CINXE.COM

Philippians 3:4 though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more:

<!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 3:4 though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more:</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/philippians/3-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/50_Php_03_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Philippians 3:4 - Righteousness through Faith" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more:" /><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/3-4.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/3-4.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 4</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="/ad4.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/3-3.htm" title="Philippians 3:3">&#9668;</a> Philippians 3:4 <a href="/philippians/3-5.htm" title="Philippians 3:5">&#9658;</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">&nbsp;Audio&nbsp;</a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References">&nbsp;Cross&nbsp;</a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible">&nbsp;Study&nbsp;</a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary">&nbsp;Comm&nbsp;</a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon">&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;</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">&nbsp; (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/philippians/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/philippians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/philippians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/philippians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/philippians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />though I have confidence even in <i>the</i> flesh. If any other thinks to trust in <i>the</i> flesh, I more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/philippians/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/philippians/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/philippians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />although I myself <i>could boast as</i> having confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he is confident in the flesh, I <i>have</i> more <i>reason:</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/philippians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/philippians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/philippians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/philippians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />though I myself might have [some grounds for] confidence in the flesh [if I were pursuing salvation by works]. If anyone else thinks that he has reason to be confident in the flesh [that is, in his own efforts to achieve salvation], I <i>have</i> far more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/philippians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />although I have reasons for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/philippians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />although I once also had confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/philippians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh: if any other man thinketh to have confidence in the flesh, I yet more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/philippians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />although I could. Others may brag about themselves, but I have more reason to brag than anyone else. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/philippians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh: if any other man thinketh to have confidence in the flesh, I yet more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/philippians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />although I could have confidence in my physical qualifications. If anyone else thinks that he can trust in something physical, I can claim even more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/philippians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I could, of course, put my trust in such things. If any of you think you can trust in external ceremonies, I have even more reason to feel that way. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/philippians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />although I could have confidence in the flesh. If anyone thinks he can place confidence in the flesh, I have more reason to think so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/philippians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/philippians/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />--though mine too are significant. If someone thinks he has good reasons to put confidence in human credentials, I have more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/philippians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/philippians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath reason to trust in the flesh, I more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/philippians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />although I myself might have some excuse for confidence in outward ceremonies. If any one else claims a right to trust in them, far more may I:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/philippians/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more: <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/philippians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />though I also have [cause of] trust in flesh. If any other one thinks to have trust in flesh, I more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/philippians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />though I have confidence even in <i>the</i> flesh. If any other thinks to trust in <i>the</i> flesh, I more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/philippians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> though I also have cause of trust in flesh. If any other one doth think to have trust in flesh, I more;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/philippians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Although I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other think to have confidence in the flesh, I more:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/philippians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other thinketh he may have confidence in the flesh, I more, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/philippians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Nevertheless, I might have confidence also in the flesh, for if anyone else seems to have confidence in the flesh, more so do I.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/philippians/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />although I myself have grounds for confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he can be confident in flesh, all the more can I.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/philippians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more:<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/philippians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />As for me, I once relied on things of the flesh. However, if a man thinks his hope is on things of the flesh, I have more hope than he has;<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 />As I did have trust in the flesh, for if a man has hoped in his trust in the flesh, I have more than he:<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/philippians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />though, indeed, I have a ground of confidence in the flesh. If any other thinks he has a ground of confidence in the flesh, I more;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/philippians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />even though also having confidence in the flesh. If any other one seems to have confidence in the flesh, I the more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/philippians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Though I too might have confidence in the flesh; if any other man thinks that he may have confidence in the flesh, I may claim more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/philippians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />which I might do more justly than any other man can pretend to:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/philippians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />although I myself might have some excuse for confidence in outward ceremonies. If any one else claims a right to trust in them, far more may I:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/philippians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />though I might have confidence even in flesh; if any other man supposes that he has <i>occasion</i> for confidence in flesh, I more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/philippians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other thinks <i>he hath whereof</i> to trust in the flesh, I more:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/philippians/3-4.