What does the word "if" mean?

Saying "if this" does not mean that the "this" is true. It means that, for the moment, you should assume that "this" is true and see what happens.

Saying "if there is a god" does not mean there is a god or there is not a god. It means you should assume the condition for the moment and see what happens.

It does not matter if the assumption does not match "reality". One is dealing with a formal symbol manipulation system called logic - which may or may not model reality.

Paul is here writing in a "bottom-up" manner as in "if any or all of these are true".

The "if" can be used to reason as follows.

• "bottom-up" or "forward-chaining"
• "top-down" or "backward-chaining"

Paul is here writing in a "bottom-up" manner as in "if any or all of these are true".

What does "consolation" mean?

The Greek word is «παρακλησις», literally "beyond calling", which is related to the "comforter", "helper" or "advocate" as in the "Holy Spirit".

• If there be any comforter (Holy Spirit) in Christ ...

What does "comfort" mean?

It is not the "comfort" in the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:4!

More: Matthew 5:4 Good grief: the consolation prize of comfort

New Testament: The second of the (eight) Beatitudes.

Old Testament: In Luke 4, Jesus reads and stops right before this verse.

The Greek for "bowels" has to do with "gut feeling" and not "wisdom" or "head knowledge".

The Greek for "mercies" comes from the ancient Greek word "οἰκτρός" ≈ "pitiable, lamentable" but can also mean "hesitation".

There is another Greek word for "mercy". It is not clear why Paul used the word that he did in this verse.

The Greek word for "fellowship" means "community" and not "partnership" or "covenant".
Paul used "citizenship", or "conversation" in the KJV (King James Version), a few verses before and will use it in the next chapter.


The Philippians valued their Roman citizenship.

Paul then continues with the conclusion of the "bottom-up" sequence of "if" statements.

The English "joy" is "favor" in the Greek.
Paul appears to be saying "I did a favor to you by writing this. Now do me a favor." (and do what you are supposed to be doing).

The repeated use of "one" throughout the letter indicates that the church (and leaders) are going in different (and incorrect) directions.

More: A joyous thank you for the grace of a gaudy favor

The Greek for "minded" or "mind" is that of being prudent, sensible and making trade-offs for the best overall success.

At Philippi, there appear to be many "opinions" on what should be and is being done - and not all are in line with Christ.

More: A wise fool should not be prudish about being prudent

The Greek for "accord" is that of having the "same soul" as in the first part of the word "psychology".

Aristotle defined the Greek for "soul" as actualizing a potential. Thus, to Aristotle, a plant had a "soul".

From that point of view, "one accord" is "one ongoing purpose".

The English word "accord" comes from the Latin word "accordo" ≈ "be heart to heart with" from the Latin word "cor" ≈ "heart".

The KJV translation of this verse is the source of some jokes that it involved a Honda Accord (a model of car).

Being "like-minded" requires both loving God and loving neighbor (as yourself).

More: Integrity

More: Both love your God and love your neighbor as yourself needed

In being "like-minded", one should seek to "imitate" Christ and not "impersonate" Christ.

More: Imitator or impersonator of Christ

Restated. If Christ is important to you, then return my favor and be like Christ, having the same heart, love and mind.