Philippians 3 4

Philippians 3:4 kjv

Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

Philippians 3:4 nkjv

though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:

Philippians 3:4 niv

though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more:

Philippians 3:4 esv

though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:

Philippians 3:4 nlt

though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!

Philippians 3 verses

Philippians 3 4 Meaning

Though Paul had every reason to boast in his human achievements and lineage, he would not consider them a basis for standing before God. Instead, he regarded them as worthless rubbish when compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord.

Philippians 3 4 Context

Philippians 3 is a pivotal chapter where Paul addresses a critical issue facing the church in Philippi: the infiltration of Judaizers. These were false teachers who insisted that Gentile believers must undergo circumcision and adhere to the Mosaic Law to be truly saved. Paul's entire argument in this chapter, leading up to and following verse 4, is a robust defense of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, apart from works of the Law. He contrasts his own previous zeal for the Law with the all-surpassing value of knowing Christ. This verse is central to his argument, explaining why he rejects his former credentials.

Philippians 3 4 Word Analysis

• εἰ: (ei) - "if" - A conditional particle introducing a hypothetical situation.

• μὲν: (men) - "on the one hand" - Part of a correlative construction (contrasted later by 'de', not present here but implied). It marks the first part of a statement.

• περιτομῇ: (peritomē) - "circumcision" - Refers to the physical rite commanded in the Old Testament, particularly significant for the Jews as a sign of the covenant. In this context, it represents the ultimate ritualistic human credential.

• ἔχω: (echō) - "I have" - Possess. Paul possessed these credentials.

• ἐν: (en) - "in" - Indicating the sphere or manner.

• Χριστῷ: (Christōi) - "Christ" - Refers to Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

• Ἰησοῦ: (Iēsou) - "Jesus" - The personal name of the Son of God.

• ἐμοὶ: (emoi) - "in me" - (Dative case of ego) Personal pronoun, referring to Paul himself.

• πεποιθέναι: (pepoithonai) - "to have confidence" - Present infinitive of peithō, implying a continuing state of reliance or trust. Paul could have confidence in his physical lineage.

• σάρκι: (sarki) - "flesh" - Refers to physical descent, human nature, and the realm of earthly things. It contrasts with the spiritual.

• Words Group Analysis:

  • "εἰ μὲν... ἔχω ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ" ("If I... have in Christ Jesus") - This structure introduces Paul's personal experience and a hypothetical: he could have confidence in his fleshly lineage.
  • "πεποιθέναι... σάρκι" ("to have confidence... in the flesh") - This phrase highlights the ground of potential boasting: reliance on outward, physical qualifications derived from his Jewish heritage and strict observance of the Law.

Philippians 3 4 Bonus Section

Paul’s enumeration of his credentials is deliberately precise. Being of the tribe of Benjamin was significant because it was a small tribe, and Saul, the first king of Israel, was also from Benjamin. Benjamin was also the only tribe not involved in the golden calf incident and remained loyal to the house of David. This made his heritage particularly pure and unblemished from a Jewish perspective. His being a "Hebrew of Hebrews" speaks to his lineage and his fluency and deep adherence to the Hebrew language and traditions, not just a "Hellenist" Jew who might have been more assimilated. His rigorous Pharisaic upbringing and adherence signified a dedication to meticulously observing the Law and its traditions, which were considered the highest form of righteousness by many Jews of his time. This comprehensive list demonstrates that if anyone could rely on heritage and law, it was Paul, making his renunciation of these as grounds for boasting even more powerful. This preempts any argument that he might be diminishing the Law itself, rather he is highlighting that human effort in keeping it cannot justify a person before a holy God.

Philippians 3 4 Commentary

Paul is stating a profound personal conviction. Despite possessing impeccable credentials within the framework of Jewish religious law – being circumcised, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, and a Pharisee zealous for the Law – he finds no ultimate basis for pride or confidence in these outward, earthly distinctions. His deep knowledge of Christ has revealed the inadequacy of any human achievement for attaining righteousness before God. This understanding aligns with the entire biblical narrative which emphasizes God's sovereign grace and the need for inner transformation rather than external conformity. Paul's stance challenges the very foundations of self-reliance and the pursuit of righteousness through legalistic adherence, pointing instead to the all-sufficient sacrifice and Lordship of Jesus Christ as the sole ground for salvation and boasting.