Philippians 3 (BHT-ATN)

“I Am Pressing On to Make Him My Own”

1 Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in union with the Lord. To write to you about things I’ve already warned you about before+ is for me no inconvenience, and is for you a protection.+

2 Watch out for those dogs, watch out for those evil workers, watch out for those who practice self-mutilation—I refuse to call it “circumcision.”+ 3 We, you see, are the ones who bear the critical circumcision, who worship and serve by the very Spirit of God, who exalt what Messiah Jesus has done+ and put no confidence in mere human strength and credentials+— 4 even though there are many things in that category that I myself could claim in my favor.+ If anyone else at all believes he has warrant for placing confidence in such things,+ my reasons outshine theirs+: 5 Circumcised on the eighth day,+ belonging to the nation of Israel, a member of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew-speaking Jew born of Hebrew-speaking parents;+ in regard to Torah, strict in my adherence,+ a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the assembly; as for the righteousness that is in Torah, blameless.

7 Such things that were in my eyes gains, however, these I have come to regard, on account of the Messiah, as loss. 8 No, more than that, I regard all things a loss on account of that which is so much more valuable, namely, knowing Messiah Jesus my Lord, on account of whom I forfeited+ all those things and regard them as pure crap,+ so that I may gain the Messiah 9 and be found in union with him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is by Torah, but that which comes through the very faith of the Messiah,+ the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know the Messiah+ and experience the power of his resurrection and share in his sufferings, being conformed to his death, 11 in the hope that, by any means possible, I will share in the resurrection from the dead.+

12 I’m not claiming that I have already made the Messiah+ my own, or that I have already been fully and finally consecrated. Yet I am pressing on to make him+ my own, because Messiah Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers and sisters, I don’t think of myself as having already made him+ my own. Still, one thing I do: Forgetting, on the one hand, the things that lie behind, and straining, on the other, toward the things that lie ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal in order to win the prize to which God summons us from on high through Messiah Jesus.++

15 As many of us as are mature, therefore, this is the kind of mindset that we need to maintain. And if you have, in some particular area, a different mindset, this, too, God will reveal to you. 16 In any case, whatever progress we have made,+ it is according to the same standard+ that we are to continue living our lives. 17 Join together in following my example,+ brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who are living their lives this way, just as you have an example in us. 18 Many, you see, about whom I have spoken to you many times, and now do so again even with tears, live their lives as enemies of the cross of the Messiah, 19 whose end is utter ruin, whose god is their own selfish interests and appetites,+ and who pride themselves in things of which they should be ashamed, whose minds are set on these: The sinful ways of the earth.+ 20 As for us, the capital city that lists us among its citizens and governs our way of life+ is in the heavens, from which we eagerly await, too, a Savior, the Lord Jesus the Messiah, 21 who will transform these weak and mortal bodies of ours+ so that they are conformed to his glorious body, using the same great power by which he is also able to subject to himself the whole creation.+

