Philippians 3:14
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
κατὰ
toward
G2596
κατὰ
toward
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
1 of 14
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
σκοπὸν
the mark
G4649
σκοπὸν
the mark
Strong's:
G4649
Word #:
2 of 14
perhaps akin to g4626 through the idea of concealment; compare g4629); a watch (sentry or scout), i.e., (by implication) a goal
διώκω
I press
G1377
διώκω
I press
Strong's:
G1377
Word #:
3 of 14
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
ἐπὶ
for
G1909
ἐπὶ
for
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βραβεῖον
the prize
G1017
βραβεῖον
the prize
Strong's:
G1017
Word #:
6 of 14
an award (of arbitration), i.e., (specially) a prize in the public games
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 14
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 9:24Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.1 Peter 5:10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.Revelation 3:21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.1 Thessalonians 2:12That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.2 Peter 1:3According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:Hebrews 3:1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;1 Peter 1:13Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus 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,Luke 16:16The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
Historical Context
Athletic victors received crowns (laurel, olive, pine) and public honor. Paul's 'prize' is imperishable crown (1 Cor 9:25)—eternal life's consummation. 'Upward calling' echoes OT prophetic summons (Isa 55:1-3) and Jesus's call to disciples (Mark 1:17). The metaphor combines athletic striving with divine calling—human effort enabled by divine grace. Greco-Roman games celebrated individual prowess; Paul runs for God's glory, not self-promotion.
Questions for Reflection
- What is 'the prize of the upward calling'—what are you pressing toward?
- How does recognizing salvation as already-secured calling affect your pursuit of the prize?
- What distractions keep you from pressing 'toward the mark' (kata skopon) with Paul's intensity?
Analysis & Commentary
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (κατὰ σκοπὸν διώκω εἰς τὸ βραβεῖον τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, kata skopon diōkō eis to brabeion tēs anō klēseōs tou theou en Christō Iēsou)—Kata skopon ("toward the mark/goal")—skopos is target/finish line. Diōkō ("I press, pursue") repeats v. 12—relentless pursuit. To brabeion ("the prize")—victor's crown in games. Tēs anō klēseōs ("of the upward calling")—anō ("upward, heavenly") indicates eschatological summons. Tou theou en Christō Iēsou ("of God in Christ Jesus")—calling originated with God, mediated through Christ. The prize isn't reward for works but fullness of salvation—glorification, resurrection-body (v. 21), Christ-likeness (1 John 3:2). Paul runs not to earn salvation but to fulfill calling already received.