Philippians 3:18
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Original Language Analysis
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
1 of 18
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
γὰρ
(For
G1063
γὰρ
(For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
περιπατοῦσιν
walk
G4043
περιπατοῦσιν
walk
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
3 of 18
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)
οὓς
of whom
G3739
οὓς
of whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
4 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
λέγω
I have told
G3004
λέγω
I have told
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
8 of 18
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
καὶ
you even
G2532
καὶ
you even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κλαίων
weeping
G2799
κλαίων
weeping
Strong's:
G2799
Word #:
11 of 18
to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)
λέγω
I have told
G3004
λέγω
I have told
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐχθροὺς
that they are the enemies
G2190
ἐχθροὺς
that they are the enemies
Strong's:
G2190
Word #:
14 of 18
hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σταυροῦ
of the cross
G4716
σταυροῦ
of the cross
Strong's:
G4716
Word #:
16 of 18
a stake or post (as set upright), i.e., (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e.,
Cross References
Ephesians 4:17This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,Isaiah 8:11For the LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying,Galatians 6:12As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.Jeremiah 13:17But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.Galatians 2:14But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?Galatians 1:7Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.2 Peter 2:10But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.1 Thessalonians 4:6That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.Philippians 1:4Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
Historical Context
Paul wept over those destroying gospel (Acts 20:31; 2 Cor 2:4). Unlike detached philosophers debating ideas, Paul anguished over souls. 'Enemies of the cross' aren't atheists but religious people whose teaching undermines cross's sufficiency. Judaizers taught circumcision necessary for salvation (Acts 15:1), making cross inadequate—hence 'enemies.' Early church battled both legalism (add works to faith) and libertinism (abuse grace). Both oppose cross-theology: Christ's work is necessary and sufficient.
Questions for Reflection
- Who are the 'enemies of the cross' in contemporary contexts—those undermining its sufficiency?
- How do Paul's tears ('weeping I tell') model appropriate emotional engagement with false teaching?
- What teachings today add requirements to the cross or abuse grace, making them 'enemies of the cross'?
Analysis & Commentary
For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ (πολλοὶ γὰρ περιπατοῦσιν οὓς πολλάκις ἔλεγον ὑμῖν, νῦν δὲ καὶ κλαίων λέγω, τοὺς ἐχθροὺς τοῦ σταυροῦ τοῦ Χριστοῦ, polloi gar peripatousin hous pollakis elegon hymin, nyn de kai klaiōn legō, tous echthrous tou staurou tou Christou)—Polloi ("many")—numerous false teachers. Pollakis elegon ("I told often")—repeated warnings. Klaiōn legō ("weeping I tell")—Paul's tears show pastoral grief, not mere polemic. Echthrous tou staurou ("enemies of the cross")—they oppose cross-theology. Who are they? Possibly Judaizers (who add works to cross, nullifying its sufficiency, Gal 5:11) or antinomian libertines (who abuse grace, 2 Pet 2:19). Context (vv. 2-3, 19) suggests former. Paul's tears reveal heart: false teaching damns souls, warranting sorrow, not just anger.