Philippians 3:11
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
Original Language Analysis
πως
G4459
πως
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
2 of 8
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
καταντήσω
I might attain
G2658
καταντήσω
I might attain
Strong's:
G2658
Word #:
3 of 8
to meet against, i.e., arrive at (literally or figuratively)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 8
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Revelation 20:5But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.Acts 26:7Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.Acts 23:6But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
Historical Context
Jewish belief in bodily resurrection (Dan 12:2) distinguished them from Greeks who despised body and expected only soul's immortality. Paul's Christian resurrection-hope adds Christ's resurrection as firstfruits (1 Cor 15:20-23)—believers will be raised like Christ (Phil 3:21). 'If somehow I might attain' doesn't doubt salvation but expresses humble longing and diligent pursuit (v. 12-14). Ancient stoics sought apatheia (passionlessness); Paul pursues resurrection with passionate intensity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's 'if somehow' balance assurance of salvation with humble striving?
- What is the relationship between present resurrection-power (v. 10) and future resurrection-body (v. 11)?
- How does hope of bodily resurrection motivate your present pursuit of holiness?
Analysis & Commentary
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead (εἴ πως καταντήσω εἰς τὴν ἐξανάστασιν τὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν, ei pōs katantēsō eis tēn exanastasin tēn ek nekrōn)—Ei pōs ("if somehow") expresses not doubt but humility and eagerness. Katantēsō ("I might attain") is subjunctive—Paul presses toward but doesn't presume. Exanastasin ("resurrection," intensified form with ex- prefix, rare word) emphasizes rising out from among the dead—bodily resurrection, not mere soul-survival. Verses 10-11 summarize Christian teleology: know Christ through resurrection-power and conformity to His death, culminating in final bodily resurrection. This is inaugurated eschatology—already/not yet tension. Paul experiences resurrection-power now (v. 10) while awaiting resurrection-body then (v. 11, 21).