John 16:7

An Exegetical Analysis of the Participle ἔχων in Philippians 1:23

The precise syntactical function of participles in Koine Greek often presents a significant challenge for interpreters, directly impacting the nuanced understanding and translation of New Testament texts. This analysis focuses on the present active participle ἔχων in Philippians 1:23, exploring its grammatical role and rhetorical contribution to Paul’s expression of his profound personal dilemma. Understanding the specific force of this participle is crucial for accurately conveying the apostle’s state of mind and the theological implications of his statement.

συνέχομαι γὰρ ἐκ τῶν δύο, τὴν ἐπιθυμίαν ἔχων εἰς τὸ ἀναλῦσαι καὶ σὺν Χριστῷ εἶναι, πολλῷ γὰρ μᾶλλον κρεῖσσον· (Nestle 1904)

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• There are no textual differences in Philippians 1:23 between the Nestle 1904 text and the SBLGNT (2010) edition. Both present the same Greek text for this verse.

Textual Criticism and Lexical Notes

The text of Philippians 1:23 as presented by Nestle 1904 aligns perfectly with modern critical editions, including the NA28 and SBLGNT. The textual apparatus for this verse in NA28 indicates no significant variants that affect the reading or interpretation of the participle ἔχων or its immediate context.

Lexically, the participle ἔχων derives from the verb ἔχω, a common verb meaning “to have, to hold, to possess.” In conjunction with its direct object, τὴν ἐπιθυμίαν (“the desire”), it signifies “to have a desire” or “to possess a longing.” BDAG (s.v. ἔχω, I.1.a.γ) notes that ἔχω with an abstract noun can express a particular state or attitude, such as “to have a desire.” Here, Paul articulates the specific content of his desire: “to depart and to be with Christ.” The verb itself is semantically straightforward, but its participial form necessitates careful grammatical analysis to determine its precise syntactical function within the larger sentence structure.

Translation Variants and Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis

The participle ἔχων (masculine singular nominative) grammatically agrees with the implicit subject of the main verb, Paul himself (expressed by the first-person singular verb συνέχομαι). As a present active participle, it indicates an action or state occurring concurrently with, or immediately preceding, the action of the main verb.

The primary exegetical issue concerns the syntactical function of this participle. It is clearly functioning circumstantially, but the precise nuance is debated among options such as causal, attendant circumstance, or even concessive. Let’s examine the possibilities:

• Causal: If understood causally, the participle explains *why* Paul is “hard pressed” (συνέχομαι). The translation would be “Because I have a desire…” This interpretation is highly plausible, as Paul’s dilemma (being “hard pressed”) directly results from the presence of two conflicting desires: to die and be with Christ, or to remain for the Philippians’ benefit. The desire itself is the *cause* of his internal conflict.
• Attendant Circumstance: This function describes an action or state that accompanies the main verb. The translation would be “I am hard pressed, while having a desire…” or “I am hard pressed, and I have a desire…” While grammatically possible, in this context, the accompanying “having of a desire” is not merely concurrent; it fundamentally *explains* the “hard pressed” state. Thus, an attendant circumstance reading often carries an implicit causal force here.
• Concessive: A concessive reading would imply “Although I have a desire…” This is less fitting for the context. Paul is not hard pressed *despite* his desire, but rather *because* of it. The desire is the problem, not something he overcomes or struggles against in the sense of a concession.

Rhetorically, the participle vividly portrays Paul’s internal struggle. By presenting his desire as the immediate context or cause of his “being hard pressed,” he underscores the depth of his predicament. The juxtaposition of his personal longing for Christ with his apostolic concern for the Philippians creates a powerful sense of pathos and sincerity, demonstrating the genuine nature of his dilemma.

Based on the semantic connection between “being hard pressed” and “having a desire,” a causal or strongly causal attendant circumstance interpretation is most appropriate. The desire for departure is not simply an accompanying state, but the very reason for his constrained feeling.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

The participle ἔχων in Philippians 1:23 functions primarily as a circumstantial participle expressing the cause or reason for Paul’s “hard pressed” state. It powerfully articulates the source of his internal dilemma, stemming from his profound desire to be with Christ, which stands in tension with his commitment to the Philippian church. This causal understanding enriches the passage, highlighting the personal cost of Paul’s ministry and his authentic longing for glorification.

1. “For I am hard pressed between the two, because I have a desire to depart and to be with Christ, for that is far better.”
   This translation explicitly states the causal relationship between Paul’s desire and his state of being hard pressed.
2. “For I am in a dilemma between the two, having the longing to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.”
   This rendering treats the participle as an attendant circumstance that carries a strong explanatory force, showing the cause implicitly.
3. “For I am torn between the two options, for I long to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.”
   This option rephrases the participle clause into an independent clause with an explicit causal conjunction, capturing the underlying logic directly.