CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Philippians 3:2 Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/philippians/3-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/50_Php_03_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Philippians 3:2 - Righteousness through Faith" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/philippians/3-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/philippians/3-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/philippians/">Philippians</a> > <a href="/philippians/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/philippians/3-1.htm" title="Philippians 3:1">◄</a> Philippians 3:2 <a href="/philippians/3-3.htm" title="Philippians 3:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/philippians/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/philippians/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/philippians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/philippians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/philippians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/philippians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Beware of the dogs! Beware of the evil workers! Beware of the false circumcision!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/philippians/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/philippians/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/philippians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/philippians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/philippians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/philippians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Beware of the dogs! Beware of the evil workers! Beware of the mutilation!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/philippians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Look out for the dogs [the Judaizers, the legalists], look out for the troublemakers, look out for the false circumcision [those who claim circumcision is necessary for salvation];<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/philippians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Watch out for the dogs, watch out for the evil workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/philippians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Watch out for &#8220dogs,&#8221 watch out for evil workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/philippians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the concision:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/philippians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Watch out for those people who behave like dogs! They are evil and want to do more than just circumcise you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/philippians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the concision:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/philippians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Beware of dogs! Beware of those who do evil things. Beware of those who insist on circumcision.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/philippians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Watch out for those who do evil things, those dogs, those who insist on cutting the body. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/philippians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Beware of the dogs! Beware of the evil workers! Beware of the mutilators!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/philippians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/philippians/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/philippians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/philippians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Beware of dogs, beware of evil-workers, beware of the concision.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/philippians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Beware of 'the dogs,' the bad workmen, the self-mutilators.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/philippians/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Beware of the dogs; beware of the evil workers; beware of the false circumcision. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/philippians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Look out for the dogs! Look out for the evil-workers! Look out for the mutilation!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/philippians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Beware of the dogs! Beware of the evil workers! Beware of the false circumcision!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/philippians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> look to the dogs, look to the evil-workers, look to the concision;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/philippians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Look out for dogs, look out for evil workmen, look out for the incision.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/philippians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/philippians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Beware of dogs; beware of those who work evil; beware of those who are divisive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/philippians/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Beware of the dogs! Beware of the evil-workers! Beware of the mutilation!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/philippians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/philippians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Beware of backbiters, beware of evil workers, beware of circumcising.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philippians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Beware of dogs; beware of evildoers; beware of the circumcisers.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/philippians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the concision.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/philippians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Beware of dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the counterfeit circumcision.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/philippians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Beware of dogs, beware of the malicious labourers, beware of the concision.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/philippians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />be upon your guard against snarlers, against the contrivances of the crafty, against the spurious breed;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/philippians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Beware of 'the dogs,' the bad workmen, the self-mutilators.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/philippians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil-workers, beware of the mutilation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/philippians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Beware of <i>those that are like</i> dogs, beware of evil doers, beware of the concision.