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=545" 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>&#8230;<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&#8212; <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2539.htm" title="2539: kaiper (Conj) -- Although, though. From kai and per; and indeed, i.e. Nevertheless or notwithstanding.">though</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: eg&#333; (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I myself</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: ech&#333;n (V-PPA-NMS) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">could have</a> <a href="/greek/4006.htm" title="4006: pepoith&#275;sin (N-AFS) -- Confidence, trust, reliance. From the perfect of the alternate of pascho; reliance.">such confidence.</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/4561.htm" title="4561: sarki (N-DFS) -- Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. "></a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: Ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">If</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">anyone</a> <a href="/greek/243.htm" title="243: allos (Adj-NMS) -- Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; else, i.e. Different.">else</a> <a href="/greek/1380.htm" title="1380: dokei (V-PIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.">thinks</a> <a href="/greek/3982.htm" title="3982: pepoithenai (V-RNA) -- A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely.">he has grounds for confidence</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/4561.htm" title="4561: sarki (N-DFS) -- Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. ">the flesh,</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: eg&#333; (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/3123.htm" title="3123: mallon (Adv) -- More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather.">have more:</a> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <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="/2_corinthians/11-18.htm">2 Corinthians 11:18-22</a></span><br />Since many are boasting according to the flesh, I too will boast. / For you gladly put up with fools, since you are so wise. / In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or exalts himself or strikes you in the face. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/1-13.htm">Galatians 1:13-14</a></span><br />For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. / I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-1.htm">Romans 11:1</a></span><br />I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/22-3.htm">Acts 22:3</a></span><br />&#8220;I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/26-4.htm">Acts 26:4-5</a></span><br />Surely all the Jews know how I have lived from my earliest childhood among my own people, and also in Jerusalem. / They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-16.htm">2 Corinthians 5:16</a></span><br />So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-17.htm">Romans 2:17-29</a></span><br />Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; / if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; / if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those in darkness, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-14.htm">Galatians 6:14</a></span><br />But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-29.htm">1 Corinthians 1:29-31</a></span><br />so that no one may boast in His presence. / It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. / Therefore, as it is written: &#8220;Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: &#8220;Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth&#8212;for I delight in these things,&#8221; declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a></span><br />But the LORD said to Samuel, &#8220;Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-39.htm">1 Kings 8:39</a></span><br />be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and act, and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart&#8212;for You alone know the hearts of all men&#8212;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a></span><br />Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/3-9.htm">Matthew 3:9</a></span><br />And do not presume to say to yourselves, &#8216;We have Abraham as our father.&#8217; For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-39.htm">John 8:39</a></span><br />&#8220;Abraham is our father,&#8221; they replied. &#8220;If you were children of Abraham,&#8221; said Jesus, &#8220;you would do the works of Abraham.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/11-18.htm">2 Corinthians 11:18-22</a></b></br> Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also&#8230; </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/philippians/2-6.htm">Although</a> <a href="/philippians/2-18.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Ceremonies</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-19.htm">Claims</a> <a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Confidence</a> <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Excuse</a> <a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/philippians/3-1.htm">Far</a> <a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/philippians/2-20.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Outward</a> <a href="/philippians/1-17.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-18.htm">Reasons</a> <a href="/philippians/1-7.htm">Right</a> <a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Think</a> <a href="/galatians/6-3.htm">Thinketh</a> <a href="/galatians/6-3.htm">Thinks</a> <a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Trust</a> <a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">Whereof</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philippians/4-10.htm">Although</a> <a href="/philippians/4-3.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-10.htm">Ceremonies</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm">Claims</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-4.htm">Confidence</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-14.htm">Excuse</a> <a href="/philippians/3-9.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/philippians/3-16.htm">Far</a> <a href="/colossians/1-22.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/philippians/3-16.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-3.htm">Outward</a> <a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-5.htm">Reasons</a> <a href="/philippians/4-8.htm">Right</a> <a href="/philippians/3-15.htm">Think</a> <a href="/james/1-26.htm">Thinketh</a> <a href="/james/1-26.htm">Thinks</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-4.htm">Trust</a> <a href="/colossians/1-5.htm">Whereof</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/philippians/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>though I myself could have such confidence.</b><br>Paul begins by acknowledging that he has reasons to be confident in his own achievements and status. In the context of Philippians, Paul is addressing the issue of Judaizers who were promoting the necessity of following Jewish law for salvation. Paul, a former Pharisee, had every reason to boast in his adherence to the law and his Jewish heritage. This phrase sets the stage for Paul to contrast his past reliance on the flesh with his current faith in Christ.<p><b>If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh,</b><br>Here, Paul challenges others who might believe they have reasons to boast about their human accomplishments or religious credentials. The term "flesh" refers to human efforts and achievements apart from God. In the cultural context of the time, Jewish identity and adherence to the law were seen as sources of pride and assurance of righteousness. Paul is addressing those who might rely on their lineage, circumcision, or observance of the law as a basis for their confidence before God.