Philippians 3 14

Philippians 3:14 kjv

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14 nkjv

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14 niv

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14 esv

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14 nlt

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Philippians 3 verses

Philippians 3 14 Meaning

Philippians 3:14 expresses the apostle Paul's unyielding determination to pursue God's ultimate purpose for his life. He declares his relentless forward movement, likening his Christian life to an athlete striving for the finish line to receive a promised reward. This "prize" is not earthly but heavenly, signifying the ultimate realization of God's divine and transcendent summons in Christ Jesus, culminating in spiritual glory and complete conformity to Him. It encapsulates a commitment to continuous growth and striving, empowered by God and anchored in Christ, for the final fulfillment of His call.

Philippians 3 14 Context

Philippians 3:14 is the powerful culmination of Paul's personal spiritual journey described in the chapter. Paul recounts his past identity, contrasting his formidable Jewish credentials and zealous pursuit of righteousness through the Law (vv. 4-6) with his profound re-evaluation after encountering Christ. He declares that all his former advantages and achievements are mere "rubbish" compared to the "surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (vv. 7-8). His consuming desire is to "gain Christ" and to "be found in Him," abandoning his own legal righteousness for the righteousness that comes from God through faith (v. 9).

He further articulates his aim to "know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead" (vv. 10-11). Importantly, Paul immediately clarifies in verse 12 that he has "not already obtained this or am already perfect," dispelling any notion of static spiritual perfection. Instead, he vigorously "presses on" towards that goal. This continuous pursuit is explicitly framed in verse 13 as "forgetting what is behind and straining forward to what is ahead," setting the stage for verse 14 as the focused statement of this forward-moving ambition. The immediate historical context would include the Philippian believers living in a Roman colony, which had an athletic tradition. Paul’s use of athletic imagery would be readily understood, highlighting the disciplined effort and singular focus required for their heavenly calling.

Philippians 3 14 Word analysis

• "I press on": The Greek word is διώκω (diōkō). This verb literally means to pursue, to run swiftly after something or someone, or even to chase with an intent to apprehend. While often used in the New Testament to denote persecution (e.g., "persecute"), here it is applied positively, indicating an earnest, eager, and aggressive pursuit. It implies sustained effort and singular focus, similar to an athlete sprinting towards a finish line, driven by an intense desire to catch up or attain. It negates complacency or passive waiting.
• "toward the goal": The Greek word σκοπόν (skopon), from σκοπός (skopos), refers to a mark, target, or a finish line in a race. It signifies the predetermined end point of an effort, a fixed objective that directs all attention and exertion. It ensures Paul’s pursuit is not aimless but has a clear, ultimate destination. This is not simply about an action, but the specific direction and purpose of that action.
• "for the prize": The Greek βραβεῖον (brabeion) literally means the prize of a victory in public games. It highlights the reward given to the triumphant competitor. This "prize" is not salvation itself, which is a gift of grace (Eph 2:8-9), but rather the specific commendation, honor, or reward that faithful believers receive for their endurance and service in Christ. It motivates purposeful striving and recognizes genuine effort within the context of God's grace.
• "of the upward call": This phrase translates from τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως (tēs anō klēseōs). ἄνω (anō) means "upward" or "heavenly," indicating the divine origin and heavenly nature of the call. κλήσεως (klēseōs) refers to a calling, summons, or invitation. Combined, it denotes a transcendent, divine summons from God that pulls believers towards heaven, towards Christ's likeness, and ultimately towards glorification. It is not just a call from God, but a call towards higher, heavenly realities. This call is a driving force, God's sovereign initiative.
• "of God": Specifies the author and source of this upward call. It is not a human invitation or aspiration but originates directly from the divine will and purpose. This underscores the authority and certainty of the call, placing it beyond human doubt or limitation.
• "in Christ Jesus": This critical phrase specifies the sphere, the means, and the foundation for this entire pursuit and prize. All aspects—the upward call, the striving, and the attainment of the prize—are intrinsically tied to, enabled by, and fulfilled through a believer's union with Christ Jesus. There is no spiritual progress, ultimate prize, or fulfillment of the divine call apart from Him. Christ is both the starting point and the ultimate destination of the believer's journey.

Philippians 3 14 Bonus section

• The "upward call" can be seen not just as a static destination, but as a continuous drawing upwards in spiritual experience and moral transformation, culminating in resurrection and glory. It's a progressive ascent into God's presence and likeness.
• Paul’s use of the athletic metaphor (running, goal, prize) was highly relatable to the Roman citizens in Philippi, who were familiar with various games and contests. This vivid imagery elevates the spiritual life beyond mere religious duties, portraying it as an active, competitive, and highly rewarding endeavor.
• This verse indirectly challenges contemporary notions of achieving perfection or special spiritual knowledge (gnosis) through human effort or ritual without the ongoing, grace-driven pursuit in Christ. Paul firmly grounds this ultimate "attainment" in God's sovereign call and in the person of Christ Jesus, rejecting any form of self-generated merit as the basis for the prize.

Philippians 3 14 Commentary

Philippians 3:14 is a dynamic statement of focused intent, not a passive hope. Paul, the zealous persecutor turned ardent apostle, encapsulates the Christian journey as an athletic contest where relentless forward motion is paramount. The "goal" is the complete apprehension of Christ in every facet of his being, leading to final conformity and the resurrection life (vv. 10-11). The "prize" is not a separate reward earned by works, but the full experience and glorification associated with God’s "upward call," the consummation of divine election and eternal destiny within the framework of union with Christ. This pursuit requires a deliberate choice to "forget what is behind" (Phil 3:13), liberating the believer from the gravitational pull of past failures, achievements, or perceived perfections. It underscores that Christian maturity is not a destination achieved but a continuous, grace-empowered process of pressing into the divine purpose, always advancing, until the glorious finish line, entirely "in Christ Jesus." This verse provides a powerful motivation for spiritual perseverance, demonstrating that a deep intimacy with God fosters fervent aspiration towards ultimate glorification.