Philippians 3:13 kjv
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Philippians 3:13 nkjv
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
Philippians 3:13 niv
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,
Philippians 3:13 esv
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
Philippians 3:13 nlt
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,
Philippians 3 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Phil 3:13 | Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead | Goal setting, Christian Life |
| 1 Cor 9:24-25 | Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes...disciplines himself | Spiritual discipline, heavenly prize |
| Heb 12:1-2 | Let us also lay aside every weight...run with endurance the race set before us | Perseverance, Christ's example |
| Rom 12:12 | Rejoicing in hope, suffering in tribulation, devoted to prayer | Endurance, Hope |
| Gal 5:7 | You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? | Spiritual progress |
| 2 Tim 4:7 | I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith | Faithful service, completed race |
| 1 Tim 6:12 | Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life | Spiritual warfare, eternal life |
| John 1:16 | From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. | Christ's sufficiency |
| John 15:5 | I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me... | Abiding in Christ |
| Col 3:1-2 | Seek the things that are above, not the things that are on earth. | Heavenly focus |
| Rom 8:28 | We know that in everything God works for good... | God's sovereignty |
| Eph 4:1-3 | I therefore... urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling... | Unity, Worthy walk |
| 1 Thess 5:14-15 | And we urge you, brothers, admonish theաշ, comfort the faint-hearted, uphold the weak... | Encouragement, Support |
| Heb 6:1 | Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ... | Spiritual maturity |
| Isa 43:18 | Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. | New beginnings, God's mercy |
| Jer 31:31-34 | The days are coming... when I will make a new covenant... | New covenant blessings |
| Ps 119:113 | I hate the double-minded, but I love your law. | Devotion to God's Word |
| 1 John 2:15-17 | Do not love the world or the things in the world. | Worldliness vs. Spirituality |
| Acts 20:24 | But I do not account my life of any value nor as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course | Self-sacrifice for ministry |
| Matt 6:33 | But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness... | Prioritizing God's kingdom |
| Mark 8:34-35 | Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake... | Self-denial for Christ |
| Phil 3:8 | Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord | Christ as supreme value |
| Phil 3:14 | I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus | Future hope, divine calling |
| Phil 4:13 | I can do all things through him who strengthens me. | Dependence on Christ's strength |
Philippians 3 verses
Philippians 3 13 Meaning
Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize to which God has called me upward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3 13 Context
Philippians 3:13 is situated within Paul's passionate exhortation to the believers in Philippi. He contrasts his own rigorous pursuit of righteousness through Christ with the legalism of some Judaizers who were pressuring Gentile converts to adhere to Mosaic Law. Paul has just described his own past religious achievements and how he now regards them as "rubbish" compared to the infinite value of knowing Christ. This verse serves as a declaration of his forward-looking, single-minded determination in his Christian walk, fueled by his union with Christ. The letter itself is known for its emphasis on joy, perseverance, and unity, making this verse a cornerstone of Paul's practical counsel for living the Christian life.
Philippians 3 13 Word Analysis
- Brother (adelphoi): Often used by Paul to refer to fellow believers, indicating a familial bond within the Christian community.
- I do not consider myself to have already grasped it: This highlights a humble acknowledgment that spiritual perfection has not yet been attained in this life. It’s a rejection of spiritual pride or complacency.
- but one thing: This signifies a singular, overriding focus and commitment. It implies a deliberate prioritization and elimination of distractions.
- forgetting: The Greek word is "epilanchanomai," meaning to neglect, omit, or let slip out of one's mind or effort. It's an active choice to disregard past attainments or failures.
- what lies behind: Refers to both past successes and failures. Paul is not dwelling on his former Jewish zeal (Phil 3:5-6) nor is he crippled by past sins or missteps.
- and reaching forward: The Greek word is "epekteinomenos," a present participle suggesting an ongoing, continuous action of stretching or striving. It's a dynamic movement of the will and the mind.
- to what lies ahead: Encompasses the future glories, the final consummation of salvation, the resurrection, and the presence of God. It's the ultimate destiny in Christ.
- I press on: The Greek word "dioko" means to pursue, chase, or persecute. Here, it’s used figuratively to describe an energetic and relentless pursuit of a goal.
- toward the goal: This refers to the objective, the prize, the aim of the Christian race. In context, it's the perfection of righteousness and the heavenly reward.
- for the prize: "Brabeion" in Greek refers to a prize in a contest, an award for victory. It points to the reward Christ gives to the faithful.
- of the upward call of God: "Anaklesis" signifies a summoning or calling upward. It refers to God's call to salvation, sanctification, and ultimate heavenly glory initiated from above.
- in Christ Jesus: This crucial phrase anchors the entire endeavor. The striving, the pressing on, and the prize are all realized and grounded in union with Jesus Christ.
Grouped Words Analysis:
- forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead: This captures a crucial element of the Christian life: a balanced perspective on the past and future. It's not about amnesia but about reorienting focus.
- press on toward the goal for the prize: This illustrates a determined, active, and goal-oriented spiritual journey. It’s not passive waiting but active pursuit.
- the upward call of God in Christ Jesus: This emphasizes that the entire Christian journey originates from and is sustained by God's initiative, leading to an eternal, heavenly destination made possible through Christ.
Philippians 3 13 Bonus Section
This verse underscores the "Christ-centered" nature of Paul's theology and life. His pursuit is not for personal glory but to win the prize God has purposed for him in Christ. This prize is the ultimate conformity to Christ, an eternal reward, and deeper fellowship with Him. The concept of "pressing on" or pursuing is mirrored in the imagery of ancient athletic contests, where strict discipline and single-minded dedication were necessary for victory. Paul adeptly uses this metaphor to motivate believers to pursue their spiritual calling with the same intensity. The ultimate strength for this pursuit comes from Christ himself (as elaborated in Philippians 4:13), reinforcing the idea that this is a supernatural endeavor, not merely human effort. The emphasis on the "upward call" also reminds believers of their heavenly citizenship, which influences their present conduct and ultimate hope.
Philippians 3 13 Commentary
Paul's declaration in Philippians 3:13 is a profound statement of faith in action. It articulates a mindset essential for Christian perseverance. This is not about erasing the past but about not being defined or limited by it. Both our past achievements and failures must be put in their proper place, subservient to the all-encompassing reality of Christ. The Christian life is a dynamic pursuit, a constant stretching toward an ever-present future hope—the fullness of life in Christ. This ongoing "pressing on" is energized not by self-power but by the power of Christ who strengthens the believer. The goal is ultimately God's calling into eternal fellowship with Him, a call realized and experienced "in Christ Jesus." This commitment requires a deliberate forgetting of lesser goals and a resolute forward gaze toward God's ultimate purpose.
Practical Usage Examples:
- When reflecting on past mistakes that cause guilt, focus on Christ's forgiveness and move forward with renewed purpose.
- When past successes lead to pride or complacency, remember Christ's example of humility and continue to press on for His glory.
- In times of discouragement, recall God's persistent call to a higher purpose in Christ and find strength to continue the race.