Philippians 1:23

21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

22 But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know.

I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.

24 But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.
KJV
For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
WEB
But I am hard pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
ASV
But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better:
DARBY
But I am pressed by both, having the desire for departure and being with Christ, [for] [it is] very much better,
BLB
But I am pressed by the two, having the desire to depart and to be with Christ, for [it is] very much better,
ÅB
men står rådvill mellom de to ting, idet jeg har lyst til å fare herfra og være med Kristus for dette er meget, meget bedre;
OTB
Jeg er dratt mellom de to: Jeg lengter etter å bryte opp og være med Kristus, for det er mye bedre;
B1930
men står rådvill mellem de to ting, idet jeg har lyst til å fare herfra og være med Kristus for dette er meget, meget bedre;

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 2 Corinthians 5:8

    We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

    Read in context
  • Psalms 17:15

    As for me, I will behold Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied in Your presence.

    Read in context
  • Revelation 14:13

    And I heard a voice from heaven telling me to write, “Blessed are the dead—those who die in the Lord from this moment on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labors, for their deeds will follow them.”

    Read in context
  • Luke 23:43

    And Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

    Read in context
  • John 17:24

    Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

    Read in context
  • Acts 7:59

    While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

    Read in context
  • 2 Timothy 4:6

    For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.

    Read in context
  • Revelation 7:14–17

    “Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

    Read in context