Philippians 3:2
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
Original Language Analysis
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κακοὺς
of evil
G2556
κακοὺς
of evil
Strong's:
G2556
Word #:
6 of 10
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:13For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.Titus 1:16They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.Revelation 22:15For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.Galatians 5:15But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.Psalms 22:16For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.Galatians 5:6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.Philippians 3:19Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)Psalms 22:20Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.Matthew 7:15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.Revelation 21:8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Historical Context
Judaizers followed Paul's missionary work, teaching that faith in Christ was insufficient—Gentile believers must also observe Mosaic law, especially circumcision (Acts 15:1). The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) rejected this, but Judaizers persisted. Galatians and Philippians address this heresy. For Paul, adding law-requirements to gospel nullified grace (Gal 2:21, 5:2-4). The controversy split early Christianity.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul use such shocking language ('dogs,' 'mutilation') for Judaizing teachers?
- What modern errors parallel ancient Judaizing—adding requirements to faith in Christ alone?
- How do you distinguish legitimate spiritual discipline from legalistic 'concision' (katatomēn)?
Analysis & Commentary
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision (Βλέπετε τοὺς κύνας, βλέπετε τοὺς κακοὺς ἐργάτας, βλέπετε τὴν κατατομήν, Blepete tous kynas, blepete tous kakous ergatas, blepete tēn katatomēn)—Triple blepete ("beware, watch out for") emphasizes urgency. Kynas ("dogs") was Jewish epithet for Gentiles; Paul ironically applies it to Judaizers. Kakous ergatas ("evil workers") contrasts true gospel workers (1:22; 2:30). Katatomēn ("concision, mutilation") is wordplay on peritomē ("circumcision")—Paul reduces their ritual to mere flesh-cutting, not covenant sign.
Paul's harsh language reflects the gospel's stakes: Judaizers preached 'another gospel' (Gal 1:6-9), adding works to grace. Their teaching damned souls by obscuring Christ's sufficiency. The vehemence defends sheep from wolves (Acts 20:29). Katatomēn ridicules circumcision when divorced from faith—it becomes pagan mutilation (Lev 21:5; 1 Kgs 18:28).