Philippians 4:20 - Meaning and Interpretation

Philippians 4:20 states: "Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." This brief yet profound verse concludes the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians, encapsulating key themes of gratitude, worship, and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.

Verse Analysis

This verse can be analyzed through various biblical commentaries, providing rich insights into its meaning:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Henry emphasizes that glorifying God should be the ultimate aim of all believers. He explains that Paul, in this doxology, redirects all honor and glory to God, recognizing Him as the source of all blessings.

• Albert Barnes' Commentary:

  Barnes highlights the importance of the phrase "our Father," illustrating the intimate relationship believers have with God. He notes that Paul affirms God's eternal glory, reflecting the church's duty to continually offer praise and thanksgiving.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke provides a linguistic breakdown of the text, explaining the significance of “for ever and ever.” He notes this phrase signifies the eternal nature of God's glory, underscoring that His majesty is unchanging and everlasting.

Thematic Connections

This verse connects with several important biblical themes:

• Gratitude:

  Philippians 4:20 encapsulates a thread of thankfulness evident throughout the entire chapter, urging believers to express gratitude for God's provision (Philippians 4:19).

• Worship:

  The doxological nature of this verse highlights the Christian practice of worship, aligning with verses that call for praise (Psalm 150:6).

• God's Sovereignty:

  Paul’s reference to God as “our Father” indicates reliance on divine authority, similar to the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9) which emphasizes God's holiness and reign.

• Timeless Glory:

  By stating “for ever and ever,” Paul ties this verse to the eternal glory found in Revelation 4:11, where creation praises God for His worthiness.

Bible Cross-References

Philippians 4:20 can be cross-referenced with the following verses:

• Romans 11:36: "For from him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."
• 1 Timothy 1:17: "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen."
• Revelation 1:6: "And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."
• 2 Corinthians 1:20: "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."
• Ephesians 3:21: "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."
• Hebrews 13:21: "Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
• Jude 1:25: "To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."

Conclusion

In summary, Philippians 4:20 serves as a profound reminder of the glory that belongs to God and calls Christians to acknowledge His eternal nature. The connections between this verse and others throughout the Bible enhance understanding and facilitate a deeper study of the themes of glory, thankfulness, and worship in the Christian faith. Understanding these connections through tools such as bible concordances and cross-reference systems can enrich one's scriptural knowledge.

Additional Study Tools

For those interested in further exploring cross-referencing Biblical texts, consider utilizing resources such as:

• Bible concordance: This tool helps locate verses and their related texts.
• Bible cross-reference guide: A structured approach to finding thematic links between scriptures.
• Cross-reference Bible study: Techniques for comparing and contrasting verses for deeper insights.
• Bible reference resources: Materials that provide comprehensive studies on various scriptural themes.