+1:1Lit the saints/holy ones. ME(OTB)/IT (see Timothy Miller, “Paul’s Priestly Mission and Salvation from the Coming Wrath: A Missiological Probe of Romans 15:16 and the Question of Divine Anger through the Worldview of Leviticus” [PhD diss., Columbia International University, 2024]).+1:1Or including, with. In this context, σύν ( sun) is nearly synonymous with καὶ ( kai) (see BDAG, 962, sv 3.a.β.), and, because overseers and deacons are obviously included in the “saints,” most likely means “including” or “especially” in this context (see ESS [Php], 13; UBSHS [Php], 7). Cf HCSB, NCV, NLT, TEV.+1:1Or helpers, or servants. In Paul’s lifetime, the word used here (διάκονος [ diakonos]), though describing some sort of leadership role related to certain responsibilities in the assembly (probably with a focus on financial matters, as an assistant), was most likely not yet used in a specialized or technical sense (see BDAG, 230, sv διάκονος 2; UBSHS [Rm], 290; UBSHS [Php], 7). Cf TEV; NCV at Rm 16:1.+1:2Unless otherwise marked (through superscript—ˢyou), all second person pronouns are in the second person plural.+1:5Lit because of your fellowship, or because of your close association. ME (see BDAG, 552, sv κοινωνία a.; translation and notes at Ga 2:9).+1:5Lit from the first day. ME/IT (see UBSHS [Php], 12).+1:6Or among.+1:7Drawing from the UBSHS in translation here (see UBSHS [Php], 13).+1:7Or because of the love and affection that you have for me. Lit because of the me to have in my heart you, or because of you to have in your heart me. ME (see BDAG, sv καρδία 1.b.ζ.). Cf NEB, REB, TNT.+1:7Lit sharers of my grace. ME (see BDAG, 1080, sv χάρις 4; Ibid, 952, sv συγκοινωνός; ESS [Php], 24; UBSHS [Php], 14). V 6 (“he who began a good work”), indicates that the power of God that is graciously given is primarily in view here. Cf Eph 1:17-20; 1 Th 2:13, 5:23-24; 2 Co 12:9.+1:8Lit how I long for all of you with the entrails of Messiah Jesus. ME(I/F) (see BDAG, 938, sv σπλάγχνον 3; L-N, 25.47, 25.49).+1:10Maintaining consistency in translation with Rm 2:18 (see translation and notes there).+1:10Or so that, or and as a result. Purpose, result, or further discourse are all conceivable here, and in fact may be overlapping.+1:10Or pure, or sincere.+1:10Or on, or until.+1:11Cf Jn 15:1-11; Ga 2:17-20.+1:12Lit the things according to me. ME (see UBSHS [Php], 19).+1:13Lit as a result. Drawing from the UBSHS in translation here (see UBSHS [Php], 20).+1:13Lit so that my bonds have become manifest in the Messiah in all the praetorium and to all the rest. ME (see UBSHS [Php], 20-21). Cf HCSB, NCV, NET, NLT, TEV. The mismatch in languages here is obvious.+1:17Cf Phps.+1:18Lit For what? ME (see BDAG, 1007, sv τίς 1.a. β ה.). Cf HCSB, ISV, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+1:19Or salvation.+1:19Jb 13:16 (LXX)+1:19Cf NAB.+1:20Lit my eager expectation and hope. ME (see BSL, Php 1:20, sv ἐλπίς; NET Bible Notes, Php 1:20; translation and notes at 2 Co 1:7). The phrase here is interpreted as a hendiadys. This is reflected in the translation. Cf NET, NJB.+1:20Or disappointed, or put to shame.