Philippians 4:10

An Exegetical Analysis of Philippians 4:10: The Nuances of ἠκαιρεῖσθε and Associated Grammatical-Rhetorical Considerations

This exegetical study of An Exegetical Analysis of Philippians 4:10: The Nuances of ἠκαιρεῖσθε and Associated Grammatical-Rhetorical Considerations is based on a b-greek discussion from March 17th, 2017.

The initial inquiry focused on Philippians 4:10, specifically seeking an explanation for the middle voice of the verb ἠκαιρεῖσθε, noting its contrast with the active voice usage of its antonym, εὐκαιρεῖν, found in passages such as 1 Corinthians 16:12 and Mark 6:31. Further points of obscurity were raised concerning the precise temporal force of ἤδη ποτὲ, the metaphorical implications of ἀνα-θάλλειν, the contextual dependency of verbal prefixes, and the adverbial or nominalizing function of ὑπέρ in relation to the infinitive.

The central exegetical issue revolves around the precise semantic and pragmatic force of ἠκαιρεῖσθε—a hapax legomenon in the New Testament—within its immediate context. This includes an examination of its middle voice, imperfect tense, and its intricate interaction with other significant lexical and syntactical elements in the verse, such as the temporal adverbs ἤδη ποτὲ, the metaphorical verb ἀνεθάλετε, and the clarifying clause ἐφ’ ᾧ καὶ ἐφρονεῖτε. Understanding these nuances is critical for accurately conveying Paul’s expression of gratitude and his pastoral sensitivity towards the Philippian community.

Greek text (Nestle 1904)
Ἐχάρην δὲ ἐν κυρίῳ μεγάλως, ὅτι ἤδη ποτὲ ἀνεθάλετε τὸ ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ φρονεῖν· ἐφ’ ᾧ καὶ ἐφρονεῖτε, ἠκαιρεῖσθε δέ.

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• Nestle 1904 employs a semicolon (;) before ἐφ’ ᾧ, whereas SBLGNT 2010 utilizes a comma (,) at this juncture. This is a minor orthographical variation with no substantive impact on meaning.

Textual criticism (NA28), lexical notes (KITTEL, BDAG):

• Textual Criticism (NA28): The reading of ἠκαιρεῖσθε in Philippians 4:10 is universally attested in the major manuscript traditions and is not subject to any significant textual variants in the Nestle-Aland 28th edition (NA28). This indicates a high degree of certainty regarding its presence in the autograph.
• Lexical Notes:
  • ἠκαιρεῖσθε (from ἀκαιρέω): This verb is a hapax legomenon in the New Testament, appearing only in Philippians 4:10.
    • BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, Gingrich, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature): Defines ἀκαιρέω as “to lack an opportune time, be without opportunity, have no leisure.” It denotes a state of being hindered or unable to act due to a lack of suitable circumstances. The middle voice here suggests subject-affectedness, implying that the Philippians experienced this lack of opportunity themselves.
    • KITTEL (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament): While ἀκαιρέω is not a headword, the discussion under καιρός (kairos, “time, season, opportunity”) illuminates its semantic field. ἀκαιρία signifies “lack of opportunity” or “unseasonableness.” The verb ἀκαιρέω therefore encapsulates the subjective experience of not having the right moment or means to do something. Its contrast with εὐκαιρέω (“to have opportunity or leisure”) is important, as the latter is consistently found in the active voice (cf. 1 Cor 16:12; Mark 6:31), underscoring the specific significance of the middle voice for ἀκαιρέω in Philippians 4:10.
  • ἀνεθάλετε (from ἀναθάλλω): Also a New Testament hapax legomenon.
    • BDAG: “to sprout again, flourish again, revive.” It is primarily used metaphorically to denote a renewal of concern, prosperity, or vitality, akin to plants blooming anew. The prefix ἀνα- typically conveys a sense of ‘again’ or ‘upwards,’ reinforcing the idea of revival or resurgence.
    • KITTEL (TDNT): The root verb θάλλω means “to bloom, to flourish, to sprout.” The compound ἀναθάλλω thus emphasizes a renewed flourishing, a re-emergence of vitality, often after a period of dormancy or inactivity, perfectly fitting the context of renewed care.
  • φρονεῖν (from φρονέω):
    • BDAG: “to have an opinion, think,” “to have a certain attitude, be intent on, set one’s mind on,” or “to have understanding, be sensible.” In this context, with τὸ ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ φρονεῖν, it signifies holding an attitude of concern or thoughtful regard on Paul’s behalf.

