keep in mind that I have no one else like him who genuinely cares for you.

Timothy is different from the other people here. He really cares about you and about how you are going.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Philippians 2:20

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Philippians 2:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK ουδενα γαρ εχω ισοψυχον οστις γνησιως τα περι υμων μεριμνησει
ουδενα oudeis G3762 none Adj-ASM-N
γαρ gar G1063 for Conj
εχω echō G2192 to have/be Verb-PAI-1S
ισοψυχον isopsuchos G2473 like-minded Adj-ASM
οστις hostis, hētis G3748 who/which Rel-NSM
γνησιως gnēsiōs G1104 genuinely Adv
τα ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APN
περι peri G4012 about Prep
υμων su G4771 you Pron-2GP
μεριμνησει merimnaō G3309 to worry Verb-FAI-3S
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Philippians 2:20

ουδενα oudeis G3762 "none" Adj-ASM-N
This word means 'none' or 'nobody', used in Luke 4:24 and Romans 8:1 to emphasize the absence of something or someone. It's a strong way to say that nothing or no one is present or available.
Definition: οὐδείς, -δεμία, -δέν (also in WH, txt., the Hellenistic forms -θείς, -θέν, Luk.22:35 23:14, Act.15:9 19:27 26:26, 1Co.13:2, 2Co.11:8; cf. BL, §6, 7; M, Pr., 56n, Thackeray, Gr., 58), related to μηδείς as οὐ to μή, no, no one, none: with nouns, Luk.4:24, Jhn.10:41, Rom.8:1, al.; absol., Mat.6:24, Mrk.3:27, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:18, Act.18:10, Rom.14:7, al. mult.; with genitive partit., Luk.4:26, Jhn.13:28, al.; neut., οὐδέν, Mat.10:26, al.; id. with genitive partit., Luk.9:36, Act.18:17, al.; οὐδὲν εἰ μή, Mat.5:13, Mrk.9:29, al.; with neg., strengthening the negation, Mrk.15:4, 5 Luk.4:2, Jhn.3:27, al.; adverbially, Act.25:10, Gal.4:12, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 223 NT verses. KJV: any (man), aught, man, neither any (thing), never (man), no (man), none (+ of these things), not (any, at all, -thing), nought See also: 1 Corinthians 1:14; John 10:18; Hebrews 2:8.
γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj
For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.
Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.
εχω echō G2192 "to have/be" Verb-PAI-1S
This Greek word means to have or hold something, like a possession or ability. It is used in many ways, such as having power or being with someone. The Bible uses it in Revelation 5:8 and 14:6.
Definition: ἔχω, [in LXX for אָצֵל (ἐχόμενος), יֵשׁ,בַּעַל, etc., 59 words in all ;] (on the Aktionsart of the various tenses, see M, Pr., 110, 145, 150, 183), to have, as in cl., in various senses and constructions. __I. Trans.; __1. 1. to have, hold, hold fast, etc.; __(a) to hold, as, in the hand: Rev.5:8 14:6, al.; ἐν τ. χειρί, Rev.1:16 10:2, al.; __(b) of arms and clothing, = φέρω, φορέω, to bear, wear: Mat.3:4 22:12, al.; so frequently present ptcp. (LS, see word, A, I, 6; Bl., 74, 2), Mrk.11:13, Jhn.18:10, Rev.9:17, al.; __(with) of a woman, ἐν γαστρὶ ἔ, to be with child: Mrk.13:17, Rom.9:10; __(d) to hold fast, keep: Luk.19:20; metaphorically, of the mind and conduct, Mrk.16:8 (cf. Job.21:6, Isa.13:8; Deiss., BS, 293; Field, Notes, 44f.), Jhn.14:21, Rom.1:28, 1Ti.3:9, 2Ti.1:13, Rev.6:9, al.; __(e) to involve: Heb.10:35 (LXX), Jas.1:4, 1Jn.4:18; (f) = Lat. habere (Bl., §34, 5; 73, 5), to hold, consider: with accusative and predic. ptcp., Luk.14:18; with accusative, before ὡς, Mat.14:5; εἰς (Hebraism), Mat.21:46; on (Bl., §70, 2), Mrk.11:32. __2. to have, possess; __(a) in general, with accusative of thing(s): Mat.19:22, Mrk.10:22, Luk.12:19, Jhn.10:16, 1Co.11:22, al.; of wealth or poverty, absol., ἔχειν (neg. οὐκ, μή), Mat.13:12 25:29, 