+1:20Or the Messiah will be honored, or the Messiah will be exalted. Lit the Messiah will be magnified, or the Messiah will be enlarged. Cf REB. The ESL has “to make conspicuous” as a metaphorical use of μεγαλύνω ( megalunō) (see ESL, #3170). Passages like 2 Cor 4:7-18 and Col 1:24 (see translation and notes there; cf also 2 Co 12:7-10), where Paul’s body (as the “instrument of human experience and suffering”; see BDAG, 983, sv σῶμα 1.b.) is described as the place where the Messiah’s life and sufferings are displayed in context to his ministry and witness, cause me to lean in favor of the interpretation reflected in the text.+1:21Cf 2 Cor 2:14-17, 4:7-18; Col 1:24.+1:22Lit If the to go on living in the flesh. Translated according to “Flesh” C, G (see FBT Chart).+1:25Lit for your progress and joy of/in the faith. ME. Cf translation and note at 1 Th 3:10.+1:26Lit so that your boast/reason to boast may abound in Christ Jesus in me. ME (see translation and notes at 1 Co 1:31 and 2 Co 1:14; UBSHS [Php], 37). Cf JB, NLT. The Greek here is somewhat ambiguous (for further discussion, see UBSHS [Php], 37).+1:26Cf Phps.+1:27Cf NIV, TNT.+1:27Cf TEV.+1:27Or competing in the games side by side.+1:27Or for the faith, that is, the gospel; or for the faith based on the gospel.+1:28Cf translation and notes at 2 Th 1:5.+1:28Cf Rm 2:1-5; 2 Th 1:5.+1:29Or on behalf of the Messiah.+1:29Lit to you has been graciously granted the for the sake of/on behalf of the Messiah, not only to be believing in him, but also to be suffering for his sake/on his behalf. ME (see UBSHS [Php], 43). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+1:29Cf Ac 5:41.+2:1Lit any encouragement/comfort/consolation/help/strength. For the range of meaning possible with παράκλησις ( paraklēsis), see translation and notes at 2 Co 1:4.+2:2Lit the one thing. Cf HCSB.+2:3Lit according to vainglory. ME (see translation and notes at Ga 5:26).+2:6Lit in the form of God. ME (see L-N, 58.2; NET Bible Notes, Php 2:6; UBSHS [Php], 56). Cf Gdspd, Mft, Phps, NEB, NIV, NLT, TEV. The Greek word used here (μορφή [ morphē]) “denotes an essential form of something which never alters, a form which corresponds to an underlying reality” ( UBSHS [Php], 56).+2:6Or as something to be forcibly retained, or as something to be forcefully seized. Cf HCSB, NCV, NRSV.+2:7Lit emptied himself. ME (see BDAG, sv κενόω 1.b.; UBSHS [Php], 59). Cf NLT, TEV.+2:7Cf Jn 17:5.+2:7Lit having become in the likeness of men. ME (see NET Bible Notes, Php 2:7; translation and notes at Rm 8:3).+2:7Lit and having been found in form as a man. ME (see BDAG, 412, sv εὑρίσκω 2; NET Bible Notes, Php 2:7; UBSHS [Php], 60). Correspondence with reality is again implied here.+2:9Cf Re 2:26-28, 3:21.+2:10A reference to Is 45:23.+2:10Lit under the earth, or subterranean. ME (OTB) (see translation and notes at Mt 11:23; UBSHS [Php], 63). Cf Lk 8:31,16:19-31; Rm 10:7; 1 Pt 3:19; 2 Pt 2:4; Jud 6; Re 9:1, 20:1.+2:11Cf Is 45:23; Rm 14:10-11.+2:12Lit do [thoroughly]/accomplish [thoroughly] your salvation. ME. In this context κατεργάζομαι (katergazomai) means “to put into effect entirely or thoroughly” ( BSL, Phil 2:12, sv). It seems clear that here Paul is referring to ongoing Christian obedience (see Gordon D. Fee, Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, The New International Commentary on the New Testament [Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1995], 232). It also seems that Paul is referring to the same idea as he mentions in in 2 Cor 6:1 (“don’t receive the grace of God in vain” [CSB]), only stated here in positive rather than negative terms. At 1 Thess 2:1 the REB translates κενός as “fruitless.” Stated positively, this would mean the “fruitfulness” of obedience. Hence