Translation Variants

with grammatical & rhetorical analysis.

The intricate grammatical and rhetorical features of Philippians 4:10 present a nuanced expression of Paul’s gratitude. The verse commences with Paul’s emphatic joy: Ἐχάρην δὲ ἐν κυρίῳ μεγάλως (“I rejoiced in the Lord greatly”). The subsequent clause, ὅτι ἤδη ποτὲ ἀνεθάλετε τὸ ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ φρονεῖν, elaborates on the reason for his joy.

• ἀνεθάλετε τὸ ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ φρονεῖν: The aorist active indicative ἀνεθάλετε (“you flourished again,” “you revived”) is here used metaphorically to describe the renewed manifestation of the Philippians’ concern. The articular infinitive phrase τὸ ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ φρονεῖν (“the being concerned on my behalf”) serves as the direct object of ἀνεθάλετε, signifying that their thoughtful care for Paul had revived or blossomed again. The prefix ἀνα- in ἀναθάλλω points to this renewal, implying a period where this concern, though perhaps latent, was not actively expressed, much like a plant re-sprouting. The meaning of such prefixes is often context-dependent, shaping the specific sense of renewal here.
• ἤδη ποτὲ: This adverbial phrase, combining ἤδη (“already,” “now at last”) and ποτὲ (“at some time,” “once”), is significant. While ποτὲ typically refers to an indefinite past, its combination with ἤδη here likely functions to express a sense of “now at last” or “finally,” marking the revival of their concern as a recently accomplished or long-awaited event. This temporal indicator sets up the subsequent explanation, highlighting that while the act is recent, the underlying sentiment has a history.
• ἐφ’ ᾧ καὶ ἐφρονεῖτε, ἠκαιρεῖσθε δέ: This clause provides a crucial qualification. ἐφ’ ᾧ (“concerning which,” “in which respect”) refers back to their enduring concern for Paul. The imperfect active indicative ἐφρονεῖτε (“you were concerned,” “you were minded”) emphasizes the continuous or habitual nature of their concern, confirming that their thoughtful disposition towards Paul was always present. The particle καὶ here can be intensive, meaning “indeed” or “even,” reinforcing the continuity of their concern. The adversative particle δέ (“but”) then introduces the contrasting statement: ἠκαιρεῖσθε.
• ἠκαιρεῖσθε: This imperfect middle indicative form of ἀκαιρέω is central to the exegetical challenge. The imperfect tense denotes a continuous or habitual state in the past – they were continually lacking or always without opportunity. The middle voice is particularly noteworthy. Unlike the active voice of its antonym εὐκαιρέω (to have opportunity), the middle voice of ἀκαιρέω emphasizes that the subject experienced or underwent the lack of opportunity. It portrays the Philippians as being themselves affected by this deprivation, rather than simply stating that opportunity was absent. This voice choice highlights their passive situation, where external circumstances prevented them from demonstrating their care, thus mitigating any potential accusation of negligence. Rhetorically, Paul’s expression avoids blaming the Philippians, instead acknowledging their persistent concern while understanding the external constraints they faced.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

The analysis of Philippians 4:10 reveals Paul’s profound gratitude, carefully articulated to affirm the Philippians’ unwavering concern despite their past inability to provide material support. The middle voice of ἠκαιρεῖσθε is key, underscoring their subjective experience of lacking opportunity rather than a failure of intent. The interplay of ἤδη ποτὲ, ἀνεθάλετε, and the qualifying clause ἐφ’ ᾧ καὶ ἐφρονεῖτε paints a picture of renewed expression of an always-present care, previously hindered by circumstances.

1. I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that now at last you have revived your concern for me. Indeed, you always were concerned, but you lacked opportunity.
   This translation emphasizes the ‘now at last’ aspect of their renewed action and highlights their passive experience of lacking opportunity, reflecting the middle voice.
2. I rejoiced exceedingly in the Lord that finally you let your concern for me blossom again. You were indeed always mindful, yet you found yourselves without opportunity.
   This version focuses on the metaphorical “blossoming” of their concern and uses a slightly more idiomatic rendering for ἠκαιρεῖσθε, reflecting their self-affected state and the continuous past action.
3. My joy in the Lord was immense, for you have at last brought to life again your thoughtful care for me. You had indeed long been attentive, but you were continually prevented by circumstances.
   This option foregrounds the active ‘bringing to life’ of their care, while also stressing the continuous nature of their prior attentiveness and the external hindrance they experienced, without implying fault on their part.