New Testament
Philippians 1:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
God is my witness — I long for every one of you with the deep affection of Christ Jesus himself.
Compare translations
For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
What Philippians 1:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul expresses his deep love and longing for the Philippian believers. He emphasizes that his feelings are genuine and rooted in the love of Christ. By invoking God as his witness, Paul underscores the sincerity of his emotions. The term "bowels" in the KJV refers to the innermost being, indicating a profound emotional connection. Paul’s affection is not superficial; it reflects the deep compassion that Jesus has for His followers. This verse highlights the importance of love and connection within the Christian community, showing that true fellowship is marked by heartfelt concern for one another. Paul’s longing serves as a reminder that believers should cultivate deep, loving relationships, reflecting Christ’s love in their interactions. This verse encourages us to express our love for others openly and sincerely, just as Paul did with the Philippians, fostering unity and support within the church.
How to apply Philippians 1:8 to your life
We can apply this verse by actively expressing our love and care for others in our community. Take time to reach out to friends or family, showing them genuine affection and concern. Let your relationships reflect the deep love that Christ has for us, fostering unity and support.
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 1:8
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 1:8
Related Bible verses
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 1:8 mean?
Philippians 1:8 expresses Paul's deep love and longing for the believers in Philippi. He emphasizes that his feelings are genuine and rooted in the love of Christ, highlighting the importance of heartfelt connections within the Christian community.
What is the meaning of 'bowels' in Philippians 1:8?
In Philippians 1:8, the term 'bowels' refers to the innermost being, indicating a profound emotional connection. It signifies deep compassion and affection, reflecting the intense love that Paul has for the Philippian believers.
How can I apply Philippians 1:8 in my life?
You can apply Philippians 1:8 by actively expressing love and care for those around you. Reach out to friends or family to show genuine affection, reflecting the deep love that Christ has for us.
Why does Paul call God as his witness in Philippians 1:8?
Paul calls God as his witness to emphasize the sincerity and truthfulness of his feelings for the Philippians. It underscores that his deep affection is genuine and rooted in his relationship with Christ.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.