New Testament
Philippians 4:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent help for my needs more than once.
Compare translations
For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
What Philippians 4:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul is expressing gratitude to the Philippians for their consistent support during his time in Thessalonica. Despite being away from them, they showed their care by sending help multiple times to meet his needs. This highlights the strong bond between Paul and the Philippian church, emphasizing their commitment to supporting one another in times of difficulty. Their actions demonstrate the importance of community and generosity in the Christian faith. Paul’s acknowledgment of their efforts serves as an encouragement for believers to continue supporting one another, especially those in ministry or facing hardships. The verse illustrates how love and support can transcend distance and circumstances, reinforcing the idea that true fellowship involves looking out for each other’s needs.
How to apply Philippians 4:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to actively support those in need, especially within our faith communities. We can look for opportunities to help others, whether through financial assistance, emotional support, or practical help. Building strong relationships involves being there for one another consistently.
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 Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. 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.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
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 4:16
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 4:16
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 4:16 mean?
Philippians 4:16 expresses Paul's gratitude to the Philippians for their repeated support while he was in Thessalonica. It highlights their commitment to helping him in his time of need, showcasing the importance of community and generosity.
What is the meaning of support in Philippians 4:16?
In Philippians 4:16, support refers to the financial and practical help the Philippians provided to Paul during his ministry. Their actions demonstrate the significance of caring for one another, especially in challenging times.
How does Philippians 4:16 relate to community?
Philippians 4:16 highlights the role of community in supporting its members, as the Philippians sent help to Paul multiple times. It shows that true fellowship involves actively looking out for each other's needs.
What can we learn from Philippians 4:16?
From Philippians 4:16, we learn the importance of being generous and supportive within our communities. It encourages us to consistently help those in need, fostering strong relationships and a spirit of fellowship.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.