Philippians 3 20

Philippians 3:20 kjv

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Philippians 3:20 nkjv

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Philippians 3:20 niv

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Philippians 3:20 esv

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Philippians 3:20 nlt

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.

Philippians 3 verses

Philippians 3 20 Meaning

Philippians 3:20 declares that the true identity and allegiance of believers are heavenly, not earthly. Our sphere of governance, the laws we obey, and our ultimate loyalty belong to God's kingdom. From this celestial perspective, Christians actively and eagerly anticipate the return of Jesus Christ, our Savior, who will fully deliver us and transform our mortal bodies. This verse anchors Christian hope and lifestyle in the reality of heaven while awaiting future completion.

Philippians 3 20 Context

Philippians 3:20 is embedded within a broader argument contrasting two distinct ways of life: an earthly, fleshly focus versus a heavenly, Christ-centered one. Leading up to this verse, Paul passionately describes his own transformed perspective, counting everything as loss for the sake of knowing Christ (Phil 3:7-11), and presses on towards the goal of resurrection (Phil 3:12-14). He then urges the Philippians to imitate him and others who live according to this heavenly pursuit (Phil 3:17). Critically, the verse directly follows a severe warning against "enemies of the cross of Christ," whose "end is destruction, their god is their stomach, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things" (Phil 3:18-19). Verse 20 provides the powerful antidote and ultimate contrast: while others are bound to the earth, believers are heavenly citizens. This sets the stage for the glorious promise of bodily transformation in Philippians 3:21, making the heavenly hope tangible.

Historically, the city of Philippi was a Roman colony, which meant its citizens enjoyed significant privileges, including Roman law and governance, even while residing far from Rome. This strong concept of "citizenship" (πολίτευμα - politeuma) would have been highly relatable to Paul's audience. Paul, a Roman citizen himself, expertly uses this analogy to elevate the spiritual reality of Christian identity above any earthly allegiance, even the esteemed Roman one. This context highlights the polemic against any belief system, whether Judaistic legalism or Roman civic pride, that diverted ultimate loyalty and hope away from Christ and His heavenly kingdom.

Philippians 3 20 Word analysis

• For (γὰρ - gar): This conjunction serves as an explanation or justification. It links the statement about heavenly citizenship to Paul's preceding warning against those focused on earthly things, presenting it as the alternative and true reality for believers.

• our citizenship (ἡμῶν τὸ πολίτευμα - hēmōn to politeuma):

  • Politeuma is a powerful and specific Greek term, going beyond mere residence. It signifies not just citizenship status, but the community's civic life, laws, administration, constitution, and the active duties and rights associated with it. It represents the "commonwealth" or "body politic" to which one belongs and by which one is governed.
  • It indicates that believers are members of a divine administration and adhere to celestial laws. Our identity and behavior are derived from this heavenly realm, influencing our present conduct on earth.
  • It implies a commitment of loyalty and allegiance that supersedes all earthly affiliations.

• is in heaven (ἐν οὐρανοῖς - en ouranois):

  • Designates the literal location of this "citizenship," placing it within God's domain.
  • Metaphorically, it implies that our governing principles, values, and ultimate source of authority reside in the spiritual, transcendent realm. Our spiritual origin dictates our spiritual walk.

• from which (ἐξ οὗ - ex hou): Connects the heavenly citizenship directly to the subsequent eager waiting. It signifies that our expectation stems naturally from our identity and location as heavenly citizens. It is the source or origin point for our looking.

• we also eagerly wait (καὶ προσδεχόμεθα - kai prosdechometha):

  • Prosdechometha is a compound verb suggesting a ready, receptive, expectant, and often hopeful anticipation. It conveys more than just passive waiting; it implies active preparation and keen longing for what is to come. It denotes a looking forward to with joy.
  • The "also" (καὶ - kai) reinforces that this waiting is an intrinsic and essential aspect of possessing heavenly citizenship, a direct consequence and expression of it.

• for a Savior (Σωτῆρα - Sōtēra):

  • A significant title, often applied to pagan gods and emperors for deliverance, but here unequivocally and exclusively referring to Jesus Christ.
  • It highlights His function: to rescue, preserve, and fully deliver us from the power of sin, death, and decay, culminating in the bodily transformation described in the next verse.

• the Lord Jesus Christ (Κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν - Kyrion Iēsoun Christon):

  • The full messianic title, emphasizing His divine sovereignty (Kyrios - Lord), His human identity (Iēsoun - Jesus), and His anointed, redemptive office (Christon - Christ/Messiah).
  • It asserts His absolute authority over believers, the one who both defines their heavenly citizenship and will accomplish their final salvation.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "For our citizenship is in heaven": This phrase forms the bedrock of Christian identity, establishing a present reality that defines believers. It challenges allegiance to any earthly power or philosophy, orienting one's entire being towards a higher domain and a greater King.
  • "from which we also eagerly wait": This connects the established heavenly identity to an active, future-oriented hope. Our position in heaven is not static, but fuels a dynamic anticipation for the culmination of God's redemptive plan. The eager waiting is not mere patience, but a joyful, vigilant expectation that informs one's daily life.
  • "for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ": This identifies the specific object of our waiting, anchoring all Christian hope in the person of Jesus Christ. He is not just a deliverer but the supreme authority, humanity, and divine King who orchestrates and guarantees this final salvation and transformation.

Philippians 3 20 Bonus section

• The term politeuma (citizenship/commonwealth) resonated deeply in Philippi, a proud Roman colony. By stating "our citizenship is in heaven," Paul subverts the supremacy of Roman citizenship and reorients believers' ultimate loyalty to the celestial kingdom, diminishing the importance of earthly affiliations while elevating their spiritual status.
• This verse encapsulates the "already and not yet" aspect of Christian eschatology. We already possess this heavenly citizenship as a present spiritual reality, affecting our current identity and conduct (Col 3:1-4). Yet, we not yet fully experience its consummation, as we eagerly await Christ's physical return to bring about our ultimate bodily transformation (Phil 3:21).
• The call to "eagerly wait" is a theme throughout the New Testament, not as an escape from earthly responsibilities, but as an energizing hope that motivates faithful living and mission in the present. It impacts how we endure suffering, combat temptation, and prioritize our lives.
• The "Savior" title, when applied to Jesus, emphasizes His unique power to deliver from sin and death, transforming the mortal into the immortal. This sets Him apart from any earthly 'saviors' or rulers the Philippians might have been tempted to follow.

Philippians 3 20 Commentary

Philippians 3:20 is a profound declaration of the Christian's dual existence: physically on earth, but fundamentally, existentially, and legally belonging to heaven. This politeuma, or citizenship, means our values, our laws, and our ultimate loyalty are rooted in God's heavenly kingdom, not in any earthly state or ideology. This provides a decisive contrast to those focused on the temporary, earthly desires previously condemned by Paul. This heavenly allegiance is not a passive status but fuels an active, intense longing (prosdechometha) for the return of Jesus Christ. This waiting is a central aspect of Christian hope, an eager, purposeful anticipation for the One who has already accomplished salvation and will complete it through physical transformation. It shapes how we live now, calling us to align our lives with the values of the kingdom we belong to, knowing that our ultimate home and deliverer are secured. This divine hope inspires endurance in present sufferings and joy in faithful service, fixing our gaze on Christ's glorious coming as the ultimate reality.