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But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead," /><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> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><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/3-13.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/3-13.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 13</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="/ad13.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/3-12.htm" title="Philippians 3:12">◄</a> Philippians 3:13 <a href="/philippians/3-14.htm" title="Philippians 3:14">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/philippians/3.htm">New International Version</a> Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, <a href="/nlt/philippians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, <a href="/esv/philippians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, <a href="/bsb/philippians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, <a href="/blb/philippians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing indeed: Forgetting the things behind and reaching forward to the things ahead, <a href="/kjv/philippians/3.htm">King James Bible</a> Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, <a href="/nkjv/philippians/3.htm">New King James Version</a> Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, <a href="/nasb_/philippians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, <a href="/nasb/philippians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, <a href="/nasb77/philippians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, <a href="/lsb/philippians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Brothers, I do not consider myself as having laid hold of it yet, but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, <a href="/amp/philippians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, <a href="/csb/philippians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, <a href="/hcsb/philippians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, <a href="/asv/philippians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> Brethren, I count not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before. <a href="/cev/philippians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> My friends, I don't feel I have already arrived. But I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead. <a href="/erv/philippians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> Brethren, I count not myself yet to have apprehended: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, <a href="/gwt/philippians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Brothers and sisters, I can't consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don't look back, I lengthen my stride, and <a href="/gnt/philippians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> Of course, my friends, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. <a href="/isv/philippians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> Brothers, I do not consider myself to have embraced it yet. But this one thing I do: Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, <a href="/net/philippians/3.htm">NET Bible</a> Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have attained this. Instead I am single-minded: Forgetting the things that are behind and reaching out for the things that are ahead, <a href="/nheb/philippians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Brothers, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and reaching forward to the things which are ahead, <a href="/wbt/philippians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are before, <a href="/wey/philippians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Brethren, I do not imagine that I have yet laid hold of it. But this one thing I do--forgetting everything which is past and stretching forward to what lies in front of me,<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/philippians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, <a href="/web/philippians/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do: forgetting the things which are behind and stretching forward to the things which are before, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/philippians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> brothers, I do not reckon myself to have laid hold [of it], but one thing [I do]—indeed forgetting the things behind, and stretching forth to the things before— <a href="/blb/philippians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing indeed: Forgetting the things behind and reaching forward to the things ahead, <a href="/ylt/philippians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> brethren, I do not reckon myself to have laid hold; and one thing -- the things behind indeed forgetting, and to the things before stretching forth -- <a href="/slt/philippians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Brethren, I reckon not myself to have been overtaken: but one, truly forgetting things behind, and stretching still farther to things before,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/philippians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended. But one thing I do: forgetting the things that are behind, and stretching forth myself to those that are before, <a href="/cpdv/philippians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Brothers, I do not consider that I have already attained this. Instead, I do one thing: forgetting those things that are behind, and extending myself toward those things that are ahead, <a href="/nabre/philippians/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, <a href="/nrsvce/philippians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/philippians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> My brethren, I do not consider that I have reached the goal; but this one thing I do know, forgetting those things which are behind me, I strive for those things which are before me, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philippians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> My brethren, I do not consider myself to have obtained it, but I know one thing: I have forgotten that which is behind me and I reach out before me,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/philippians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Brethren, I do not conclude that I have already laid hold: <a href="/godbey/philippians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Brethren, I do not consider that I have yet received it; <a href="/haweis/philippians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Brethren, I count not myself to have overtaken it; but this one object I pursue, forgetting the things which are behind, and reaching out to those which are before, <a href="/mace/philippians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I don't imagine, my brethren, that I am arriv'd at the goal; but this I do, unmindful of what is pass'd, I stretch