the rendering here. Cf NLT. See also NAC (Php), 109. That the NAC is in fact correct in its interpretation here (“personal salvation brings with it...the responsibility...to live in accord with their salvation” [p 109]), is confirmed (1) by the immediate context (“just as you have obeyed” [v 12a]); (2) by the broader context of Philippians (cf Php 1:27); and (3) similar statements made in other parts of the Pauline corpus (see, eg, 1 Th 2:12, 4:1-8; 2 Th 1:11; Eph 4:1, 6:5 [note the presence of “fear and trembling” here]). Cf Php 1:27; 1 Th 2:12, 4:1-8; 2 Th 1:11; Eph 4:1.+2:13Or among.+2:13Lit the one at work/producing in you both the to will and the to work for the sake of the good pleasure is God. ME (see UBSHS [Php], 69). Cf ISV, NLT, TEV. The mismatch in languages is obvious here.+2:13Cf 1 Th 2:12, 4:1-8; 2 Th 1:11.+2:14Cf 1 Co 10:10.+2:15Lit luminaries in the world/cosmos. ME (see BDAG, 561, sv κόσμος 3; L-N, 1.27; UBSHS [Php], 71). Cf CJB, NAB, TEV.+2:16Or holding out.+2:16Lit resulting in a boast to me. ME (see translation and notes at 2 Co 1:14).+2:16Cf 1 Co 3:1-15, 4:5.+2:16Cf 1 Co 3:1-15, 4:5.+2:17Or am about to be poured out (referring to the possibility of impending martyrdom). Php 2:20 and 4:18, as well as 2 Ti 4:6 (note the presence of ἤδη [ ēdē], “already,” there), cause me to lean toward the interpretation represented in the NAC (see NAC [Php], 115) and reflected in the translation here. Cf also 2 Co 2:14-26, 12:15; Php 1:19-26. Accordingly, the meaning of this statement would be something similar to this: Though I desire to be with the Lord (cf 1:23), if I am in fact to go on suffering for the gospel (as I am convinced; cf 1:25), my ministry being enabled by the generosity and sacrifice inspired by your faith, I will be glad and rejoice (even though it means continued difficulty and hardship for me).+2:17Cf Nu 15:3-10.+2:17Or at, or upon.+2:17Cf Php 1:5, 1:18-26, 2:30, 4:18.+2:19Lit knowing the things concerning you. ME (see translation and notes at Eph 6:21-22; UBSHS [Php], 78; NLT). Cf ESV, HCSB, ISV, NET, NIV, NLT, NRSV, RSV, TEV.+2:20Lit I have no one/man like-souled. ME (see UBSHS [Php], 79). Cf TEV.+2:21Cf 2 Ti 4:10.+2:22Lit his.+2:28Or so that upon seeing him again you may be glad.+2:30Lit to fill up your lack/deficiency/absence of the service to me. ME (see translation and notes at 1 Co 16:17; UBSHS [Php], 86).+3:1Lit the same things. ME (see ESS [Php], 152; UBSHS [Php], 90). Cf NLT, TEV.+3:1Cf HCSB, NJB.+3:2Lit the cutting into, or the mutilation. ME (see ANLEX, 222, sv κατατομη; L-N, 19.22; UBSHS [Php], 92). Cf NEB. Bodily mutilation was forbidden by the Law (see Lv 21:5; cf 1 Ki 18:28). Here, Paul is saying that for all practical purposes, the Judaizers were no different than pagans, despite their bodily circumcision (see UBSHS [Php], 92).+3:3Lit boast in Messiah Jesus. ME (see translation and notes at 1 Co 1:29-31 and 2 Co 1:14).+3:3Lit in the flesh. ME. Translated according to “Flesh” G (see FBT Chart). The context indicates that privileges/accomplishments/credentials are also in view here. Cf NET.+3:4Lit although I having reason for confidence even in the flesh. ME (see UBSHS [Php], 95). Cf NET, NLT, TEV.+3:4Lit in the flesh. See note at v 3.+3:4Lit I more.+3:5Cf Gn 17:12.+3:5Or a pure-blooded Jew. Lit a Hebrew born of Hebrews, or a Jew born of Jews. ME (see FSB, Php 3:5; NAC [Php], 129; UBSHS [Php], 96; Robertson, Word Pictures, Php 3:5). Cf CJB, TEV.+3:5Lit in regard to the Law, a Pharisee. ME(H)/IT (see L-N, 11.49; UBSHS [Php], 96; translation and notes at Mt 16:18-19, 23:4). Cf NCV, NLT.