Philippians 3:4
Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
Original Language Analysis
ἔχων
have
G2192
ἔχων
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
3 of 16
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σαρκί
the flesh
G4561
σαρκί
the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
7 of 16
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
δοκεῖ
thinketh
G1380
δοκεῖ
thinketh
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
10 of 16
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
πεποιθέναι
that he hath whereof he might trust
G3982
πεποιθέναι
that he hath whereof he might trust
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
12 of 16
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
Historical Context
Paul's Jewish credentials were impeccable: Pharisee, trained under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), advancing beyond peers (Gal 1:14), zealous persecutor of church (Acts 8:3; 9:1-2). His conversion from zealous Judaism to Christ-centered faith gave him unique credibility. Judaizers likely lacked his pedigree. His testimony—that law-righteousness couldn't save—devastated their argument.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'confidence in the flesh' might you be tempted to trust instead of Christ alone?
- How does Paul's testimony (rejecting impressive credentials) challenge your value system?
- Why does Paul need to establish his Jewish credentials before critiquing Judaism?
Analysis & Commentary
Though I might also have confidence in the flesh (Καίπερ ἐγὼ ἔχων πεποίθησιν καὶ ἐν σαρκί, Kaiper egō echōn pepoithēsin kai en sarki)—Kaiper ("although, even though") introduces concession. If anyone could boast in flesh-credentials, Paul could. Pepoithēsin en sarki ("confidence in flesh") means relying on human achievement. Paul will list impressive résumé (vv. 5-6) only to declare it worthless (v. 7-8). His autobiography serves apologetics: if Paul—zealous Pharisee, blameless law-keeper—counts his credentials as loss, how much more should Gentiles reject Judaizers' legalism?
If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more (εἴ τις δοκεῖ ἄλλος πεποιθέναι ἐν σαρκί, ἐγὼ μᾶλλον, ei tis dokei allos pepoithenai en sarki, egō mallon)—Mallon ("more, rather") claims superiority in credentials. Paul's pre-conversion pedigree exceeded Judaizers'. This establishes authority to critique their system—he knew it intimately and rejected it.