Philippians 3:6

Authorized King James Version

Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
κατὰ
Concerning
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#2
ζῆλον
zeal
properly, heat, i.e., (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of god), or
#3
διώκων
persecuting
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
#4
τὴν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἐκκλησίαν
the church
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
#6
κατὰ
Concerning
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#7
δικαιοσύνην
the righteousness
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
#8
τὴν
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἐν
is in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
νόμῳ
the law
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
#11
γενόμενος
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#12
ἄμεμπτος
blameless
irreproachable

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Philippians. The concept of righteousness 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 righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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