+3:8Or suffered the loss of.+3:8According to the NET Bible Notes, the Greek word used here (σκύβαλον [ skubalon]) “was often used in Greek as a vulgar term for fecal matter. As such it would most likely have had a certain shock value for the readers. This may well be Paul’s meaning here, especially since the context is about what the flesh produces” (see NET Bible Notes, Php 3:8). Cf BDAG, sv σκύβαλον, 932.+3:9Or by the Messiah’s faithfulness, or by faith in the Messiah.+3:10Lit him.+3:11Cf Ac 24:15, Rm 2:7-8, 8:17; 1 Co 9:27-10:14, 15:23; Php 3:21; 2 Ti 4:6-8; Re 2:7, 2:11 20:4-6.+3:12Or these things. IT. Cf BDAG, sv 584, sv λαμβάνω 8; NLT. There is no explicit direct object in the Greek text here, which means that it must be drawn from the context (Greek often leaves out direct objects when they are implied from the context). BDAG’s interpretation (according to which the Messiah is interpreted as the implied direct object) makes the most sense in this context (cf “gain Christ” in v 8), since the fact that Paul was not yet resurrected was obvious. The context indicates that “gain the Messiah” and “make the Messiah my own” means “knowing the Messiah,” being “in union with the Messiah,” “being conformed to the Messiah,” and “sharing in his sufferings.” The prize is the resurrection.+3:12Or them. See note at “Messiah” earlier in this verse.+3:13Or them.+3:14Lit the prize of the above call/summons of God in/through Messiah Jesus. The second genitive is meant to be understood subjectively, and the calling/summons is God’s summons to live according to the standard of the gospel (cf Eph 1:18, 4:1; 1 Th 2:11-12; 2 Th 1:11). The “prize” here means the realization of the hope of the gospel (“resurrection” [v 11], “kingdom and glory” [1 Th 2:12]). “Above” here (lit the “above calling”) doesn’t refer to the final destiny of the believer (Platonism), but to the source of the calling (like ἐπουράνιος ( epouranious) at Heb 3:1; see L-N, 12.16, 12.17). The first genitive isn’t functioning appositionally, but points forward (cf interpretation 2 in ESS [Php], 186; NCV, NIV, NLT, NIV) to the final result of the calling (ie, resurrection from the dead [cv v 11; 1 Th 2:12], our “hope” [cf Rm 8:23-24; Eph 1:18]). Cf also Heb 2:5-18.+3:14Cf 1 Co 9:24-27; 1 Th 2:11-12; Heb 2:5-3:6.+3:16Cf NLT.+3:16Cf 1 Co 4:17.+3:17Lit become joint imitators of me. ME (see UBSHS [Php], 115). Cf ISV, NCV, NIV.+3:19Lit whose god is the stomach. ME (see translation and notes at Rm 16:18).+3:19Lit the earthly things. ME (see BDAG, 368, sv ἐπίγειος 1.a., 2; L-N, 9.7; UBSHS [Php], 117). Col 3:1-6 and Jm 3:15 make it clear what Paul means here. A contrast in conduct is implied both from the preceding and subsequent context.+3:20For the meaning of πολίτευμα ( politeuma) here, see TLNT, 3:130, sv; BSL, Ph 3:20, sv. Cf also Brenton at 2 Mac 12:7. “Way of life/conduct” should be included here (cf BDAG, 845, sv πολιτεία 3; Ibid, 846, sv πολιτεύομαι 3; UBSHS [Php], 118), since cross-centered conduct is being contrasted with the opposite in this context. Care should be taken here to avoid giving the impression that heavenly destiny, rather than bodily resurrection at the Second Coming, constitutes the final hope of the believer.+3:21Lit our body of the humble state, or the body of our humble state. ME (see UBSHS [Php], 120). Cf NLT, TEV.+3:21Lit according to the working of the him to be able also/even to subject to himself the all things/the whole creation. ME (see UBSHS [Php], 121; translation and notes at Eph 1:19-20). Cf CJB, NET, NLT, TEV.