New Testament
Philippians 1:26
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
That way, when I come to you again, you'll have even more reason to rejoice in Christ Jesus because of me.
Compare translations
That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
What Philippians 1:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul expresses his hope that his return to the Philippians will bring them even greater joy in their relationship with Christ. He emphasizes that his presence among them will enhance their experience of rejoicing in Jesus. Paul is aware that his life and ministry have an impact on the faith and joy of others. By coming back to them, he believes he can contribute to their spiritual growth and happiness. This reflects the interconnectedness of believers in the faith, where one person's journey can uplift and encourage another. Paul’s focus is on the collective joy found in Christ, suggesting that their shared experiences and his testimony will lead to a deeper celebration of their faith. His anticipation of returning is not just about personal reunion but about fostering a stronger community in Christ, where joy is abundant and shared among believers.
How to apply Philippians 1:26 to your life
We can apply this verse by recognizing the importance of our relationships within the Christian community. Our presence and actions can uplift others and enhance their joy in faith. We should strive to encourage one another, sharing our experiences and testimonies to foster a deeper connection with Christ and each other.
Curated for this public verse page. Philippians Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Paul's story: The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57–8:2)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Philippians 1:26
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Philippians 1:26
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Philippians
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 61
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- The church in Philippi
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Philippians 1:26 mean?
Philippians 1:26 expresses Paul's hope that his return to the Philippians will increase their joy in Christ. He believes that his presence will enhance their faith and collective rejoicing.
What is the meaning of 'rejoicing' in Philippians 1:26?
In Philippians 1:26, 'rejoicing' refers to the joy and celebration that believers experience in their relationship with Christ. Paul emphasizes that his return will contribute to this joy among the Philippians.
How does Philippians 1:26 relate to community?
Philippians 1:26 illustrates the interconnectedness of believers, showing how one person's journey can uplift others. Paul's return is seen as a way to strengthen their community and enhance their collective joy in Christ.
What can we learn from Philippians 1:26?
From Philippians 1:26, we learn the value of encouraging one another in our faith. Our presence and actions can significantly impact the joy and spiritual growth of those around us.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.