Philippians 3:20
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πολίτευμα
conversation
G4175
πολίτευμα
conversation
Strong's:
G4175
Word #:
4 of 15
a community, i.e., (abstractly) citizenship (figuratively)
οὐρανοῖς
heaven
G3772
οὐρανοῖς
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
6 of 15
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ὑπάρχει
is
G5225
ὑπάρχει
is
Strong's:
G5225
Word #:
7 of 15
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
ἐξ
from
G1537
ἐξ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
8 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
οὗ
whence
G3739
οὗ
whence
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κύριον
the Lord
G2962
κύριον
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
13 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
Ephesians 2:19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;Hebrews 12:22But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,Colossians 1:5For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;Ephesians 2:6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:2 Corinthians 5:8We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.2 Timothy 4:8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.1 Thessalonians 1:10And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.Hebrews 9:28So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.Galatians 4:26But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.1 Corinthians 1:7So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Historical Context
Philippi was Roman colony (colonia) with ius Italicum—citizens enjoyed Roman law/privileges despite living far from Rome. Paul subverts this: Christians' true citizenship is heavenly; earthly cities are temporary. This is radical: Rome claimed ultimate allegiance; Paul claims heaven's. Politeuma appears in Stoic philosophy (cosmopolitanism) and Jewish texts (Philo), but Paul gives it eschatological, christological meaning. The Savior/Lord titles directly challenge Caesar's claims—only Jesus saves and rules.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing 'our citizenship is in heaven' (politeuma en ouranois) reshape earthly priorities?
- What does it mean to 'eagerly await' (apekdechometha) Christ's return in daily living?
- How does confessing Jesus as Savior and Lord challenge contemporary idolatries and false gospels?
Analysis & Commentary
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ (ἡμῶν γὰρ τὸ πολίτευμα ἐν οὐρανοῖς ὑπάρχει, ἐξ οὗ καὶ σωτῆρα ἀπεκδεχόμεθα κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, hēmōn gar to politeuma en ouranois hyparchei, ex hou kai sōtēra apekdechometha kyrion Iēsoun Christon)—To politeuma ("citizenship, commonwealth")—believers are citizens of heaven, not earth. This is potent in Roman colony Philippi, where citizenship was prized. En ouranois hyparchei ("exists in heaven")—present reality, not future hope. Ex hou...apekdechometha ("from which we eagerly await")—apekdechomai ("wait eagerly, expect") combines anticipation and patience. Sōtēra...kyrion Iēsoun Christon ("Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ")—titles claiming deity and salvation, countering emperor-worship (Caesar was called sōtēr kai kyrios, "savior and lord").