towards that which is in view, <a href="/wey/philippians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Brethren, I do not imagine that I have yet laid hold of it. But this one thing I do--forgetting everything which is past and stretching forward to what lies in front of me, <a href="/worrell/philippians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Brethren, I do not account myself to have laid hold of it; but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and reaching forth to the things before. <a href="/worsley/philippians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Brethren, I count not myself to have attained it: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to those before, <a href="/parallel/philippians/3-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mXomUhcrPbg?start=636" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/philippians/3.htm">Pressing Toward the Goal</a> 12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13<a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphoi (N-VMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">Brothers,</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">do not</a> <a href="/greek/3049.htm" title="3049: logizomai (V-PIM/P-1S) -- To reckon, count, charge with; reason, decide, conclude; think, suppose. ">consider</a> <a href="/greek/1683.htm" title="1683: emauton (PPro-AM1S) -- Genitive case compound of emou and autos; of myself so likewise the dative case emautoi em-ow-to', and accusative case emauton em-ow-ton'.">myself</a> <a href="/greek/2638.htm" title="2638: kateilēphenai (V-RNA) -- From kata and lambano; to take eagerly, i.e. Seize, possess, etc.">yet to have taken hold of it.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: hen (Adj-ANS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">one thing I do:</a> <a href="/greek/3303.htm" title="3303: men (Conj) -- A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de."></a> <a href="/greek/1950.htm" title="1950: epilanthanomenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- To forget, neglect. Middle voice from epi and lanthano; to lose out of mind; by implication, to neglect.">Forgetting</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">what is</a> <a href="/greek/3694.htm" title="3694: opisō (Adv) -- Behind, after; back, backwards. From the same as opisthen with enclitic of direction; to the back, i.e. Aback.">behind</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/1901.htm" title="1901: epekteinomenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- To strain after, stretch forward. Middle voice from epi and ekteino; to stretch forward upon.">straining toward</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">what is</a> <a href="/greek/1715.htm" title="1715: emprosthen (Adv) -- From en and pros; in front of (literally or figuratively) or time).">ahead,</a> 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1</a> Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. <a href="/luke/9-62.htm">Luke 9:62</a> Then Jesus declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</a> Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. / Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. / Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. ... <a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7-8</a> I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. / From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing. <a href="/isaiah/43-18.htm">Isaiah 43:18-19</a> “Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old. / Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a> Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! <a href="/romans/8-18.htm">Romans 8:18</a> I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. <a href="/colossians/3-2.htm">Colossians 3:2</a> Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. <a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Matthew 6:33</a> But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. <a href="/galatians/2-20.htm">Galatians 2:20</a> I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. <a href="/proverbs/4-25.htm">Proverbs 4:25-27</a> Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. / Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. / Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil. <a href="/psalms/37-25.htm">Psalm 37:25</a> I once was young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread. <a href="/1_peter/1-13.htm">1 Peter 1:13</a> Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. <a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a> Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. <a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Ephesians 4:22-24</a> to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; / to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; / and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Brothers, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before,I count.<a href="/philippians/3-8.htm">Philippians 3:8,12</a> 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, … <a href="/philippians/1-18.htm">Philippians 1:18-21</a> What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice… <a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Philippians 4:11-13</a> Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content… one.<a href="/psalms/27-4.htm">Psalm 27:4</a> One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.<a href="/luke/10-42.htm">Luke 10:42</a> But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.<a href="/2_peter/3-8.htm">2 Peter 3:8</a> But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.forgetting.<a href="/psalms/45-10.htm">Psalm 45:10</a> Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;<a href="/luke/9-62.htm">Luke 9:62</a> And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.<a href="/2_corinthians/5-16.htm">2 Corinthians 5:16</a> Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.and reaching.<a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Philippians 2:12</a> Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.<a href="/romans/15-23.htm">Romans 15:23-29</a> But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; … <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</a> Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/9-5.htm">Ahead</a> <a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">Apprehended</a> <a href="/philippians/2-22.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/philippians/3-7.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/philippians/3-8.htm">Count</a> <a href="/isaiah/65-11.htm">Forgetting</a> <a href="/philippians/2-17.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/galatians/2-10.htm">Forward</a> <a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/romans/2-3.htm">Imagine</a> <a href="/philippians/3-8.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/galatians/2-2.