Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.
Summary: This verse provides an excellent example of how the original Greek can help clear up questions about seeming contradictions in the Bible.
This verse provides the opportunity to clarify something that could be important to some.
The word Paul used when writing his letter was “alypos.” The NIV translation uses the English word “anxiety” here, but that is not a direct translation. Most English translations use a different word.
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines the word as meaning “free from pain or grief.”* This is different than our English word “anxiety,” which is often understood to mean “worry.”
This is important because if not understood correctly, it might seem that the Bible is contradicting itself.
The Gospels warn us not to worry. “[D]o not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear” (Matthew 6:25). Scripture also cautions against worrying about how we will defend ourselves when brought before those who would condemn us for believing in Jesus (Luke 12:11).
Paul, himself, tells us:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
It seems clear that God does not want us to worry! This is why it is important to understand Paul’s intent.
When I was young, I was taught that borrowing something from someone else meant accepting responsibility for whatever was borrowed.
For example, if I borrow a tool from my neighbor, and it breaks while I am using it, I feel obligated to repair or replace the tool before it is returned.
The Old Testament actually teaches this principle. One of the laws given by Moses says:
“If anyone borrows an animal from their neighbor and it is injured or dies while the owner is not present, they must make restitution.” (Exodus 22:14)
At any rate, when I have something that belongs to someone else, I am careful with it and return it as soon as possible.
Paul, having been trained in the Mosaic Law, felt the same. Epaphroditus is with him “on loan” from the Philippians. If something were to happen to him, Paul would feel responsible. Sending Epaphroditus home, especially after he had fallen ill, would be a great relief to Paul. Even though he will miss having Epaphroditus with him, seeing him on his way home will leave Paul at peace, knowing he is well.
Application: Borrowing from another carries with it responsibility.
Food for Thought: What is the antidote for worry when someone borrows something from you?
*”G253 – alypos – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (niv).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 3 Sep, 2025. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g253/niv/mgnt/0-1/>.
Trusting God, prayer, keeping our eyes on eternity, being thankful are all helpful. These things (and others) adjust our attitude to be more Christlike when challenges arise.
Proverbs 3; 5 – 6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
1 Thessalonians 5: 16 – 18: Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 6 – 7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6: 33: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Hebrews 12: 1 – 2a: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Thank you, Rich!
So true! Keeping our eyes on Christ is the real “attitude adjustment” we all need!
Good devotion; good explanation and breakdown.
What is the antidote for worry when someone borrows something from you?
I reckon the “worry” is that I wouldn’t get it back, or back in the same condition, which is fear of loss. I think when it comes to generosity verses loss there are a few things things to remember:
Everything belongs to God, we are stewards of His provision.
1 Corinthians 10:26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.”
Colossians 1:16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
Deuteronomy 10:14: “Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it”.
And, there is no exception for the believer. All things should be done in the name of Jesus, and in gratitude to God.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Because, God will always repay us justly, and in good measure according to our heart.
Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Luke 6:38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.
Thank you Chris!
“Everything belongs to God “
I think that sums up the situation rather well. 🙂
What is the antidote for worry when someone borrows something from.
Know the thing loaned is a “thing”, count it as lost, if it is returned as loaned, good. If it is not, or is with signs of misuse, no problem, but don’t place the borrowing person in a bad situation again. Don’t loan anything else to them, and if they ask tell them why you say no. Be open, honest and hold no hard feelings toward the person. Simply help them understand we are each responsible and held accountable for our actions.
All live in a learning process which will at some point, hopefully before judgement, will lead to knowing God is Sovereign in all things, at all times, and right and wrong are determined according to His will not ours.
Romans 2:15, They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them.
Hebrews 10:16, This is the covenant that I will make with them
after those days, declares the Lord. “ I will put my laws on their
hearts, and write them on their minds,”
We are each given free will by God and live our lives exercising the same. Ultimately, each is responsible for, will be held accountable, for the choices and actions during this life. Being held accountable for small things leads to understanding accountability with bigger things.
Thank you Ron!
I like how you couch this as an opportunity to serve.