οὐχ ὅτι ἐπιζητῶ τὸ δόμα, ἀλλ’ ἐπιζητῶ τὸν καρπὸν τὸν πλεονάζοντα εἰς λόγον ὑμῶν
Philippians 4:17 expresses Paul’s pastoral sincerity in his relationship with the Philippians. While they supported him financially, Paul emphasizes that he values not the material gift itself but the spiritual benefit that accrues to them through their generosity. The Greek grammar reinforces this profound relational and theological point.
Grammatical Foundations
οὐχ ὅτι ἐπιζητῶ τὸ δόμα—”Not that I seek the gift.”
- οὐχ (a form of οὐ) negates the following clause.
- ὅτι introduces indirect speech or explanation.
- ἐπιζητῶ—present active indicative, 1st person singular from ἐπιζητέω, meaning “I seek” or “I eagerly desire.”
- τὸ δόμα—accusative singular neuter noun meaning “the gift” (a tangible offering or donation).
ἀλλ’ ἐπιζητῶ τὸν καρπὸν τὸν πλεονάζοντα εἰς λόγον ὑμῶν—”But I seek the fruit that increases to your account.”
- ἀλλ’—”but,” introducing the contrast.
- ἐπιζητῶ is repeated for emphasis: “I seek.”
- τὸν καρπόν—accusative singular masculine noun, “the fruit,” used metaphorically for spiritual benefit or reward.
- τὸν πλεονάζοντα—present active participle, accusative masculine singular from πλεονάζω, meaning “increasing,” “abounding.”
- εἰς λόγον ὑμῶν—a financial metaphor: “to your account.” λόγος here refers to an account or reckoning, like a ledger of credits.
The structure presents a subtle wordplay on commerce: the Philippians’ giving is credited not to Paul’s material gain but to their own spiritual profit.
Exegetical and Theological Implications
Paul clarifies that his joy lies not in receiving money but in seeing the Philippians grow spiritually through their generosity. Their gift is tangible evidence of their faith, love, and partnership in the gospel. The phrase τὸν καρπὸν τὸν πλεονάζοντα shows that the true benefit of giving is a growing spiritual reward that is “credited” to the giver’s eternal account.
This reinforces a key Pauline theme: outward actions (like giving) are meaningful not for external show but because they reflect—and lead to—spiritual maturity and divine blessing.
Linguistic and Historical Perspectives
δόμα is rare in the New Testament but common in classical Greek for a gift, especially in contexts of goodwill or support. Paul here carefully distances himself from the image of a teacher enriching himself through followers.
πλεονάζω suggests ongoing multiplication. In a Greco-Roman financial context, a good investment was one that bore compound interest. Paul redeems this idea to describe spiritual investment: the Philippians’ generosity brings divine dividends.
εἰς λόγον uses commercial language: the “account” or “record” into which credits are entered, making it clear that their gift results in spiritual gain rather than simple transaction.
Table: Verbal and Structural Features in Philippians 4:17
| Text | Greek Verb / Phrase | Form | Function / Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phil 4:17 | ἐπιζητῶ τὸ δόμα | Present active indicative + accusative noun | “I seek the gift”; Paul negates this as his primary motivation |
| Phil 4:17 | ἐπιζητῶ τὸν καρπὸν τὸν πλεονάζοντα | Present active indicative + participial phrase | “I seek the fruit increasing”; points to the Philippians’ spiritual gain |
| Phil 4:17 | εἰς λόγον ὑμῶν | Prepositional phrase | “To your account”; metaphor of crediting spiritual benefits |
The Verse as a Paradigm of Koine Greek Richness
Philippians 4:17 reveals how Koine Greek can express deep pastoral love and theological insight through careful balance and nuanced vocabulary. Paul’s word choice and structure blend commerce, relationship, and spirituality, making it clear that in the kingdom economy, true wealth is measured in fruit, not gifts.
