Philippians 2:16 akjv — Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored i…

American King James Version

"Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. "

— Philippians 2:16, American King James Version

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Philippians 2:16 in Other Translations

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Philippians 2 — Context

13

For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

14

Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15

That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the middle of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world;

16

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.

17

Yes, and if I be offered on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

18

For the same cause also do you joy, and rejoice with me.

19

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly to you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

Philippians 2:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Philippians 2:16 say?
Philippians 2:16 in the American King James Version reads: “Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. ”
Where is Philippians 2:16 in the Bible?
Philippians 2:16 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Philippians, chapter 2, verse 16.
Who wrote Philippians?
Philippians is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle (from prison). It was written c. AD 60–62.
What is the book of Philippians about?
Written from prison, Philippians is the most joyful letter in the New Testament — a tender thank-you to a beloved church and a call to humble unity, modeled supremely by Christ who "emptied himself" and was exalted as Lord. Joy in any circumstance is its heartbeat.
What are the major themes of Philippians?
Philippians explores themes including Joy, Humility, Christ-likeness, Contentment, Citizenship in Heaven. These themes shape the meaning and context of Philippians 2:16.
What translation should I read Philippians 2:16 in?
Philippians 2:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Philippians 2:16?
Philippians 2:16 reads (AKJV): “Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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