Philippians 3:12

Authorized King James Version

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Οὐχ

G3756

Not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ὅτι

G3754

as though

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἤδη

G2235

I had already

even now

ἔλαβον

G2983

attained

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

ἢ

G2228

either

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἤδη

G2235

I had already

even now

τετελείωμαι

G5048

perfect

to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)

διώκω

G1377

I follow after

compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#10

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#11

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

κατελήφθην

G2638

I am apprehended

to take eagerly, i.e., seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively)

#13

ἐφ'

G1909

that for

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#14

ᾧ

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#15

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

κατελήφθην

G2638

I am apprehended

to take eagerly, i.e., seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively)

#17

ὑπὸ

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

#18

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

Χριστοῦ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#20

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Analysis

Within the broader context of Philippians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Philippians.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Philippians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Peace