<p><b>I have more:</b><br>Paul asserts that if anyone could claim confidence based on human credentials, it would be him. He is about to list his impressive Jewish credentials, which include being circumcised on the eighth day, being of the tribe of Benjamin, and being a Pharisee. This statement emphasizes that Paul is not speaking from a position of ignorance or lack of credentials; rather, he has surpassed others in these areas. However, he will go on to explain that these credentials are ultimately worthless compared to knowing Christ. This sets up a powerful contrast between human achievement and divine grace, highlighting the transformative power of faith in Jesus.<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, sharing his personal testimony and emphasizing the futility of placing confidence in human achievements or heritage.<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 the Philippian church was one of the first Christian communities in Europe.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/judaism.htm">Judaism</a></b><br>The religious context from which Paul came, emphasizing the law and traditional Jewish practices, which Paul references as part of his former confidence in the flesh.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/false_confidence_in_the_flesh.htm">False Confidence in the Flesh</a></b><br>Paul warns against placing confidence in human achievements, heritage, or religious rituals. True confidence should be in Christ alone.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_and_reliance_on_christ.htm">Humility and Reliance on Christ</a></b><br>Despite his impressive credentials, Paul chooses to rely on Christ. This teaches us the importance of humility and the need to depend on Jesus for our righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_christ.htm">Transformation through Christ</a></b><br>Paul's life exemplifies the transformative power of Christ. Believers are encouraged to seek transformation through a relationship with Jesus rather than through external accomplishments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_spiritual_over_physical.htm">Value of Spiritual Over Physical</a></b><br>Paul emphasizes the superiority of spiritual achievements over physical or worldly ones. Christians are called to prioritize their spiritual growth and relationship with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/boasting_in_the_lord.htm">Boasting in the Lord</a></b><br>Our boasting should be in what Christ has done for us, not in our own abilities or accomplishments. This shifts the focus from self to God.<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/what's_mount_hermon's_biblical_role.htm">What defines having a sound mind?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_will_i_manifest_myself_to_him.htm">What does the Bible say about wrathful outbursts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_paul,_a_jew,_fluent_in_greek.htm">Acts 21:37&#8211;40 &#8211; How plausible is it that Paul, a &#8220;Jew of Tarsus,&#8221; was fluent in Greek and immediately recognized as such by a Roman commander?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_philippians_3_7-8_align_with_valuing_good_works.htm">How can Paul&#8217;s view of all his achievements as &#8220;loss&#8221; in Philippians 3:7&#8211;8 be reconciled with other Bible passages that stress the value of good works and moral responsibility? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philippians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Though I might also have confidence in the flesh</span>; literally, <span class="accented">though having myself confidence in the flesh also</span>; that <span class="accented">is</span>, as well as in Christ. The apostle had both grounds of confidence: the one he renounces for the other; but no man could accuse him of despising that which he did not himself possess. <span class="cmt_word">If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more</span>. He claims the privileges of the Jew; they are his by right, but he counts them loss for Christ. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/philippians/3-4.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">though</span><br /><span class="grk">&#954;&#945;&#943;&#960;&#949;&#961;</span> <span class="translit">(kaiper)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2539.htm">Strong's 2539: </a> </span><span class="str2">Although, though. From kai and per; and indeed, i.e. Nevertheless or notwithstanding.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I myself</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#947;&#8060;</span> <span class="translit">(eg&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">could have</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7956;&#967;&#969;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(ech&#333;n)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">such confidence.</span><br /><span class="grk">&#960;&#949;&#960;&#959;&#943;&#952;&#951;&#963;&#953;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(pepoith&#275;sin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4006.htm">Strong's 4006: </a> </span><span class="str2">Confidence, trust, reliance. From the perfect of the alternate of pascho; reliance.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">If</span><br /><span class="grk">&#917;&#7988;</span> <span class="translit">(Ei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> </span><span class="str2">If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">anyone</span><br /><span class="grk">&#964;&#953;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(tis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> </span><span class="str2">Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">else</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7940;&#955;&#955;&#959;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(allos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_243.htm">Strong's 243: </a> </span><span class="str2">Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">thinks</span><br /><span class="grk">&#948;&#959;&#954;&#949;&#8150;</span> <span class="translit">(dokei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1380.htm">Strong's 1380: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he has grounds for confidence</span><br /><span class="grk">&#960;&#949;&#960;&#959;&#953;&#952;&#941;&#957;&#945;&#953;</span> <span class="translit">(pepoithenai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3982.htm">Strong's 3982: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] flesh,</span><br /><span class="grk">&#963;&#945;&#961;&#954;&#943;</span> <span class="translit">(sarki)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4561.htm">Strong's 4561: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#947;&#8060;</span> <span class="translit">(eg&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[have] more:</span><br /><span class="grk">&#956;&#8118;&#955;&#955;&#959;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(mallon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3123.htm">Strong's 3123: </a> </span><span class="str2">More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philippians/3-4.htm">Philippians 3:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/philippians/3-4.htm">Philippians 3:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/philippians/3-4.htm">Philippians 3:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/philippians/3-4.htm">Philippians 3:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/philippians/3-4.htm">Philippians 3:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/philippians/3-4.htm">Philippians 3:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philippians/3-4.htm">Philippians 3:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/philippians/3-4.htm">Philippians 3:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/philippians/3-4.htm">Philippians 3:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/philippians/3-4.htm">Philippians 3:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/philippians/3-4.htm">NT Letters: Philippians 3:4 Though I myself might have confidence even (Philipp. Phil. Php.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philippians/3-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philippians 3:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philippians 3:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philippians/3-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philippians 3:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philippians 3:5" /></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>

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10