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/philippians/3-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mXomUhcrPbg?start=527" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/philippians/3.htm">Righteousness through Faith</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/991.htm" title="991: Blepete (V-PMA-2P) -- (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.">Watch out for</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">those</a> <a href="/greek/2965.htm" title="2965: kynas (N-AMP) -- A dog, universally despised in the East. A primary word; a dog.">dogs,</a> <a href="/greek/991.htm" title="991: blepete (V-PMA-2P) -- (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">those</a> <a href="/greek/2040.htm" title="2040: ergatas (N-AMP) -- A field-laborer; then: a laborer, workman in general. From ergon; a toiler; figuratively, a teacher.">workers</a> <a href="/greek/2556.htm" title="2556: kakous (Adj-AMP) -- Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.">of evil,</a> <a href="/greek/991.htm" title="991: blepete (V-PMA-2P) -- (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">those</a> <a href="/greek/2699.htm" title="2699: katatomēn (N-AFS) -- A mutilation, spoiling. From a compound of kata and temno; a cutting down, i.e. Mutilation.">mutilators of the flesh!</a> </span> <span class="reftext">3</span>For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-12.htm">Galatians 5:12</a></span><br />As for those who are agitating you, I wish they would proceed to emasculate themselves!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Galatians 5:1-3</a></span><br />It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery. / Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. / Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">2 Corinthians 11:13-15</a></span><br />For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Romans 2:28-29</a></span><br />A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. / No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1-2</a></span><br />Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” / And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-12.htm">Galatians 6:12-13</a></span><br />Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. They only do this to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ. / For the circumcised do not even keep the law themselves, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Colossians 2:8</a></span><br />See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-16.htm">Colossians 2:16-17</a></span><br />Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. / These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/1-10.htm">Titus 1:10-11</a></span><br />For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision, / who must be silenced. For the sake of dishonorable gain, they undermine entire households and teach things they should not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a></span><br />Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1</a></span><br />Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/56-10.htm">Isaiah 56:10-11</a></span><br />Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. / Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-25.htm">Jeremiah 9:25-26</a></span><br />“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh— / Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab, and all the inhabitants of the desert who clip the hair of their temples. For all these nations are uncircumcised, and the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/44-7.htm">Ezekiel 44:7-9</a></span><br />In addition to all your other abominations, you brought in foreigners uncircumcised in both heart and flesh to occupy My sanctuary; you defiled My temple when you offered My food—the fat and the blood; you broke My covenant. / And you have not kept charge of My holy things, but have appointed others to keep charge of My sanctuary for you.’ / This is what the Lord GOD says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh may enter My sanctuary—not even a foreigner who lives among the Israelites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-18.htm">Deuteronomy 23:18</a></span><br />You must not bring the wages of a prostitute, whether female or male, into the house of the LORD your God to fulfill any vow, because both are detestable to the LORD your God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.</p><p class="hdg">of dogs.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/26-11.htm">Proverbs 26:11</a></b></br> As a dog returneth to his vomit, <i>so</i> a fool returneth to his folly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/56-10.htm">Isaiah 56:10,11</a></b></br> His watchmen <i>are</i> blind: they are all ignorant, they <i>are</i> all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/7-6.htm">Matthew 7:6,15</a></b></br> Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you… </p><p class="hdg">evil.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philippians/3-19.htm">Philippians 3:19</a></b></br> Whose end <i>is</i> destruction, whose God <i>is their</i> belly, and <i>whose</i> glory <i>is</i> in their shame, who mind earthly things.)</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-115.htm">Psalm 119:115</a></b></br> Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/7-22.htm">Matthew 7:22,23</a></b></br> Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? … </p><p class="hdg">the.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Philippians 3:3</a></b></br> For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Romans 2:28</a></b></br> For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither <i>is that</i> circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/2-3.htm">Galatians 2:3,4</a></b></br> But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/5-10.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-30.htm">Beware</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-11.htm">Circumcision</a> <a href="/luke/16-21.htm">Dogs</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-16.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/philippians/1-24.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/galatians/5-12.htm">Mutilate</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-7.htm">rs</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">Workers</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">Workmen</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Beware</a> <a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Circumcision</a> <a href="/revelation/22-15.htm">Dogs</a> <a href="/colossians/1-13.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-27.htm">Mutilate</a> <a href="/exodus/8-7.htm">rs</a> <a href="/colossians/4-2.