Darby Bible
Philippians 3:12
12Not that I have already obtained [the prize], or am already perfected; but I pursue, if also I may get possession [of it], seeing that also I have been taken possession of by Christ [Jesus].
Philippians 3:12 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
- New International Version (NIV)Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
- English Standard Version (ESV)Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
- New King James Version (NKJV)Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
Context of Philippians 3:12
10to know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, 11if any way I arrive at the resurrection from among [the] dead. Not that I have already obtained [the prize], or am already perfected; but I pursue, if also I may get possession [of it], seeing that also I have been taken possession of by Christ [Jesus]. 13Brethren, I do not count to have got possession myself; but one thing — forgetting the things behind, and stretching out to the things before, 14I pursue, [looking] towards [the] goal, for the prize of the calling on high of God in Christ Jesus.
Read all of Philippians 3Philippians 3:12 word by word
οὐχ ὅτι ἤδη ἔλαβον ἢ ἤδη τετελείωμαι, διώκω δὲ εἰ καὶ καταλάβω ἐφ᾽ ᾧ καὶ κατελήμφθην ὑπὸ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ.¶Read the interlinear
Cross-references for Philippians 3:12
- Philippians 3:13Brethren, I do not count to have got possession myself; but one thing — forgetting the things behind, and stretching out to the things before,
- Psalms 119:5Oh that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
- Romans 7:19For I do not practise the good that I will; but the evil I do not will, that I do.
- Galatians 5:17For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these things are opposed one to the other, that ye should not do those things which ye desire;
- 1 Timothy 6:12Strive earnestly [in] the good conflict of faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which thou hast been called, and hast confessed the good confession before many witnesses.
- James 3:2For we all often offend. If any one offend not in word, he [is] a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body too.
- Job 17:9But the righteous shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall increase in strength.
- Psalms 138:8Jehovah will perfect what concerneth me: thy loving-kindness, O Jehovah, [endureth] for ever; forsake not the works of thine own hands.
- Proverbs 4:18But the path of the righteous is as the shining light, going on and brightening until the day be fully come.
- 1 Corinthians 13:10but when that which is perfect has come, that which is in part shall be done away.
- 2 Corinthians 7:1Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us purify ourselves from every pollution of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in God's fear.
- 2 Corinthians 13:9For we rejoice when we may be weak and ye may be powerful. But this also we pray for, your perfecting.
- Ephesians 4:12for the perfecting of the saints; with a view to [the] work of [the] ministry, with a view to the edifying of the body of Christ;
- Hebrews 12:23the universal gathering; and to [the] assembly of the firstborn [who are] registered in heaven; and to God, judge of all; and to [the] spirits of just [men] made perfect;
- Hebrews 13:21perfect you in every good work to the doing of his will, doing in you what is pleasing before him through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for the ages of ages. Amen.
- 1 Peter 5:10But the God of all grace who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, when ye have suffered for a little while, himself shall make perfect, stablish, strengthen, ground:
Commentaries on Philippians 3:12
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 12Not as though I had already attained - ̔ · For I have not yet received the prize; I am not glorified, for I have not finished my course; and I have a conflict still to maintain, and the issue will prove whether I should be crowned. From the beginning of the 11th to the end of the 17th verse there is one continued allusion to the contests at the Olympic games; exercises with which, and their laws, the Philippians were well acquainted. Either were already…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 12Not as though I had already attained - This verse and the two following are full of allusions to the Grecian races. “The word rendered attained‘ signifies, to have arrived at the goal and won the prize, but without having as yet received it” - The Pictorial Bible. The meaning here is, I do not pretend to have attained to what I wish or hope to be. He had indeed been converted; he had been raised up from the death of sin; he had been imbued with spiritual…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 12-21Verses 12-21 This simple dependence and earnestness of soul, were not mentioned as if the apostle had gained the prize, or were already made perfect in the Saviour's likeness. He forgot the things which were behind, so as not to be content with past labours or present measures of grace. He reached forth, stretched himself forward towards his point; expressions showing great concern to become more and more like unto Christ. He who runs a race, must never…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 12-21Using himself as an example, Paul encourages the Philippians to pursue Christ and the hope of heaven with determination and strength.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1212. Translate, "Not that I," &c. (I do not wish to be understood as saying that, &c.). attained--"obtained," namely, a perfect knowledge of Christ, and of the power of His death, and fellowship of His sufferings, and a conformity to His death. either were already perfect--"or am already perfected," that is, crowned with the garland of victory, my course completed, and perfection absolutely reached. The image is that of a race course throughout. See 1Co…Read the comment
Topics related to Philippians 3:12
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Philippians 3
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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