Philippians 3:5

Authorized King James Version

Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
περιτομῇ
Circumcised
circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)
#2
ὀκταήμερος
the eighth
an eight-day old person or act
#3
ἐξ
day of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#4
γένους
the stock
"kin" (abstract or concrete, literal or figurative, individual or collective)
#5
Ἰσραήλ
of Israel
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
#6
φυλῆς
of the tribe
an offshoot, i.e., race or clan
#7
Βενιαμίν
of Benjamin
benjamin, an israelite
#8
Ἑβραίων
an Hebrew
a hebraean (i.e., hebrew) or jew
#9
ἐξ
day of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#10
Ἑβραίων
an Hebrew
a hebraean (i.e., hebrew) or jew
#11
κατὰ
as touching
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#12
νόμον
the law
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
#13
Φαρισαῖος
a Pharisee
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Philippians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Philippians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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