Philippians 3 21

Philippians 3:21 kjv

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Philippians 3:21 nkjv

who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Philippians 3:21 niv

who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Philippians 3:21 esv

who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Philippians 3:21 nlt

He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.

Philippians 3 verses

Philippians 3 21 Meaning

Philippians 3:21 presents a foundational Christian hope: the radical transformation of the believer's physical body. It proclaims that the Lord Jesus Christ, upon His return, will change our present humble, mortal bodies, conforming them to the glorious pattern of His own resurrected body. This astounding act is guaranteed by Christ's infinite power and absolute authority, by which He can bring all creation into subjection to Himself. It underscores the ultimate triumph over the limitations of our fallen earthly existence, promising a future of imperishable glory.

Philippians 3 21 Context

Philippians 3:21 stands as the climactic expression of Christian hope at the end of a section contrasting genuine faith with false teaching and worldly living. Throughout chapter 3, Paul warns the Philippian believers against "dogs, evil-workers, and those who mutilate the flesh" (Phil 3:2)—likely Judaizers advocating for circumcision and legalistic observance for salvation. He then passionately disavows his own former trust in religious credentials (Phil 3:4-6), declaring them "rubbish" compared to knowing Christ (Phil 3:7-11). Paul then exhorts believers to press on towards the prize, looking forward rather than backward (Phil 3:12-16).

He then starkly contrasts two paths: those whose "god is their stomach" and "minds are set on earthly things" (Phil 3:18-19), who are enemies of the cross, headed for destruction. In direct opposition, he presents true believers, stating in Phil 3:20, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." Verse 21 then details what this Savior will do for His heavenly citizens, particularly regarding their physical bodies. It grounds their future hope and destiny in Christ's power, distinguishing them sharply from those engrossed in their earthly existence and temporal desires. The expectation of a transformed body highlights the dignity of creation and redemption, countering any dualistic idea that the physical is inherently evil.

Philippians 3 21 Word analysis

• who (ὃς): Refers directly back to the "Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" mentioned in Philippians 3:20. This personal identity underscores that the transformation is not an impersonal cosmic event but a deliberate act of our Lord.
• will transform (μετασχηματίσει - metaschēmatisē): This verb denotes a fundamental, intrinsic change in outward form and inward nature. It implies a change comparable to a metamorphosis, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly (not just superficial alteration). It is a complete renovation, from one state of existence to another, by a supernatural power. This is an active work of Christ.
• our lowly body (τὸ σῶμα τῆς ταπεινώσεως ἡμῶν - to sōma tēs tapeinōseōs hēmōn): Literally "the body of our lowliness" or "body of our humiliation." This phrase refers to our present mortal body, which is prone to weakness, decay, sickness, and death; subject to the curse of sin (Gen 3:19) and often an instrument for sin (Rom 7:24). It is 'lowly' or 'humble' not necessarily in a pejorative or intrinsically evil sense, but in contrast to its glorious future state. It represents our frailty and the limitations of our earthly existence.
• that it may be conformed (σύμμορφον - symmorphon): More profound than merely "likened to" or "fashioned like"; it signifies being "made in the same shape/form as." It suggests a sharing in the very essential characteristics and inner nature. Our transformed body will share the form, qualities, and dignity of Christ's resurrected body. This isn't just external similarity, but an internal alignment of essence.
• to his glorious body (τῷ σώματι τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ - tō sōmati tēs doxēs autou): Refers to the resurrected and ascended body of Jesus Christ, which is imperishable, powerful, spiritual, and perfect (1 Cor 15:42-44). It shines with divine radiance and is free from the limitations of mortal existence. This glorified body is the pattern, proof, and promise for the believer's own future.
• by the power (κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν - kata tēn energeian): "According to the working" or "energizing." This emphasizes the active, effective, and dynamic operation of divine power. It is not mere potential, but potent and efficient energy at work. It highlights the divine force behind this transformation.
• that enables him (τοῦ δύνασθαι αὐτὸν - tou dynasthai auton): Signifies His inherent capacity and absolute ability. Combined with energeian, it shows Christ possesses both the capability and the active will/power to perform such a mighty act.
• even to subject all things to himself (καὶ ὑποτάξαι αὑτῷ τὰ πάντα - kai hypotaxai hautō ta panta): To bring everything "under His feet" or under His sovereign control. This speaks of Christ's universal authority and ultimate victory over all creation, all opposition, and all hostile forces—including sin, death, and spiritual powers (Eph 1:22; 1 Pet 3:22). This omnipotence guarantees the certainty of our bodily transformation, demonstrating that no obstacle, not even death, can stand against His will.

Word-Groups Analysis

• "who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to his glorious body": This phrase succinctly captures the essence of Christian eschatological hope for physical redemption. It highlights a movement from humility to glory, from present frailty to future perfection. The promise isn't a disembodied spirit in heaven, but a perfected body patterned after Christ's own resurrected physicality. This affirms the goodness of the body as God's creation, despite its present fallen state.
• "by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself": This establishes the unwavering certainty and foundation of the promise. The future transformation is not a mere possibility or a wistful desire; it is a guaranteed outcome rooted in the absolute, irresistible power and universal dominion of Christ. Because He has conquered and subjects all things, He has the authority and ability to conquer death and decay in our bodies as well. This link provides the ultimate assurance for believers.

Philippians 3 21 Bonus section

The doctrine of the glorified body, as presented in Philippians 3:21, is a vital counterbalance to certain philosophical and religious tendencies throughout history (and even today) that disparage or negate the importance of the physical body. It firmly establishes that matter, specifically the human body, is not inherently evil or something to be escaped entirely. Instead, it is destined for redemption and glorification through Christ. This truth affirms the full humanity of Christ—His physical resurrection proved His glorified body has continuity with His earthly body, yet it transcends earthly limitations. Our future body will similarly have continuity with our present identity, but be empowered for eternity. This transformation means the believer will be perfectly suited for life in God's eternal presence, unhindered by corruption or weakness, able to serve Him fully.

Philippians 3 21 Commentary

Philippians 3:21 presents a staggering vision of future glory, deeply tied to Christ's sovereignty. It reveals that the destiny of the believer is not just a spiritual afterlife but involves a transformed physical existence. Our present "lowly body"—prone to suffering, sin, and death—will be radically changed by the power of Christ. This isn't a mere upgrade but a profound metamorphosis, conforming us perfectly to the immortal, powerful, and radiant "glorious body" of the resurrected Christ.

This promise is grounded not in human potential or a mystical process, but in the infinite, active power of Christ. Paul stresses that Christ's ability to transform our bodies stems from the same divine power by which He is able "to subject all things to Himself." This assertion connects our individual bodily redemption to Christ's cosmic dominion and victory over all opposing forces, including death itself. It ensures that the resurrection and glorification of our bodies are not wishful thinking but a divinely guaranteed certainty, part of God's overarching plan for total redemption and the establishment of Christ's rule.

This hope offers profound comfort and shapes how believers live. It stands in stark contrast to the fleeting pursuits of "earthly things" (Phil 3:19), inviting a heavenly citizenship (Phil 3:20). It means that suffering, weakness, and physical limitations of this life are temporary. For example, a believer grappling with chronic illness or physical disability finds ultimate hope that their earthly body, however imperfect now, will one day be transformed into one that is perfect, strong, and glorious like Christ's own. It reminds us to steward our bodies now as temples of the Holy Spirit, in anticipation of their future honor.