John Bengel Commentary - Philippians 4:5 - 4:5

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John Bengel Commentary - Philippians 4:5 - 4:5


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Php 4:5. Τὸ ἐπιεικὲς, your kindly spirit [æquitas[53]]) Joy in the Lord produces true kindliness in regard to our neighbour, and proper unconcern [freedom from over-carefulness] about one’s own affairs, Php 4:6; likewise true candour towards men and God Himself: and this candour is expressed by the words, γνωσθήτω, let it be known, i.e. in acts, and, γνωριζέσθω, let (your requests) be made known, viz. by prayer, Php 4:6. Moroseness is the companion of sadness and care.-γνωσθήτω, let be known) from the thing itself. There are some who cherish gentleness (æquitas, a yielding and kindly spirit) in their mind, and wish no ill to the unkindly, but yet they conceal their benignity; these do not act rightly.-πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις, to all men) good and bad, or the unkindly, ch. Php 2:15, even that the wicked may be gained. No one is so harsh in spirit as not to show himself kindly to some one, from sympathy, fear, hope of gain, emulation, etc. The believer does this to all. [But if, among all men, you know even one who has experienced the contrary conduct at your hand, see that even yet you show to him kindliness.-V. g.]-ὁ Κυρίος, the Lord) Christ the Judge, favourable to you, but executing vengeance upon the wicked. This consideration produces kindliness; Jam 5:9.

[53] Wahl, Clavis, N. 1, renders it ‘humanitas,’ kindness and gentleness towards others. He adds, others interpret it ‘modestia.’ moderation. Beng. has ‘æquitas,’ which includes both fairness and kindliness towards others, and equanimity in one’s own mind. Th. εἴκω, I yield.-ED.