2Co.8:12; ἐκ τ. ἔχειν, according to your means, 2Co.8:11; __(b) of relationship, association, and: πατέρα, Jhn.8:41; γυναῖκα (MM, xiv), 1Co.7:2; φίλον, Luk.11:5; βασιλέα, Jhn.19:15; ποιμένα, Mat.9:36; with dupl. accusative, Mat.3:9, al.; __(with) of parts or members: ὦτα, Mat.19:15; μέλη, Rom.12:4; θεμελίους, __(d) with accusative, as periphrasis of verb: μνεῖαν ἔ. (= μεμνῆσθαι), 1Th.3:6; ἀγάπην, Jhn.13:35; γνῶσιν, 1Co.8:1; πεποίθησιν, 2Co.3:4; θλίψιν, Jhn.16:33, etc. (Thayer, see word, I, 2, f., g.); __(e) of duty, necessity, etc.: ἀνάγκην, 1Co.7:37; νόμον, Jhn.19:7; ἐπιταγήν, 1Co.7:25; ἀγῶνα, Php.1:30; κρίμα, 1Ti.5:12; __(f) of complaints and disputes; κατά, with genitive of person(s), Mat.5:23, Mrk.11:25; id. before ὅτι, Rev.2:4, 20; with accusative before πρός, Act.24:19, al.; __(g) with inf., __(α) (cl.) to be able (Field, Notes, 14): Mat.18:25, Mrk.14:8 (sc. ποιῆσαι), Luk.12:4, Act.4:14, al; __(β) of necessity (BL, §69, 4): Luk.12:50, Act.23:17-19 28:19. __II. Intrans. (BL, §53, 1), to be in a certain condition: ἑτοίμως ἔ., with inf., Act.21:13, 2Co.12:14; ἐσχάτως (which see), Mrk.5:23; κακῶς, to be ill, Mat.4:24, al.; καλῶς, Mk 16:[18]; κομψότερον, Jhn.4:52; πῶς, Act.15:36; impers., ἄλλως εἴχει, it is otherwise, 1Ti.5:25; οὕτως, Act.7:1, al.; τὸ νῦν ἔχον, as things now are (Tob.7:11), Act.24:25. __III. Mid., -ομαι, to hold oneself fast, hold on or cling to, be next to: with genitive, τ. ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας, Heb.6:9 (Rendall, in l.); ptcp., ὁ ἐχόμενος, near, next: of place, Mrk.1:38; of time, τ. ἐχομένη (ἡμέρα, expressed or understood), Luk.13:33, Act.20:15 21:26; (σαββάτῳ), Act.13:44. (Cf. ἀν-, προσ-αν-, ἀντ-, ἀπ-, ἐν-, ἐπ-, κατ-, μετ-, παρ-, περι-, προ-, προσ-, συν-, ὑπερ-, ὑπ-έχω.) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 628 NT verses. KJV: be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use See also: 1 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 6:10; 1 Peter 2:12.
ισοψυχον isopsuchos G2473 "like-minded" Adj-ASM
Means being like-minded or of similar spirit, as seen in Philippians 2:20 where Paul describes Timothy.
Definition: ἰσόψυχος -ον (ἴσος, ψυχή), [in LXX: Psa.55:13 (עֵרֶךְ)* ;] __1. of equal spirit (Æsch., Agam., 1470). __2. like-minded: Php.2:20.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: likeminded See also: Philippians 2:20.
οστις hostis, hētis G3748 "who/which" Rel-NSM
This word means 'who' or 'which' and is used to ask about someone or something's identity, like in Matthew 5:39. It's often used to make general statements.
Definition: ὅστις, ἥτις, ὅ τι (also written ὅ, τι and ὅτι; see LS, see word; WH, §411; Tdf., Pr., 111), in NT scarcely ever except in nom. (M, Pr., 91), the only instance of the oblique cases being found in ἕως ὅτου (see: ἕως), relative of indef. reference (related to simple ὅς as Lat. quisquis to qui), whoever, anyone who; __(a) of an indef. person or thing: in general statements, Mat.5:39, 41 13:12, and freq., Luk.14:27, Gal.5:4, al.; in relative sentences, Mat.7:26, Luk.15:7, Php.3:7, al.; πᾶς, with indic., Mat.7:24 10:32; ὅ ἄν (ἐάν), with subjc., Mat.12:50 13:12, Jhn.14:13, 1Co.16:2, Gal.5:10, al.; __(b) of a definite person or thing, indicating quality, "either generic, which, as other like things, or essential, which by its very nature" (Hort on 1Pe.2:11), who is such as: Mat.2:6 7:26, Luk.2:10 7:37, Jhn.8:53, Act.7:53, Rom.6:2, 1Co.3:17, Gal.4:24, Eph.1:23, al.; __(with) where the relative sentence expresses a reason, consequence, etc. (M, Pr., 92), seeing that he (it, they), and he (it, they): Luk.8:3 10:42, Act.10:47 11:28, Php.4:3, al.; __(d) as in Ionic and late Greek (Bl., §50, 1; M, Pr., l.with), differing but little from ὅς: Luk.2:4 9:30, Act.17:10, Rev.12:13. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 136 NT verses. KJV: X and (they), (such) as, (they) that, in that they, what(-soever), whereas ye, (they) which, who(-soever) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:17; Luke 2:4; 1 Peter 2:11.
