Tag Archives: Philippians 4:17

Οὐχ ὅτι ἐπιζητῶ τὸ δόμα, ἀλλ’ ἐπιζητῶ τὸν καρπὸν τὸν πλεονάζοντα εἰς λόγον ὑμῶν. (Philippians 4:17)

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.”… Learn Koine Greek