Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Philippians 1:22

εἰ δὲ τὸ ζῆν ἐν σαρκί, τοῦτο κτλ. His thought, after the avowal that for him “to die is gain,” is that the other alternative—to live still in the body—has a charm in it, for it implies so much more time for fruitful toil for Christ; and so he is in suspense between bliss and bliss. We may translate, slightly paraphrasing, “But if it” (my actual lot, in the will of God) “should be to live (on) in flesh,” i.e. under the conditions of mortality (cp. Galatians 2:20), “this I shall find (μοι) to be full of fruit of work.” Living will mean working, working will mean fruit-bearing (see John 15:5; John 15:16) for Christ; and life so lived will indeed be “worth living.”

The rendering of R.V. (text) is “But if to live in the flesh—if this be the fruit of my work, then (καὶ) what I shall choose, &c.” But the explanation of καὶ by “then” is improbable, and the thought of continued life as a “fruit” of previous efforts is difficult and scarcely in place.

καὶ. Simply “and.” The “then” of R.V. and “yet” of A.V. are alike needless. He merely takes another step in the same line of thought.

γνωρίζω. The knowledge of insight, recognition, is suggested. “I do not see clearly” (Ellicott).

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Philippians 1:22

Old Testament

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