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-19.htm">Past</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-14.htm">Reaching</a> <a href="/philippians/3-8.htm">Reckon</a> <a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/acts/26-1.htm">Stretching</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/5-24.htm">Ahead</a> <a href="/john/1-5.htm">Apprehended</a> <a href="/philippians/3-15.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-11.htm">Count</a> <a href="/judges/3-7.htm">Forgetting</a> <a href="/colossians/1-6.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/philippians/3-14.htm">Forward</a> <a href="/philippians/3-16.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/esther/4-13.htm">Imagine</a> <a href="/philippians/4-10.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/colossians/1-5.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/colossians/1-21.htm">Past</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-24.htm">Reaching</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-12.htm">Reckon</a> <a href="/colossians/1-24.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/genesis/1-6.htm">Stretching</a><div class="vheading2">Philippians 3</div>1. <a href="/philippians/3-1.htm">He warns them to beware of the false teachers;</a> 4. <a href="/philippians/3-4.htm">showing that himself has greater cause than they to trust in the righteousness of the law;</a> 7. <a href="/philippians/3-7.htm">which he counts as loss, to gain Christ and his righteousness;</a> 12. <a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">acknowledging his own imperfection and pressing on toward the goal;</a> 15. <a href="/philippians/3-15.htm">He exhorts them to be thus minded;</a> 17. <a href="/philippians/3-17.htm">and to imitate him,</a> 18. <a href="/philippians/3-18.htm">and to decline carnal ways.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. Paul addresses the Philippian believers as "Brothers," indicating a familial bond within the body of Christ. This reflects the early Christian community's emphasis on unity and mutual support. The phrase "I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it" shows Paul's humility and acknowledgment of his ongoing spiritual journey. Despite his significant contributions to the early Church, Paul admits he has not yet achieved complete spiritual maturity or perfection. This humility is consistent with his teachings in other letters, such as <a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Romans 7:18-25</a>, where he discusses the struggle with sin. The "it" Paul refers to is the ultimate goal of knowing Christ fully and attaining the resurrection from the dead, as mentioned earlier in <a href="/philippians/3-10.htm">Philippians 3:10-11</a>.But one thing I do: Paul emphasizes focus and determination with the phrase "one thing I do." This singular focus is reminiscent of Jesus' teaching in <a href="/luke/10-42.htm">Luke 10:42</a>, where He tells Martha that only one thing is necessary, highlighting the importance of prioritizing spiritual matters. Paul's concentrated effort is a call to believers to prioritize their relationship with Christ above all else, avoiding distractions that can lead them away from their spiritual goals.Forgetting what is behind "Forgetting what is behind" suggests a deliberate choice to let go of past achievements, failures, and experiences that could hinder spiritual progress. In the context of Philippians, Paul had previously listed his credentials and accomplishments in Judaism (<a href="/philippians/3-4.htm">Philippians 3:4-6</a>), but he now considers them as loss for the sake of Christ (<a href="/philippians/3-7.htm">Philippians 3:7-8</a>). This act of forgetting is not about erasing memories but rather not allowing them to dictate one's present and future actions. It aligns with <a href="/isaiah/43-18.htm">Isaiah 43:18-19</a>, where God encourages His people to forget former things and embrace the new work He is doing.and straining toward what is ahead, The imagery of "straining" suggests an athlete in a race, exerting maximum effort to reach the finish line. This metaphor is consistent with Paul's use of athletic imagery in other epistles, such as <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</a>, where he compares the Christian life to a race requiring discipline and perseverance. "What is ahead" refers to the future hope and promises of God, including the resurrection and eternal life with Christ. This forward-looking perspective encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/12.htm">Hebrews 12:1-2</a>, where Christians are urged to run with endurance, fixing their eyes on Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Philippians, Paul is writing from prison, encouraging the believers in Philippi to pursue spiritual maturity and joy in Christ. 2. <a href="/topical/p/philippi.htm">Philippi</a> A city in Macedonia where Paul established a church. The Philippian church was known for its generosity and support of Paul's ministry. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_philippian_church.htm">The Philippian Church</a> The recipients of the letter, they were a group of believers who faced external pressures and internal challenges, yet were commended for their faith and partnership in the gospel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_focus.htm">The Importance of Focus</a> Paul emphasizes the need to focus on the future rather than dwelling on past failures or successes. This focus is crucial for spiritual growth and maturity. <a href="/topical/f/forgetting_the_past.htm">Forgetting the Past</a> The Greek word for "forgetting" implies a deliberate choice to disregard past distractions. Christians are called to let go of past sins, regrets, and even achievements that hinder their progress. <a href="/topical/s/straining_toward_the_goal.htm">Straining Toward the Goal</a> The imagery of "straining" suggests an athlete's effort and determination. Believers are encouraged to exert effort in their spiritual journey, aiming for the ultimate prize of Christlikeness. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_perseverance.htm">The Role of Perseverance</a> Perseverance is key in the Christian walk. Despite challenges, believers are to press on, trusting in God's strength and guidance. <a href="/topical/c/community_encouragement.htm">Community Encouragement</a> Paul addresses the "brothers," indicating the importance of community in encouraging one another to stay focused and committed to the goal.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_philippians_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Philippians 3</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'epektasis'_mean.htm">What does "epektasis" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_philippians_3_13_mean.htm">What does Philippians 3:13 mean about forgetting the past?</a> <a href="/q/are_lustful_thoughts_considered_sinful.htm">What does 'epektasis' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_past.htm">What does the Bible say about forgetting the past?</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>(13) I count not myself . . .