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/philippians/4-3.htm">Workers</a> <a href="/james/5-4.htm">Workmen</a><div class="vheading2">Philippians 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/philippians/3-1.htm">He warns them to beware of the false teachers;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/philippians/3-4.htm">showing that himself has greater cause than they to trust in the righteousness of the law;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/philippians/3-7.htm">which he counts as loss, to gain Christ and his righteousness;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">acknowledging his own imperfection and pressing on toward the goal;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/philippians/3-15.htm">He exhorts them to be thus minded;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/philippians/3-17.htm">and to imitate him,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/philippians/3-18.htm">and to decline carnal ways.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philippians/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philippians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/philippians/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Watch out for those dogs</b><br>In biblical times, "dogs" were often seen as unclean animals, scavengers that roamed the streets. This term was used metaphorically to describe people who were considered impure or morally corrupt. In the context of <a href="/philippians/3-2.htm">Philippians 3:2</a>, Paul uses "dogs" to refer to false teachers, particularly Judaizers who insisted that Gentile Christians must follow Jewish law to be saved. This term is also used in other scriptures, such as <a href="/matthew/7-6.htm">Matthew 7:6</a>, where Jesus warns against giving what is holy to dogs, symbolizing those who would reject or profane the gospel.<p><b>those workers of evil</b><br>Paul warns against individuals who, under the guise of religious piety, actually promote teachings contrary to the gospel. These "workers of evil" are those who distort the message of grace by adding legalistic requirements. This phrase echoes Jesus' warning in <a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a> about false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but are inwardly ravenous wolves. The emphasis is on the deceptive nature of their work, which ultimately leads believers away from the truth.<p><b>those mutilators of the flesh!</b><br>This phrase specifically targets the Judaizers who advocated for circumcision as necessary for salvation. Paul uses strong language to contrast the physical act of circumcision with the spiritual transformation that comes through faith in Christ. In <a href="/galatians/5-12.htm">Galatians 5:12</a>, Paul similarly expresses his frustration with those who insist on circumcision, suggesting that they are more concerned with outward rituals than with true spiritual renewal. The term "mutilators" underscores the futility of relying on physical acts for righteousness, pointing instead to the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the letter to the Philippians, Paul is addressing the church in Philippi with warnings against false teachings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/philippi.htm">Philippi</a></b><br>A city in Macedonia where Paul established a church. It was a Roman colony and had a diverse population, including both Jews and Gentiles.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/judaizers.htm">Judaizers</a></b><br>A group of Jewish Christians who insisted that Gentile converts must adhere to Jewish laws, including circumcision, to be saved. They are the "mutilators of the flesh" Paul warns against.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_doctrine.htm">Discernment in Doctrine</a></b><br>Believers must be vigilant and discerning about teachings that deviate from the gospel of grace. False teachings can lead to spiritual bondage.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_legalism.htm">The Danger of Legalism</a></b><br>Legalism, or the belief that adherence to the law is necessary for salvation, undermines the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. Christians are called to live in the freedom of grace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_false_teachers.htm">Guarding Against False Teachers</a></b><br>Just as Paul warned the Philippians, Christians today must be aware of those who distort the gospel for their own purposes. This requires a solid understanding of Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_the_body_of_christ.htm">Unity in the Body of Christ</a></b><br>The church should strive for unity, focusing on the essentials of the faith rather than divisive issues that detract from the gospel message.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>The Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth, helping them discern false teachings and live according to God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_philippians_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Philippians 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_epaphroditus_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Epaphroditus in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'free_indeed'_mean_in_john_8_36.htm">How can we submit to each other?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_1_thess._2_14-15_blame_jews.htm">Why does 1 Thessalonians 2:14–15 appear to blame the Jews, contradicting the broader New Testament message of salvation for all? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_2_peter_2_20-22_affect_'once_saved'.htm">2 Peter 2:20-22 implies believers can fall away; how does this align with the doctrine of 'once saved, always saved'?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/philippians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Beware of</span> (<span class= "ital">the</span>) <span class= "bld">dogs.</span>--In <a href="/revelation/22-15.htm" title="For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and fornicators, and murderers, and idolaters, and whoever loves and makes a lie.">Revelation 22:15</a> "the dogs" excluded from the heavenly Jerusalem seem to be those who are impure. In that sense the Jews applied the word to the heathen, as our Lord, for a moment appearing to follow the Jewish usage, does to the Syro-Ph?nician woman in <a href="/matthew/15-26.htm" title="But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.">Matthew 15:26</a>. But here the context appropriates the word to the Judaising party, who claimed special purity, ceremonial and moral, and who probably were not characterised by peculiar impurity--such as, indeed, below (<a href="/context/philippians/3-17.htm" title="Brothers, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as you have us for an ensample.">Philippians 3:17-21</a>) would seem rather to attach to the Antinomian party, probably the extreme on the other side. Chrysostom's hint that the Apostle means to retort the name upon them, as now by their own wilful apostasy occupying the place outside the spiritual Israel which once belonged to the despised Gentiles, is probably right. Yet perhaps there may be some allusion to the dogs, not as unclean, but as, especially in their half-wild state in the East, snarling and savage, driving off as interlopers all who approach what they consider their ground. Nothing could better describe the narrow Judaising spirit.<p><span class= "bld">Of evil workers.</span>--Comp. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm" title="For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.">2Corinthians 11:13</a>, describing the Judaisers as "deceitful workers." Here the idea is of their energy in work, but work for evil.<p><span class= "bld">The concision.</span>--By an ironical play upon words St. Paul declares his refusal to call the circumcision, on which the Judaisers prided themselves, by that time-honoured name; for "we," he says, "are the true circumcision," the true Israel of the new covenant. In <a href="/ephesians/2-11.htm" title="Why remember, that you being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;">Ephesians 2:11</a> (where see Note) he had denoted it as the "so-called circumcision in the flesh made by hands." Here he speaks more strongly, and calls it a "concision," a mere outward mutilation, no longer, as it had been, a "seal" of the covenant (<a href="/romans/4-11.htm" title="And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed to them also:">Romans 4:11</a>). There is a still more startling attack on the advocates of circumcision in <a href="/galatians/5-12.htm" title="I would they were even cut off which trouble you.">Galatians 5:12</a> (where see Note). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philippians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision</span>. The connection is, as given in ver. 3, Rejoice in the Lord, not in the flesh; have confidence in him, not in the ceremonies of the Jewish Law. Compare the same contrast in <a href="/galatians/6-13.htm">Galatians 6:13, 14</a>. There is certainly something abrupt in the sudden introduction of this polemic against Judaizing, especially in writing to Philippi, where there were not many Jews. But there may have been circumstances, unknown to us, which made the warning necessary; or, as some think, the apostle may have written this under excitement caused by the violent opposition of the Jewish faction at Rome. <span class="accented">Beware</span>; literally, <span class="accented">mark</span>, observe them, to be on your guard against them. The <span class="accented">dogs.</span> The article must be retained in the translation. The Jews called the Gentiles "dogs" (comp. <a href="/matthew/15-26.htm">Matthew 15:26, 27</a>; <a href="/revelation/22-15.htm">Revelation 22:15</a>), <span class="accented">i.e.</span> unclean, mainly because of their disregard of the distinction between clean and unclean food. St. Paul retorts the epithet: they are the dogs, who have confidence in the flesh, not in spiritual religion. <span class="accented">Evil workers</span>; so <a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">2 Corinthians 11:13</a>, where he calls them "deceitful workers." The Judaizers were active enough, like the Pharisees who "compassed sea and land to make one proselyte;" but their activity sprang from bad motives - they were evil workers, though their work was sometimes overruled for good (comp. <a href="/philippians/1-15.htm">Philippians 1:15-18</a>). <span class="accented">The concision</span> (<span class="greek">κατατομή</span>, cutting, mutilation); a contemptuous word for "circumcision" (<span class="greek">περιτομή</span>). Compare the Jewish contemptuous use of Isbosheth, man of shame, for Eshbaal, man of Baal, etc. Their circumcision is no better than a mutilation. Observe the paronomasia, the combination of like-sounding words, which is common in St. Paul's Epistles. Winer gives many examples in sect. lxviii. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/philippians/3-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Watch out for</span><br /><span class="grk">Βλέπετε</span> <span class="translit">(Blepete)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_991.htm">Strong's 991: </a> </span><span class="str2">(primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">those</span><br /><span class="grk">τοὺς</span> <span class="translit">(tous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">dogs,</span><br /><span class="grk">κύνας</span> <span class="translit">(kynas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2965.htm">Strong's 2965: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dog, universally despised in the East. A primary word; a dog.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">those</span><br /><span class="grk">τοὺς</span> <span class="translit">(tous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">workers</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐργάτας</span> <span class="translit">(ergatas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2040.htm">Strong's 2040: </a> </span><span class="str2">A field-laborer; then: a laborer, workman in general. From ergon; a toiler; figuratively, a teacher.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of evil,</span><br /><span class="grk">κακοὺς</span> <span class="translit">(kakous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2556.htm">Strong's 2556: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">those</span><br /><span class="grk">τὴν</span> <span class="translit">(tēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">mutilators of the flesh!</span><br /><span class="grk">κατατομήν</span> <span class="translit">(katatomēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2699.htm">Strong's 2699: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mutilation, spoiling. From a compound of kata and temno; a cutting down, i.e. Mutilation.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philippians/3-2.htm">Philippians 3:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/philippians/3-2.htm">Philippians 3:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/philippians/3-2.htm">Philippians 3:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/philippians/3-2.htm">Philippians 3:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/philippians/3-2.htm">Philippians 3:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/philippians/3-2.htm">Philippians 3:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philippians/3-2.htm">Philippians 3:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/philippians/3-2.htm">Philippians 3:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/philippians/3-2.htm">Philippians 3:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/philippians/3-2.htm">Philippians 3:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/philippians/3-2.htm">NT Letters: Philippians 3:2 Beware of the dogs beware (Philipp. Phil. Php.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philippians/3-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philippians 3:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philippians 3:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philippians/3-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philippians 3:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philippians 3:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>