Philippians 3:13
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Original Language Analysis
ἀδελφοί
Brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
Brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
1 of 16
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ἐμαυτὸν
myself
G1683
ἐμαυτὸν
myself
Strong's:
G1683
Word #:
3 of 16
of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>
λογίζομαι
count
G3049
λογίζομαι
count
Strong's:
G3049
Word #:
5 of 16
to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)
κατειληφέναι·
to have apprehended
G2638
κατειληφέναι·
to have apprehended
Strong's:
G2638
Word #:
6 of 16
to take eagerly, i.e., seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
those things
G3303
μὲν
those things
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
ὀπίσω
which are behind
G3694
ὀπίσω
which are behind
Strong's:
G3694
Word #:
11 of 16
to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)
ἐπιλανθανόμενος
I do forgetting
G1950
ἐπιλανθανόμενος
I do forgetting
Strong's:
G1950
Word #:
12 of 16
to lose out of mind; by implication, to neglect
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 9:62And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.Philippians 3:12Not 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.Psalms 27:4One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.Philippians 3:8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,Hebrews 6:1Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,Philippians 2:12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.Luke 10:42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.2 Peter 3:8But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.Psalms 45:10Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;2 Corinthians 5:16Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
Historical Context
Ancient athletic contests (Olympics, Isthmian games) were prominent in Greco-Roman culture. Runners trained intensely, raced naked to minimize drag, stretched toward finish line. Paul applies this to Christian life: singular focus, abandoning past, straining forward. Forgetting 'things behind' includes both pre-conversion credentials (vv. 5-6) and post-conversion achievements—neither define identity or destiny. Only Christ and His call matter (v. 14).
Questions for Reflection
- What 'things behind' (past sins or successes) do you need to forget to press forward?
- How does 'one thing I do' challenge cultural multitasking and divided attention?
- What does 'stretching forward' (epekteinomenos) look like practically in pursuing Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before (ἀδελφοί, ἐγὼ ἐμαυτὸν οὐ λογίζομαι κατειληφέναι· ἓν δέ, τὰ μὲν ὀπίσω ἐπιλανθανόμενος τοῖς δὲ ἔμπροσθεν ἐπεκτεινόμενος, adelphoi, egō emauton ou logizomai kateilēphenai; hen de, ta men opisō epilanthanomenos tois de emprosthen epekteinomenos)—Adelphoi ("brothers") marks solemnity. Ou logizomai kateilēphenai ("I do not count myself to have apprehended") reinforces v. 12's humility. Hen de ("but one thing")—singular focus. Two participles describe this focus: epilanthanomenos ("forgetting") ta opisō ("things behind")—past achievements/failures don't define; epekteinomenos ("stretching forward") tois emprosthen ("things ahead")—like runner straining toward finish. This athletic imagery (common in Paul: 1 Cor 9:24-27; 2 Tim 4:7) pictures focused, forward-oriented pursuit. No looking back—only pressing ahead.