Philippians 3:8
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,
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλὰ
Yea
G235
ἀλλὰ
Yea
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 29
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡγοῦμαι
I count
G2233
ἡγοῦμαι
I count
Strong's:
G2233
Word #:
4 of 29
to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider
δι'
for
G1223
δι'
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
8 of 29
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπερέχον
the excellency
G5242
ὑπερέχον
the excellency
Strong's:
G5242
Word #:
10 of 29
to hold oneself above, i.e., (figuratively) to excel; participle (as adjective, or neuter as noun) superior, superiority
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γνώσεως
of the knowledge
G1108
γνώσεως
of the knowledge
Strong's:
G1108
Word #:
12 of 29
knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
14 of 29
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
16 of 29
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
δι'
for
G1223
δι'
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
18 of 29
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ὃν
whom
G3739
ὃν
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
19 of 29
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐζημιώθην
I have suffered the loss
G2210
ἐζημιώθην
I have suffered the loss
Strong's:
G2210
Word #:
22 of 29
to injure, i.e., (reflexively or passively) to experience detriment
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡγοῦμαι
I count
G2233
ἡγοῦμαι
I count
Strong's:
G2233
Word #:
24 of 29
to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider
Cross References
Romans 8:18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.Acts 20:24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.John 17:3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.Philippians 3:7But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.Philippians 3:10That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;2 Peter 1:3According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:1 Corinthians 2:2For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.John 17:8For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.John 14:20At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
Historical Context
Paul's conversion cost everything: Pharisaic status, rabbinic career, social standing, family ties (implied by 'suffered loss of all'). He became Gentile-apostle, persecuted by former allies (2 Cor 11:24-26). Yet he counted losses as 'garbage' (skybala—shocking vulgarity) compared to Christ. This testimony devastated Judaizers: their champion repudiated their system. Ancient honor-culture prized reputation/status; Paul called it dung.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'all things' would you count as loss for Christ's 'surpassing worth'?
- How is 'knowledge' (gnōsis) of Christ relational intimacy versus mere information?
- What might be 'dung' (skybala) in your value system if assessed by Christ's worth?
Analysis & Commentary
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord (ἀλλὰ μενοῦνγε καὶ ἡγοῦμαι πάντα ζημίαν εἶναι διὰ τὸ ὑπερέχον τῆς γνώσεως Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ κυρίου μου, alla menounge kai hēgoumai panta zēmian einai dia to hyperechon tēs gnōseōs Christou Iēsou tou kyriou mou)—Menounge ("yea indeed, more than that") intensifies v. 7. Panta ("all things") expands beyond religious credentials to everything. Dia to hyperechon tēs gnōseōs ("because of the surpassing [worth] of the knowledge")—hyperechon ("surpassing, excelling") appears in 2:3 ("esteem others better"). Gnōseōs ("knowledge") is relational knowing, not information—personal intimacy with Christ Jesus my Lord (τοῦ κυρίου μου, tou kyriou mou, emphatic possessive).
For whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ (δι' ὃν τὰ πάντα ἐζημιώθην, καὶ ἡγοῦμαι σκύβαλα, ἵνα Χριστὸν κερδήσω, di' hon ta panta ezēmiōthēn, kai hēgoumai skybala, hina Christon kerdēsō)—Ezēmiōthēn (aorist passive, "I suffered loss") marks decisive past event (conversion). Skybala ("dung, refuse, garbage")—crudely graphic, showing utter contempt. Hina Christon kerdēsō ("that I may gain Christ")—kerdēsō ("gain") reverses kerdē (v. 7). True gain is Christ Himself, not religious achievement.