γνησιως gnēsiōs G1104 "genuinely" Adv
Genuinely or sincerely, as in Philippians 2:20, where Paul describes Timothy's actions as natural and genuine.
Definition: γνησίως, adv., [in LXX: 2Ma.14:8, 3Ma.3:23 * ;] sincerely, honourably: Phi 2:20 (for a parallel in π., see MM, see word).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: naturally See also: Philippians 2:20.
τα ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APN
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
περι peri G4012 "about" Prep
The Greek word for about or around, used in various contexts such as place, cause, or time. It is often translated as 'about' or 'concerning' in the KJV, and appears in many passages, including Matthew 2:8 and John 16:26.
Definition: περί, prep. with genitive, accusative (in cl. also with dative; cf. M, Pr., 105f.), with radical sense round about (as distinct from ἀμφί, on both sides). __I. C. genitive, __1. of place, about (poët.). __2. Causal, about, on account of, concerning, in reference to: Mat.2:8, Mrk.1:44, Luk.4:38, Jhn.16:26, Act.28:21, al. mult.; τὰ περί, with genitive, the things concerning one, one's state or case: Mrk.5:27, Act.1:3 28:15, Eph.6:22, al.; at the beginning of a sentence, περί, regarding, as to, 1Co.7:1, al.; in the sense on account of (Mat.26:28, 1Co.1:13, al.), often with ὑπέρ as variant (cf. M, Pr., 105). __II. C. accusative, __1. of place, about, around: Mat.3:4, Mrk.1:6, Luk.13:8, Act.22:6, al.; οἱ περί, with accusative of person(s), of one's associates, friends, etc., Mrk.4:10, Luk.22:49, Jhn.11:19, Act.13:13; οἱ περὶ τ. τοιαῦτα ἐργάται, Act.19:25; metaphorically, about, as to, concerning: 1Ti.1:19 6:4 2Ti.2:18 3:8, Tit.2:7; τὰ περὶ ἐμέ, Php.2:23; αἱ περὶ τ. λοιπὰ ἐπιθυμίαι, Mrk.4:19. __2. Of time, in a loose reckoning, about, near: Mat.20:3, 5 6, 9 27:46, Mrk.6:48, Act.10:3, 9 22:6. __III. In composition: round about (περιβάλλω, περίκειμαι), beyond, over and above (περιποιέω, περιλείπω), to excess (περιεργάζομαι, περισσεύω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 305 NT verses. KJV: (there-)about, above, against, at, on behalf of, X and his company, which concern, (as) concerning, for, X how it will go with, ((there-, where-)) of, on, over, pertaining (to), for sake, X (e-)state, (as) touching, (where-)by (in), with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:4; Acts 26:2; 1 Peter 1:10.
υμων su G4771 "you" Pron-2GP
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
μεριμνησει merimnaō G3309 "to worry" Verb-FAI-3S
To worry or be anxious about something, as seen in Matthew 6:25-31 where Jesus tells us not to worry about our needs. It can also mean to care for something or someone, like the apostle Paul caring for the churches.
Definition: μεριμνάω, -ῶ (μέριμνα), [in LXX: Psa.38:18 (דָּאַג), etc. ;] __1. to be anxious: absol., Mat.6:27, 31, Luk.12:25; μηδὲν μ., Php.4:6; with dative of thing(s), Mat.6:25, Luk.12:22; before περί, Mat.6:28, Luk.10:41 12:26; πῶς, Mat.10:19, Luk.12:11; εἰς τὴν αὔριον, Mat.6:34. __2. to care for: with accusative, τὰ τ. κυριου, 1Co.7:32-34; τὰ τ. κόσμου, 1Co.7:34; τὰ περί ὑμῶν, Php.2:20; before ὑπέρ, 1Co.12:25; with genitive (a construction otherwise unknown), ἑαυτῆς (WH; τὰ ἑ. Rec.; see Bl., § 35, 7), Mat.6:34 (cf. προ-μεριμνάω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 17 NT verses. KJV: (be, have) care(-ful), take thought See also: 1 Corinthians 7:32; Luke 12:26; Philippians 4:6.

