Definition: Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Philippians 1:20. It’s a really beautiful and comforting message about encouragement and hope! Here's what it means in simple terms: “Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord…” “Yea” : This is an intensifier – it emphasizes the feeling being expressed. “Brother” : This refers to a fellow believer, someone who shares a relationship with Jesus. It’s a gentle and loving way to address someone. “Let me have joy of thee…” : This means “I want your happiness.” It’s not just wishing for their well-being; it's expressing a deep desire for their joy . It suggests wanting them to be filled with happiness, contentment, and fulfillment. “…refresh my bowels in the Lord.” “Refresh my bowels” : This is where it gets a bit more symbolic. “Ears” refers to the stomach or belly. "Refresh" means to restore something – to make it whole again, to bring it back to its original state of goodness and fullness. So, this phrase suggests that you want their happiness to be restored to its full potential! “in the Lord” : This is crucial . It's saying that your desire for their joy comes from God Himself. It’s a direct plea to God for their well-being and happiness. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: Essentially, Philipo is expressing his deep care and affection for another person (his brother). He wants them to experience the fullness of life and happiness, and he's asking God to actively work in their lives to bring that joy back to them. It’s a powerful expression of love, hope, and trust in God's plan for their well-being. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the idea that our relationship with God is fundamentally about their happiness and fulfillment. It’s a reminder that we are called to care for others, not just as individuals, but as expressions of God's love and purpose. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Philippians? Give you some deeper context about the meaning of this passage?