Philippians 1:6 Text
King James Version (KJV)
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
World English Bible (WEB)
being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
What Philippians 1:6 Means
Paul expresses confidence that God will finish what he started in the Philippian believers. The 'good work' most naturally means the new life God began in them, and it likely includes their partnership with Paul in spreading the gospel, which he has just praised. The key verb is 'complete' in the WEB and 'perform' in the KJV; both mean to bring something to its intended end. The verse is often read as a promise of personal progress, and that fits, but notice that the subject is God, not the believer's effort. Paul's confidence rests on who is working, not on how well the Philippians are doing. A common misreading uses it to say any project you start is blessed to succeed. The verse speaks about God's work of salvation and growth in people, not about every plan we make.
Context of Philippians 1:6
Philippians is a letter from Paul, written from prison, probably in Rome around 60 to 62 AD, to the church he helped found in Philippi in Macedonia. It is warm and personal, partly a thank-you for their financial support. This verse comes in the opening thanksgiving, right after Paul says he thanks God for their partnership in the gospel. Next he explains how he prays for their love to grow in knowledge and insight. To read the whole book, see random verse from Philippians.
How to Apply Philippians 1:6
If you feel unfinished, stalled, or discouraged by your own progress, this verse offers a different measure. Growth is something God carries, and you are invited into it rather than required to produce it alone. Keep showing up to the ordinary habits of faith, and give yourself the patience God appears to have with you.
Related Verses
- Philippians 2:13 – For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
- Psalm 138:8 – The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD , endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 – And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
- Jude 1:24 – Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Looking for more verses on this theme? Browse Bible Verses About Faith, each with a short note on its context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Philippians 1:6 mean?
Paul is confident that God, who began a good work in the Philippian Christians, will keep working until Christ returns. It means God's care for a believer's growth is ongoing and reliable, not dependent on a perfect performance.
Is Philippians 1:6 about finishing my own goals?
Not directly. In context, the 'good work' is God's work of salvation and spiritual growth in people, along with their shared mission. It can still comfort you when you feel stuck, but it is not a promise that every personal project will succeed.
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