Philippians 3:9

Authorized King James Version

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

εὑρεθῶ

G2147

be found

to find (literally or figuratively)

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῷ

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἔχων

G2192

having

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἐμὴν

G1699

mine own

δικαιοσύνην

G1343

righteousness

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

τῇ

G3588

that which

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

#10

ἐκ

G1537

is of

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#11

νόμου

G3551

the law

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

#12

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

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

#13

τῇ

G3588

that which

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

#14

διὰ

G1223

is through

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

#15

πίστει

G4102

faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

#16

Χριστοῦ

G5547

of Christ

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

#17

τῇ

G3588

that which

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

#18

ἐκ

G1537

is of

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#19

θεοῦ

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#20

δικαιοσύνην

G1343

righteousness

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

#21

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#22

τῇ

G3588

that which

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

#23

πίστει

G4102

faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Philippians. The concept of faith reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, 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 faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of faith differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding faith in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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Topics

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