--The "I" is emphatic, evidently in contrast with some of those who thought themselves "perfect." (See <a href="/philippians/3-15.htm" title="Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this to you.">Philippians 3:15</a>.) Not only does St. Paul refuse to count that he has ever yet "attained;" he will not allow that he is yet in a position even to grasp at the prize. (Comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-27.htm" title="But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.">1Corinthians 9:27</a>.)Forgetting those things which are behind . . .--The precept is absolutely general, applying to past blessings, past achievements, even past sins. The ineradicable instinct of hope, which the wisdom of the world (not unreasonably if this life be all) holds to be a delusion, or at best a condescension to weakness, is sanctioned in the gospel as an anticipation of immortality. Accordingly hope is made a rational principle, and is always declared to be, not only a privilege, but a high Christian duty, co-ordinate with faith and love (as in <a href="/1_corinthians/13-13.htm" title="And now stays faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.">1Corinthians 13:13</a>; <a href="/ephesians/4-4.htm" title="There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling;">Ephesians 4:4</a>). St. Paul does not scruple to say that, if we have it not, for the next life as well as this, we Christians are "of all men most miserable" (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-19.htm" title="If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.">1Corinthians 15:19</a>). Hence past blessing is but an earnest of the future; past achievements of good are stepping-stones to greater things; past sins are viewed in that true repentance which differs from remorse--"the sorrow of this world which worketh death" (<a href="/2_corinthians/7-10.htm" title="For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world works death.">2Corinthians 7:10</a>)--in having a sure and certain hope of the final conquest of all sin. The "eternal life" in Christ is a present gift, but one test of its reality in the present is its possession of the promise of the future. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philippians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 13. - Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; rather, perhaps, I reckon. Two of the best manuscripts read "not yet" (οὔπω). The pronouns are emphatic: whatever others may think of me or of themselves, "I reckon not myself to have apprehended." But this one thing. The ellipse here is forcible; some supply "I reckon;" others, "I say;" others, as A.V., "I do," which seems best suited to the context. I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. St. Paul concentrates all his thoughts and all his energies on the one great end of life, the one thing needful. He forgets those things which are behind; that is, not, as some explain, his Jewish privileges and distinctions, but that part of his Christian race already past. So Chrysostom, Καὶ γὰρ ὁ δρομεὺς οὐχ ὅσους ἤνυσεν ἀναλογίζεται διαύλους ἀλλ ὅσους λείπεται... Τί γὰρ ἡμᾶς ὠφελεῖ τὸ ἀνυσθὲν ὅταν τὸ λειπόμενον μὴ προστεθῇ; Reaching forth. The Greek word μὴ προστεθῇ; is singularly emphatic: it means that the athlete throws himself forward in the race with all his energies strained to the very utmost. Compare Bengel, "Oculus manum, manus pedem praevertit et trahit." <a href="/commentaries/philippians/3-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Brothers, ἀδελφοί (adelphoi) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. I ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. {do} not οὐ (ou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. consider λογίζομαι (logizomai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3049.htm">Strong's 3049: </a> To reckon, count, charge with; reason, decide, conclude; think, suppose. myself ἐμαυτὸν (emauton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1683.htm">Strong's 1683: </a> Genitive case compound of emou and autos; of myself so likewise the dative case emautoi em-ow-to', and accusative case emauton em-ow-ton'. yet to have laid hold [of it]. κατειληφέναι (kateilēphenai) Verb - Perfect Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2638.htm">Strong's 2638: </a> From kata and lambano; to take eagerly, i.e. Seize, possess, etc. But δέ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. one thing [I do]: ἓν (hen) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. Forgetting ἐπιλανθανόμενος (epilanthanomenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1950.htm">Strong's 1950: </a> To forget, neglect. Middle voice from epi and lanthano; to lose out of mind; by implication, to neglect. what is τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. behind ὀπίσω (opisō) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3694.htm">Strong's 3694: </a> Behind, after; back, backwards. From the same as opisthen with enclitic of direction; to the back, i.e. Aback. and δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. straining toward ἐπεκτεινόμενος (epekteinomenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1901.htm">Strong's 1901: </a> To strain after, stretch forward. Middle voice from epi and ekteino; to stretch forward upon. what [is] τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. ahead, ἔμπροσθεν (emprosthen) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_1715.htm">Strong's 1715: </a> From en and pros; in front of (literally or figuratively) or time). <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philippians/3-13.htm">Philippians 3:13 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/philippians/3-13.htm">Philippians 3:13 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/philippians/3-13.htm">Philippians 3:13 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/philippians/3-13.htm">Philippians 3:13 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/philippians/3-13.htm">Philippians 3:13 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/philippians/3-13.htm">Philippians 3:13 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philippians/3-13.htm">Philippians 3:13 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/philippians/3-13.htm">Philippians 3:13 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/philippians/3-13.htm">Philippians 3:13 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/philippians/3-13.htm">Philippians 3:13 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/philippians/3-13.htm">NT Letters: Philippians 3:13 Brothers I don't regard myself as yet (Philipp. Phil. Php.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philippians/3-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philippians 3:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philippians 3:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philippians/3-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philippians 3:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philippians 3:14" /></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>