Philippians 3 10

Philippians 3:10 kjv

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Philippians 3:10 nkjv

that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

Philippians 3:10 niv

I want to know Christ?yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Philippians 3:10 esv

that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Philippians 3:10 nlt

I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,

Philippians 3 verses

Philippians 3 10 Meaning

The core meaning is the Apostle Paul's profound desire to intimately know and experience the resurrected power of Christ, surpassing any personal achievements or external qualifications. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but transformative, rooted in participation in Christ's sufferings and conforming to His death.

Philippians 3 10 Context

In Philippians chapter 3, Paul is contrasting genuine faith with the teachings of Judaizers who insisted on adhering to the Mosaic Law for salvation and spiritual maturity. He enumerates his own impressive religious credentials, dismissing them as "rubbish" (v. 8) compared to the supreme value of knowing Christ. This verse follows his declaration that he wants to gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of his own from the law, but the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ.

Philippians 3 10 Word Analysis

• ἵνα (hina): "in order that," "so that." This particle introduces the purpose or goal of Paul's desire. It indicates that the experiential knowledge of Christ and participation in His suffering are not ends in themselves but means to a higher end.
• ἐπιγνῶσιν (epignōsin): "knowledge." From epiginōskō, a deeper, more intimate, experiential knowledge than simple intellectual assent. It implies a relational knowing.
• τοῦ (tou): Genitive definite article, "of."
• Χριστοῦ (Christou): "Christ." The Anointed One.
• τῆς (tēs): Genitive definite article, "of."
• δυνάμεως (dynameōs): "power." From dynamis, referring to inherent ability, intrinsic strength, or the energy that produces results.
• αὐτοῦ (autou): "His." Possessive pronoun referring to Christ.
• τῆς (tēs): Genitive definite article, "of."
• ἀναστάσεως (anastaseōs): "resurrection." From anastasis, the act of standing up, arising. Specifically, Christ's resurrection from the dead.
• αὐτοῦ (autou): "His."
• καὶ (kai): "and." Conjunction joining the elements of the desired knowledge.
• τῆς (tēs): Genitive definite article, "of."
• κοινωνίας (koinōnias): "fellowship," "participation." From koinōnia, meaning a sharing in, a partnership.
• τοῦ (tou): Genitive definite article, "of."
• πάθους (pathous): "suffering." From pathos, referring to intense experience, suffering, or what one endures. It connects to the concept of Christ's suffering.
• αὐτοῦ (autou): "His."
• συμμορφιζόμενος (symmorphizomenos): "conforming to," "becoming like." A present passive participle from symphorphizoō. It suggests an ongoing process of being shaped or molded.
• τῷ (tō): Dative definite article, "to the."
• θανάτῳ (thanatō): "death." From thanatos, death.
• αὐτοῦ (autou): "His."
• αὐτοῦ (autou): "His."

Words Group Analysis:

• "to know the power of his resurrection": This is not just about the historical event but experiencing the dynamic, life-giving force that raised Jesus from the dead. It's the power that energizes the believer.
• "and the fellowship of his sufferings": This is a profound connection. It's about entering into communion with Christ through sharing in the experiences He faced—persecution, rejection, misunderstanding—as a follower of His.
• "being conformed to his death": This speaks of a radical dying to self, sin, and worldly ambitions, reflecting Christ's voluntary sacrifice and obedience even unto death. It's about aligning one's life, attitudes, and actions with the self-sacrificial death of Christ.

Philippians 3 10 Bonus Section

This verse encapsulates the essence of Christian discipleship as a process of identification with Christ. The term "conformed" (symmorphizomenos) is used in the New Testament to describe a shaping or molding process. It is a passive participle, suggesting that God is the primary agent in this transformation, although it requires human cooperation. The pairing of resurrection power with suffering and conformity to death highlights that the Christian life is a paradoxical journey where victory comes through seeming defeat, and life emerges from death to self. This reflects the broader theological theme of "dying and rising" in the spiritual life, mirroring Christ's own journey. The desire for such knowledge is not morbid but life-affirming, as it leads to true transformation and fulfillment in Christ.

Philippians 3 10 Commentary

Paul articulates a singular ambition: to know Christ deeply, not just academically, but experientially. This involves grasping the immense power released through Christ's resurrection and, concurrently, participating in the sufferings that characterized Christ's life on earth. This participation is not punishment but a privilege that shapes believers to become more like Him, embracing a life of dying to self, mirroring Christ’s sacrificial death. It is the pursuit of Christlikeness through experiencing His life-transforming power and sharing in His obedient suffering.

• Practical Application: Christians are called to seek a deeper, relational knowledge of Jesus that extends beyond mere intellectual belief. This involves actively identifying with Christ's mission and accepting the difficulties and sacrifices that accompany a life devoted to Him. Embracing suffering for Christ, rather than avoiding it, is seen as a pathway to greater intimacy with Him and to experiencing His resurrection power in overcoming challenges.