Philippians 3:8

Authorized King James Version

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀλλὰ

G235

Yea

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

μενοῦνγε

G3304

doubtless

so then at least

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡγοῦμαι

G2233

I count

to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider

πάντα

G3956

all things

all, any, every, the whole

ζημίαν

G2209

but loss

detriment

εἶναι

G1511

for

to exist

δι'

G1223

for

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

ὑπερέχον

G5242

the excellency

to hold oneself above, i.e., (figuratively) to excel; participle (as adjective, or neuter as noun) superior, superiority

#11

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

γνώσεως

G1108

of the knowledge

knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge

#13

Χριστὸν

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#14

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#15

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

κυρίου

G2962

Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#17

μου

G3450

of me

#18

δι'

G1223

for

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#19

ὃν

G3739

whom

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#20

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

πάντα

G3956

all things

all, any, every, the whole

#22

ἐζημιώθην

G2210

I have suffered the loss

to injure, i.e., (reflexively or passively) to experience detriment

#23

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#24

ἡγοῦμαι

G2233

I count

to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider

#25

σκύβαλα

G4657

but dung

what is thrown to the dogs, i.e., refuse (ordure)

#26

εἶναι

G1511

for

to exist

#27

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#28

Χριστὸν

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#29

κερδήσω

G2770

I may win

to gain (literally or figuratively)

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Matthew 13:44 Matthew 13:44
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
— Sold all that he had
² Hebrews 11:26 Hebrews 11:26
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
— Esteeming the reproach of Christ

Analysis

Within the broader context of Philippians, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Philippians.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Philippians chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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Topics

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