Philippians 3 16

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 verses

Philippians 3 16 Meaning

Philippians 3:16 serves as a pragmatic exhortation following Paul’s impassioned declaration of striving for Christ-likeness and spiritual perfection. It urges believers to consistently live in accordance with the measure of spiritual truth and maturity they have already attained. While pressing towards the ultimate goal, Christians must not neglect their present obligations to walk in the revealed light, maintaining unity and disciplined adherence to the foundational principles of their faith. It is a call to steadfast consistency, both individually and communally, building upon the spiritual progress already achieved.

Philippians 3 16 Context

Philippians chapter 3 is a powerful discourse where Paul lays bare his own spiritual journey and establishes the true nature of Christian righteousness and perseverance. Leading up to verse 16, Paul vehemently renounces any trust in his past religious credentials (Phil 3:4-6), declaring them as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord (Phil 3:7-8). He then contrasts the righteousness found through faith in Christ (Phil 3:9) with legalistic righteousness. In verses 10-11, he expresses his desire to know Christ deeply, to share in His sufferings, and to attain resurrection from the dead.

Immediately preceding verse 16, Paul states in verses 12-14 that he has not already attained this ultimate perfection but eagerly "presses on" towards the goal. He then encourages "all who are mature" to adopt this mindset (Phil 3:15). Verse 16 thus acts as a practical instruction that balances this pursuit of perfection: while no one has fully arrived, believers do possess a current level of spiritual understanding and obedience. The imperative is to continue consistently in that current spiritual attainment, preventing either spiritual arrogance (thinking one has arrived) or spiritual complacency (giving up because perfection is distant). It is a call to steadfastly embody the gospel truths already received, which subtly pushes back against the perfectionist tendencies Paul addresses, as well as any antinomian leanings that might diminish the importance of ongoing obedience.

Philippians 3 16 Word analysis

• Πλὴν (Plen): "Nevertheless," "however," or "only."
  • Significance: This is an adversative or restrictive particle. It serves as a transition and often introduces a qualification or a concluding injunction that limits or reinforces previous statements. Here, it connects Paul's personal striving for perfection (v.12-14) and his call for "mature" believers to think likewise (v.15) with a practical, achievable directive for all believers. It implies, "Even so, with all this striving for the goal, let us at least..."
• εἰς ὃ (eis ho): "unto which," "to what extent," "what has been attained."
  • Significance: A relative pronoun preceded by a preposition, forming a phrase that refers to the "thing" or "point" or "standard" that has been reached. It's not referring to the final prize, but the present level of understanding, spiritual condition, and moral conformity.
• ἐφθάσαμεν (ephthasamen): "we have attained," "we have reached," "we have arrived."
  • Significance: Aorist active indicative of φθάνω (phthanō). This verb means "to come before, arrive, reach." The aorist tense emphasizes a past action (the act of reaching a certain spiritual point) with ongoing present validity. It acknowledges that believers have made definite spiritual progress, experiencing real transformation and acquiring true knowledge of Christ. It recognizes their current standing, though not the final state of perfection.
• τῷ αὐτῷ στοιχεῖν (tō autō stoichein): "by the same [rule/principle/standard] to keep in step."
  • Significance: This is the core imperative.
    • τῷ αὐτῷ (tō autō): "by the same." This dative masculine singular is often understood substantively, implying "by the same thing, rule, standard, measure, or principle." It harks back to the "what we have attained." It emphasizes consistency with the level of truth and practice already accepted and understood by the community.
    • στοιχεῖν (stoichein): "to walk in line with," "to keep in step with," "to conform to," "to go on in an orderly manner." This verb, from στοῖχος (stoichos - "a row or line"), originally depicted soldiers marching in a straight line or citizens following established customs. It implies a disciplined, orderly, and continuous progression, adherence to a known standard, and mutual agreement in conduct. It underscores both consistency in belief/practice and unity within the community. The KJV's "walk by the same rule" accurately captures this sense of an accepted guiding principle. Modern translations like "hold true" or "live up to" also convey the adherence to a standard but might miss the imagery of disciplined forward movement or communal "marching together."

Philippians 3 16 Bonus section

The "rule" (often inferred from τῷ αὐτῷ στοιχεῖν, as explicitly in the KJV's "walk by the same rule") that Paul implicitly refers to is not a set of external legalistic commands but the foundational truths of the gospel and the standards of Christian living that are consistent with the life, death, and resurrection of Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It embodies the principle of "righteousness by faith," self-emptying love, and cruciform living that Paul details throughout Philippians. This spiritual standard is distinct from the outward performance advocated by the Judaizers, as Paul emphatically denounced those earlier in the chapter. Instead, it speaks to an inward orientation and an outward life consistent with what it means to be "in Christ" and pursuing Him above all else. It implies that true Christian maturity is not defined by some elite, secretive knowledge but by consistent, observable obedience to established Christian doctrine and ethics.

Philippians 3 16 Commentary

Philippians 3:16, a succinct yet profound verse, provides a vital balance to the preceding high calls for ultimate spiritual striving. While Paul encourages pressing toward the ultimate perfection found in Christ, he pragmatically directs believers to remain faithful and consistent in their current spiritual walk. This is not a call for complacency or a lower standard, but an acknowledgment of progressive sanctification. Every believer, regardless of their stage, has "attained" a measure of spiritual truth and experience. The imperative "hold true" or "keep in step" (στοιχεῖν) demands a disciplined and orderly adherence to these truths. It encourages continuity with what has been revealed and embraced, acting as both a call to individual steadfastness and communal unity, ensuring that all believers walk together by the same gospel standard. This stance guards against both self-deceptive spiritual arrogance ("I've arrived") and disheartened spiritual laxity ("the goal is too far"). It reminds us to diligently practice and build upon the spiritual realities we presently understand, awaiting further grace for fuller conformity to Christ.For instance, if a Christian has come to understand that forgiveness is crucial, the verse calls them to actively practice forgiveness. If they've learned the importance of prayer, they should be diligent in it. It's about living out the current light received, even as one yearns for greater illumination.