Philippians 4:8f – Language Matters

…whatever is admirable …think about such things. 

Summary: Paul’s use of the word “admirable” can be taken several ways. By looking at the original Greek and meditating on the context, we can better understand his meaning. 

English is not Greek. 

That sounds obvious, of course, perhaps even “stupid,” but it is important. The reason it is important is that it is very easy to read an English translation of the New Testament and forget about the Greek. 

The problem is that no matter which translation a person might use, if it is a translation, it is not the original language. 

Language matters! 

Going through Paul’s sentence in verse eight, word by word, might seem painstakingly slow, but there is a point to be made: English is not Greek. Even if the English word is close to the Greek in meaning, it still helps to examine the word in context to better understand Paul’s intent. 

The word for this meditation is “admirable.” 

What do you suppose Paul means? 

Is it possible he is talking about anything we might admire? 

The word Paul used is “eúphēmos” (yoo’-fay-mos). Strong’s Lexicon defines this word as “well spoken of, i.e. reputable:—of good report.”*

Even here, there is room for context. Paul is obviously not referring to things that are “well spoken of” by godless heathens. He is talking about things that are well spoken of by Christian brothers and sisters. 

In his first letter to Timothy, Paul writes, “The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them.” Then he says, “In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever” (1 Timothy 5:24-25)

Notice the context. Paul is speaking as a Christian who has the Holy Spirit to guide him. He is writing to Christians who also have the Holy Spirit as their guide. Within this context, he points out that the “sins … are obvious” and “good deeds are obvious.” We need God’s Word and the Holy Spirit to discern the difference (John 14:26). 

If by the power of God’s Spirit we can discern sins from good deeds, doesn’t it make sense that we can also discern what is admirable in God’s eyes? 

Application: Strive to see life through God’s eyes.  

Food for Thought: What is the advantage of not giving a specific list of things to think about? 

*”G2163 – euphēmos – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (niv).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 3 Dec, 2025. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2163/niv/mgnt/0-1/>.