Study Notes — Philippians 2:20

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Philippians 2:2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose.
2 1 Corinthians 16:10 If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am.
3 Philippians 2:22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, that as a child with his father he has served with me to advance the gospel.
4 2 Timothy 1:5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.
5 John 10:13 The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep.
6 John 12:6 Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it.
7 1 Samuel 18:3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
8 1 Samuel 18:1 After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself.
9 Colossians 4:11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
10 Proverbs 31:29 “Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all!”

Philippians 2:20 Summary

In Philippians 2:20, Paul says that Timothy is the only one who will genuinely care for the Philippians' needs. This means that Timothy is someone who will put the needs of others before his own, just like Jesus did (Philippians 2:5-8). We can learn from Timothy's example by looking for ways to serve others selflessly, like Jesus taught in Matthew 20:28. By doing so, we can show our love and care for others, just like Timothy did, and just like Jesus does for us (John 13:1).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Paul mean by 'nobody else like him' in Philippians 2:20?

Paul is highlighting Timothy's unique character and abilities, which make him an ideal candidate to care for the Philippians' needs, as seen in his selfless service to the gospel, similar to Jesus' own selfless service (Philippians 2:5-8, Matthew 20:28).

How does Paul's statement about Timothy relate to Jesus' teaching on serving others?

Paul's statement about Timothy reflects Jesus' teaching on serving others, as seen in Matthew 25:40, where Jesus says that serving others is equivalent to serving Him, and in John 13:15, where Jesus sets an example of humble service for His disciples to follow.

What does this verse reveal about Paul's relationship with Timothy?

This verse reveals that Paul has a deep trust and appreciation for Timothy, having seen his proven worth in serving the gospel together, much like a father-son relationship (Philippians 2:22, 1 Timothy 1:2).

How does this verse apply to our relationships with others in the church?

This verse encourages us to value and appreciate those who genuinely care for the needs of others, just like Timothy, and to strive to be like them, as seen in Galatians 5:13, where we are called to serve one another in love.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can demonstrate genuine care for the needs of others, just like Timothy?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper trust and appreciation for those who serve the gospel, like Paul had for Timothy?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I can serve others selflessly, like Jesus and Timothy?
  4. How can I ensure that my service to others is motivated by a genuine care for their needs, rather than my own interests?

Gill's Exposition on Philippians 2:20

For I have no man likeminded,.... With myself; as my soul, so the Syriac version renders it.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Philippians 2:20

For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. His reason for sending Timothy above all others: I have none so [ isopsuchon (G2473)] 'like-soulled' with myself as is Timothy (cf.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Philippians 2:20

For I have no man likeminded; for which purpose I have designed Timothy, who joins with me in this Epistle, and is most of the same mind with myself, endued with the same Spirit, faith, and love; finding none of like soul to him with myself, in desiring your prosperity, and so have pitched upon him. Who will naturally care for your state; who, being cordial to me and you, will, without regard to lucre, ingenuously and sincerely, above all the rest I have here, propagate the kingdom of Christ amongst you, and promote your salvation in watching for your souls, as one that must give an account, that he may do it with joy, .

Trapp's Commentary on Philippians 2:20

20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. Ver. 20. Likeminded] ισοψυχον, an alter ego to me. True friendship transformeth us into the condition of those we love, as Eusebius into his friend Pamphilus the martyr, whence he was called Eusebius Pamphili. Amicitia sit tantum inter binos qui sunt veri, et bonos qui sunt pauci. (Jerome.)

