Philippians 3:16
Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
Original Language Analysis
πλὴν
Nevertheless
G4133
πλὴν
Nevertheless
Strong's:
G4133
Word #:
1 of 11
moreover (besides), i.e., albeit, save that, rather, yet
εἰς
whereto
G1519
εἰς
whereto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
2 of 11
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὃ
G3739
ὃ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
3 of 11
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐφθάσαμεν
we have already attained
G5348
ἐφθάσαμεν
we have already attained
Strong's:
G5348
Word #:
4 of 11
to be beforehand, i.e., anticipate or precede; by extension, to have arrived at
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀυτο
by the same
G846
ἀυτο
by the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
στοιχεῖν
let us walk
G4748
στοιχεῖν
let us walk
Strong's:
G4748
Word #:
7 of 11
to march in (military) rank (keep step), i.e., (figuratively) to conform to virtue and piety
κανόνι,
rule
G2583
κανόνι,
rule
Strong's:
G2583
Word #:
8 of 11
a rule ("canon"), i.e., (figuratively) a standard (of faith and practice); by implication, a boundary, i.e., (figuratively) a sphere (of activity)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 2:6As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:Revelation 3:3Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.Galatians 6:16And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.Romans 15:5Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:Philippians 4:2I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.Philippians 1:27Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;Philippians 2:2Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.Romans 12:16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Historical Context
Military metaphor (stoicheō) pictures soldiers marching in formation—coordinated, disciplined, unified movement toward objective. Paul uses this for Christian living (Gal 5:25, 6:16; Rom 4:12). The command balances pursuit of growth (vv. 12-14) with faithfulness to present understanding. Ancient churches had varied maturity; Paul calls for unity in following gospel revealed thus far while trusting Spirit for progressive illumination.
Questions for Reflection
- What truth have you 'already attained' that requires faithful walking, not just knowing?
- How do you balance pursuing further growth with living out present understanding?
- What does 'walking by the same rule' (tō autō stoichein) look like in your church community?
Analysis & Commentary
Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing (πλὴν εἰς ὃ ἐφθάσαμεν, τῷ αὐτῷ στοιχεῖν, plēn eis ho ephthasa men, tō autō stoichein)—Plēn ("nevertheless, in any case") introduces qualification. Eis ho ephthāsamen ("to which we have attained")—whatever maturity level reached. Tō autō stoichein ("walk by the same rule")—stoicheō ("to be in line, march in formation, follow") suggests military order or measured pace. Tō autō ("the same") could mean same rule/standard (gospel) or same manner (pursuing Christ). Paul calls for consistency: live according to truth already understood, don't regress. While awaiting further revelation (v. 15b), walk faithfully in present light.