Philippians 1:20
According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's statement of hope — 'as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death' — makes the glorification of Christ the singular criterion for evaluating all possible outcomes. The phrase 'in my body' (en to somati mou) is significant: it is not abstract spiritual honor but the visible, physical witness of Paul's conduct and bearing under trial that will either magnify or diminish Christ. 'Whether by life or by death' removes every outcome as a grounds for despair, since both serve the one goal — a remarkable statement of resignation to whatever form Christ's glorification requires. The verse has become paradigmatic for Christian reflections on suffering, martyrdom, and the subordination of self-preservation to the display of Christ's worth.
Other Translations
according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing shall I be put to shame, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death.
according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, and in all freedom, as always, also now Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether through life or through death,
In the measure of my strong hope and belief that in nothing will I be put to shame, but that without fear, as at all times, so now will Christ have glory in my body, by life or by death.
Cross References
O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.
Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.
But Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world …
For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like …
Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: …
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause …