Philippians 3:17
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
Original Language Analysis
γίνεσθε
be
G1096
γίνεσθε
be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
3 of 13
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἀδελφοί
Brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
Brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
4 of 13
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περιπατοῦντας
them which walk
G4043
περιπατοῦντας
them which walk
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
9 of 13
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
ἔχετε
ye have
G2192
ἔχετε
ye have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
11 of 13
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:16Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.Philippians 4:9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.1 Peter 5:3Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.2 Thessalonians 3:9Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.Hebrews 13:7Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.1 Timothy 4:12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.2 Thessalonians 3:7For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;Romans 16:17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.1 Thessalonians 1:6And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:2 Thessalonians 3:14And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
Historical Context
Ancient education emphasized imitation of teachers/heroes. Philosophers modeled virtue; disciples imitated. Paul Christianizes this: imitate me as I imitate Christ (1 Cor 11:1). Personal example was primary pedagogy in orality-based culture with limited literacy. Timothy and Epaphroditus (ch. 2) exemplified Christ-hymn values; Paul now calls Philippians to imitate his Christ-pursuit. Moral formation required visible, embodied examples, not just abstract teaching.
Questions for Reflection
- Can you say 'be imitators of me' without arrogance—and if not, why not?
- Who are the faithful examples you 'mark' (skopeite) and imitate in your church?
- How are you living as a 'pattern' (typos) worthy of others' imitation?
Analysis & Commentary
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample (Συμμιμηταί μου γίνεσθε, ἀδελφοί, καὶ σκοπεῖτε τοὺς οὕτως περιπατοῦντας καθὼς ἔχετε τύπον ἡμᾶς, Symmimētai mou ginesthe, adelphoi, kai skopeite tous houtōs peripatountas kathōs echete typon hēmas)—Symmimētai mou ginesthe ("become fellow-imitators with me")—symmimētai (compound: syn, "together" + mimētēs, "imitator") calls for corporate imitation. Skopeite ("observe, mark") means careful attention. Tous houtōs peripatountas ("those who walk thus")—identify faithful examples. Typon hēmas ("us as pattern/example")—typos ("type, pattern, model") is blueprint to follow. Paul boldly offers himself as model (1 Cor 4:16, 11:1; 1 Thess 1:6). This isn't arrogance but pastoral responsibility—he embodies Christ-pursuit (vv. 12-14) visibly.