Philippians 3:16 kjv
Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
Philippians 3:16 nkjv
Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
Philippians 3:16 niv
Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
Philippians 3:16 esv
Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
Philippians 3:16 nlt
But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.
Philippians 3 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Phil 3:16 | Let us hold true to what we have attained. | Paul's Exhortation |
| Gal 5:7 | You were running well. Who hindered you? | Spiritual Progress |
| 1 Cor 15:58 | Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. | Steadfastness |
| Heb 12:1-3 | Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. | Perseverance |
| Col 1:23 | if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast. | Continuity in Faith |
| 1 Thess 5:21 | Test everything; hold fast to what is good. | Discernment |
| 2 Thess 2:15 | So, then, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions. | Holding to Teachings |
| 1 Tim 6:12 | Fight the good fight of the faith. Lay hold of eternal life. | The Good Fight |
| 2 Tim 4:7 | I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. | Finishing the Race |
| Rev 3:11 | Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. | Rewards |
| John 8:31 | If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples. | Abiding in Christ |
| Rom 12:2 | Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed. | Transformation |
| Phil 4:8 | Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right... | Focus of Mind |
| Rom 6:1-4 | We were buried with him through baptism into death... | Union with Christ |
| Eph 4:14 | tossed by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine. | Doctrinal Stability |
| Acts 2:42 | They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship. | Devotion to Doctrine |
| 1 Pet 5:9 | Resist him, firm in your faith. | Resistance to Evil |
| Jude 1:3 | …contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. | Contending for Faith |
| Heb 4:14 | Therefore let us hold fast our confession. | Confession |
| 1 Cor 16:13 | Be watchful, stand firm in the faith. | Watchfulness |
| Col 2:6 | Therefore as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him. | Walking in Christ |
| Heb 10:23 | Let us hold fast the confession of our hope. | Hope Confession |
Philippians 3 verses
Philippians 3 16 Meaning
Keep things as they are. This refers to continuing to live by the same standards and principles already attained, without deviating from the path of righteousness established by Christ. It signifies steadfastness in faith and practice, embracing the spiritual maturity and progress made in the Christian life.
Philippians 3 16 Context
Chapter 3 of Philippians marks a significant turning point in Paul's epistle. After strongly warning the Philippian believers against false teachers who insisted on circumcision and adherence to Jewish law (Philippians 3:2-3), Paul contrasts his own life and spiritual standing with theirs. He details his previous credentials as a zealous Pharisee (Philippians 3:4-6) but then declares all of them as rubbish compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:7-9).
Paul emphasizes his pursuit of Christlikeness, participation in Christ's sufferings, and his aspiration to attain the resurrection from the dead (Philippians 3:10-11). He then clarifies that he has not yet "attained all this" (Philippians 3:12a), but rather presses on toward the goal (Philippians 3:12b-14). Verse 15 and 16 build on this idea of progress and present an instruction to believers who are spiritually mature. The context is one of encouraging believers to press onward in their Christian walk, holding firm to the standards they have already reached through Christ's power.
Historically, the Philippian church faced external pressures and internal divisions, likely exacerbated by the influence of Judaizers. Paul's message in this chapter aims to fortify them against these challenges by reminding them of the true nature of righteousness found solely in Christ and the ongoing journey of sanctification.
Philippians 3 16 Word Analysis
- Let us (hōsper) [hosper]: This particle, often translated as "as" or "just as," can also function here to mean "as is the case with" or "to the extent that." It sets up a conditional or comparative statement, linking the action of holding fast to the state of spiritual maturity already attained by some.
- hold true to (mē [mē]): The conjunction "mē" is a negative particle, often used with imperatives or hortatives, indicating "not" or "do not." Here it serves a hortative function with the following verb, "to hold true," conveying an exhortation to continue.
- hold true to (phroneō) [phroneō]: This Greek verb is rich in meaning, encompassing "to think," "to be minded," "to feel," "to have a disposition toward," or "to aim at." In this context, it carries the sense of "to be of the same mind," "to hold a particular attitude," or "to follow the same principle/standard." It implies a shared mindset and consistent approach.
- what we have attained (to [to]): The neuter article "to" indicates "that which" or "the thing." Combined with the preceding verb "phroneō," it signifies "that which we have attained" or "the principle that we follow."
- what we have attained (ephthasamen) [ephthasamen]: This is the first-person plural aorist indicative of the verb "ephthano" (ephthánō). "Ephthano" means "to arrive," "to reach," "to attain," or "to come." In a spiritual context, it refers to reaching a certain level of spiritual understanding, maturity, or attainment in the Christian life through God's grace and by pressing on in faith. It's about achieving a present reality in Christ.
- hold true to (ē [ē]): This is a simple disjunctive conjunction meaning "or." It introduces an alternative or a continuation of the thought.
- hold true to (stoicheō) [stoicheō]: This verb means "to walk in order," "to follow," "to conform to," or "to go along with." When applied to rules or standards, it implies walking by them, adhering to them, and continuing in the path they define. It signifies a life lived in accordance with a particular standard.
Words-group by Words-group Analysis
- "Let us hold true to what we have attained" (hosper ephthasamen, toutō kai stoicheōmen): This Greek phrasing ("As far as we have attained, by this we walk") highlights a principle of spiritual continuity. It's an exhortation not to regress from the progress made in understanding and living out the Gospel, but to continue walking by the same standard. It underscores that spiritual attainment is not a static achievement but a process that requires ongoing adherence. It’s a call to persevere by the measure of grace and truth already received.
Philippians 3 16 Bonus Section
The phrase "what we have attained" refers to the spiritual understanding and practice that comes through faith in Christ, specifically concerning righteousness by faith apart from the Law. It is the progress in sanctification and the spiritual maturity already achieved by those who are truly Christ-followers. It’s contrasted with striving for righteousness through works of the Law, which Paul rejected in the preceding verses. This verse implies that there is a measurable, progressive aspect to the Christian life that should be consistently followed. It’s a forward-looking statement, acknowledging past progress while calling for continued adherence to the attained spiritual standard.
Philippians 3 16 Commentary
Paul is calling believers, particularly those who have achieved spiritual maturity, to maintain their spiritual progress and convictions. It's a call to unity in Christlikeness and an encouragement to continue striving towards the ultimate goal of conformity to Christ, rather than moving backward to flawed systems. This verse doesn't suggest complacency but rather a steadfast progression based on the truth already grasped. It's about agreeing on and living by the same Christian principles that have been established, guarding against deviations.
- Practical Application: For a mature believer, this means continuing to live by the spiritual principles learned and applied, sharing the same solid faith with others, and not moving back into less mature ways of thinking or living, nor being swayed by those who advocate different, often less advanced, doctrines. It is a call to hold onto sound doctrine and the practice of faith as one walks with the Lord.