Ellicott's Commentary on Philippians 2:20

(20) For I have no man likeminded.—That is, probably, like-minded with myself. St. Paul calls Timothy his “genuine (or, true) son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2), a son who in spirit and affection was like his father. The word “naturally” in this verse is the same word, and should be translated genuinely, without either counterfeit or duplicity of aim; and the word “care” implies something of the same absorbing anxiety which is expressed on St. Paul’s part in this passage.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Philippians 2:20

Verse 20. For I have no man like-minded] None of all my fellow helpers in the Gospel have the same zeal and affectionate concern for your prosperity in every respect as he has. He is ισοψυχος. of the same soul; a man after my own heart.

Cambridge Bible on Philippians 2:20

20. For] He gives his reason for sending Timothy.likeminded] Lit., “equal-souled;” a slight echo, in form, of the verb just above. Timothy’s “soul,” his loving and willing self, was “equal,” level, to St Paul’s, in pure, cordial, interest in the Philippians.—The Greek adjective occurs nowhere else in the N.T., and in the LXX. only Psal. 54:13 (Heb., 55:14), for the Hebrew “after my scale, or standard”: a good parallel. The A.V. margin, “so dear unto me,” is certainly mistaken.naturally] R.V. “truly.” But the A.V. well conveys the meaning. The word is literally, genuinely; so that heart corresponds to action.care] Better, take careful, anxious thought. The verb (merimnân) is traced by recent philologists into connexion with root-words giving the idea of mindfulness, earnestness of thought, not, as according to the once current etymology, division of thought.—It is the same verb as that below, Philippians 4:6, where see note.—The apparent contradiction of the two passages has a beautiful harmony beneath it. Timothy’s “anxiety” was in fact painstaking thought for others; the “anxiety” forbidden, Philippians 4:6, is the result of our failure, as each felt burthen comes, to pass it on to the love and care of the Lord.—The verb (or its cognate noun) rendered “care” here occurs in the sense it bears here, 1 Corinthians 7:32; 1 Corinthians 7:34; 1 Corinthians 12:25; 2 Corinthians 11:28. In all other places its reference is to anxiety in an unfavourable sense of the word.

Barnes' Notes on Philippians 2:20

For I have no man like-minded - Margin, “so dear unto me.” The Greek is, ἰσόψυχον isopsuchon - similar in mind, or like-minded. The meaning is, that there was no one with him who would feel so deep an interest in their welfare.

Whedon's Commentary on Philippians 2:20

20. No man likeminded—That is, with the apostle, of the sort that would really feel an anxious, self-sacrificing interest in their affairs. A precious compliment to Timothy, but a sad commentary on the rest.

Sermons on Philippians 2:20

SermonDescription
Gipsey Smith The Apostolic Church by Gipsey Smith The preacher discusses the concept of 'kindred spirit' or 'isopsuchos' as seen in the relationship between Paul and Timothy, highlighting their like-mindedness, shared feelings, an
A.B. Simpson Philippians Chapter 3 the Christian Temper as Illustrated in the Friends of Paul by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of Christian friendship and service as illustrated by the lives of Timothy and Epaphroditus in Philippians 3. He highlights Timothy's loyalty
Daniel Steele No Distinct Classes in the New Testament by Daniel Steele Daniel Steele preaches on the distinction between the spiritual and less spiritual classes within the New Testament churches, as highlighted by Paul's letters to the Corinthians an
Daniel Steele St. Paul's Classification of the Corinthian Church in Two Classes. by Daniel Steele Daniel Steele preaches on the distinction between the natural man, devoid of spiritual perception, and the spiritual man who has a clear understanding of divine realities. In 1 Cor
A.B. Simpson The Christian Temper as Illustrated in the Friends of Paul by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the exemplary Christian temper as demonstrated by the friends of Paul, particularly focusing on Timothy and Epaphroditus. Timothy is portrayed as a loyal an
C.H. Spurgeon A Divided Heart by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of a divided heart, emphasizing that such a condition leads to spiritual faultiness both individually and within the church. He warns that a divid
Leonard Ravenhill Lowliness of Mind by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not conforming to the ways of the world but being transformed by renewing our minds. He addresses the issue of dissension

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