Philippians 3 9

Philippians 3:9 kjv

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Philippians 3:9 nkjv

and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

Philippians 3:9 niv

and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ?the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

Philippians 3:9 esv

and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith ?

Philippians 3:9 nlt

and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith.

Philippians 3 verses

Philippians 3 9 Meaning

The surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord outweighs any personal merit or religious attainment. Righteousness comes not from the Law, but through faith in Christ, leading to a transformed life.

Philippians 3 9 Context

Philippians chapter 3 contrasts Paul's previous confidence in his Jewish heritage and adherence to the Law with his newfound treasure in Christ. He speaks against those who insisted on Jewish legalistic practices for salvation. In this verse, Paul emphasizes that true righteousness, acceptable to God, is not achieved through his own efforts in obeying the Law, but is a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness is the direct result of his union with Christ.

Philippians 3 9 Word analysis

• "and be found":
  • (Greek: heurēthō) - a passive verb, implying being discovered or revealed in a state. It suggests a retrospective and final assessment, how one will be standing before God at the end.
• "in him":
  • (Greek: en autō) - This is a crucial prepositional phrase denoting union and connection with Christ. It’s a core concept in Pauline theology, signifying inclusion in Christ’s person, work, and destiny.
• "not having":
  • (Greek: mē echōn) - a present participle, indicating an ongoing possession or lack thereof. Paul is describing his current state of not relying on something.
• "my own righteousness":
  • (Greek: dikaiosunēn tēn emeèn) - refers to righteousness derived from one's own personal actions, achievements, or status, specifically stemming from adherence to the Mosaic Law in this context. It highlights a self-generated, humanly-derived righteousness.
• "which is of the law":
  • (Greek: ek nomou) - specifies the source of this personal righteousness as the Mosaic Law. This points to external observance and legalistic fulfillment.
• "but that which is through faith":
  • (Greek: all’ tēn dia pisteōs) - This presents the direct contrast and the alternative source. The righteousness is not by works but by faith. Faith is the instrumental cause, the means by which this righteousness is apprehended.
• "of Christ":
  • (Greek: Christou) - Indicates the origin and ultimate reference of this faith-righteousness. It is Christ who provides this righteousness, which is then received through faith in Him. This righteousness is "Christ's righteousness."

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "not having my own righteousness which is of the law": This phrase encapsulates Paul's rejection of legalism. His extensive background as a Pharisee meant he diligently followed the Law, considering himself blameless. However, he now sees this as fundamentally flawed and insufficient because it is based on his own human performance rather than God's imputed righteousness. The righteousness of the law is contrasted with righteousness through faith.
• "but that which is through faith of Christ": This emphasizes that the righteousness Paul now possesses comes from God, is given through faith, and its source and substance is Christ Himself. It's not something he earns, but something he receives by believing in and being united with Christ. It is Christ's perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, reckoned to the believer.

Philippians 3 9 Bonus Section

This verse encapsulates the core of the Gospel: justification by faith apart from works of the Law (Rom 3:28; Gal 2:16). Paul's understanding is rooted in the Old Testament concept of God's faithfulness and imputed righteousness, as seen in Abraham's faith being credited as righteousness (Gen 15:6) and the prophetic anticipation of "The LORD our Righteousness" (Jer 23:6). The "righteousness of God" referred to here is God's own perfect righteousness being legally transferred to believers because of Christ's atoning death and perfect obedience. This is often referred to as "imputed righteousness." Paul's experience is a powerful testament that genuine spirituality is not found in outward religious performance but in an inward, transformative relationship with Christ, accessed through faith.

Philippians 3 9 Commentary

Paul decisively shifts the ground of validation from self-effort and legal observance to Christ-centered faith. His greatest joy is not in what he has done according to the Law, but in what Christ has done for him and in his identification with Christ. This is a radical redefinition of "righteousness" – moving from a humanly constructed, performance-based righteousness to a divinely granted, faith-received righteousness imputed from Christ. This unearned righteousness is the sole basis for being "found" in God's favor. It transforms a person's standing before God from condemnation to acceptance, all through union with Jesus.