Philippians 3:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Philippians 3:21
21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Chapter Context
Philippians 3 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of worship, prayer, obedience. Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church in this Roman colony maintained partnership with Paul despite his imprisonment.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Philippians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Philippians 3:21
21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Analysis
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself (ὃς μετασχηματίσει τὸ σῶμα τῆς ταπεινώσεως ἡμῶν σύμμορφον τῷ σώματι τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν τοῦ δύνασθαι αὐτὸν καὶ ὑποτάξαι αὐτῷ τὰ πάντα, hos metaschēmatisei to sōma tēs tapeinōseōs hēmōn symmorphon tō sōmati tēs doxēs autou kata tēn energeian tou dynasthai auton kai hypotaxai autō ta panta)—Metaschēmatisei ("will transform")—radical change, not mere improvement. To sōma tēs tapeinōseōs ("body of humiliation")—present lowly, mortal bodies. Symmorphon tō sōmati tēs doxēs ("conformed to the body of glory")—future glorified bodies matching Christ's resurrection body. Kata tēn energeian ("according to the power")—divine enabling. Hypotaxai autō ta panta ("subdue all things to Himself")—cosmic lordship. The same power subduing all creation transforms believers' bodies. This concludes ch. 3: righteousness by faith (vv. 9-11), Christ-pursuit (vv. 12-16), heavenly citizenship (v. 20), bodily glorification (v. 21). Gospel encompasses justification, sanctification, glorification.
Historical Context
Greek philosophy denigrated body, seeking escape to immaterial soul-existence. Paul's bodily resurrection-hope is Jewish (Dan 12:2) and Christian (1 Cor 15). Christ's resurrection-body is prototype (1 Cor 15:49; 1 John 3:2); believers will have glorified, imperishable bodies. This undergirds Christian ethics: bodies matter (1 Cor 6:19-20), holiness includes physicality, redemption is cosmic (Rom 8:18-23). The power subduing all things (including death, 1 Cor 15:25-26) guarantees believers' transformation.
Reflection
- How does hope of bodily glorification ('conformed to His glorious body') affect present bodily stewardship?
- What is the relationship between Christ's cosmic authority ('subdue all things') and believers' transformation?
- How does bodily resurrection-hope distinguish Christianity from Gnostic escape-from-body spiritualities?
Cross-References
- Glory: Colossians 3:4
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 25:8, 26:19, Hosea 13:14, Matthew 17:2, 22:29, 28:18