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<!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 3:12 Not 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/philippians/3-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/50_Php_03_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Philippians 3:12 - Pressing Toward the Goal" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Not 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." /><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/3-12.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/3-12.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 12</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="/ad12.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/3-11.htm" title="Philippians 3:11">◄</a> Philippians 3:12 <a href="/philippians/3-13.htm" title="Philippians 3:13">►</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> Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. <a href="/nlt/philippians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. <a href="/esv/philippians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. <a href="/bsb/philippians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Not 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. <a href="/blb/philippians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Not that already I have obtained it or already have been perfected, but I am pursuing, if also I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. <a href="/kjv/philippians/3.htm">King James Bible</a> Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. <a href="/nkjv/philippians/3.htm">New King James Version</a> Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. <a href="/nasb_/philippians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Not that I have already grasped it all or have already become perfect, but I press on if I may also take hold of that for which I was even taken hold of by Christ Jesus. <a href="/nasb/philippians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. <a href="/nasb77/philippians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. <a href="/lsb/philippians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. <a href="/amp/philippians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. <a href="/csb/philippians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. <a href="/hcsb/philippians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. <a href="/asv/philippians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus. <a href="/cev/philippians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize. <a href="/erv/philippians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may apprehend that for which also I was apprehended by Christ Jesus. <a href="/gwt/philippians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> It's not that I've already reached the goal or have already completed the course. But I run to win that which Jesus Christ has already won for me. <a href="/gnt/philippians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to himself. <a href="/isv/philippians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> It's not that I have already reached this goal or have already become perfect. But I keep pursuing it, hoping somehow to embrace it just as I have been embraced by the Messiah Jesus. <a href="/msb/philippians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Not 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. <a href="/net/philippians/3.htm">NET Bible</a> Not that I have already attained this--that is, I have not already been perfected--but I strive to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus also laid hold of me. <a href="/nheb/philippians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus. <a href="/wbt/philippians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I pursue, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended by Christ Jesus. <a href="/wey/philippians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I do not say that I have already won the race or have already reached perfection. But I am pressing on, striving to lay hold of the prize for which also Christ has laid hold of me. <a href="/web/philippians/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/philippians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Not that I already obtained, or have already been perfected, but I pursue, if I also may lay hold of that for which I was also laid hold of by Christ Jesus; <a href="/blb/philippians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Not that already I have obtained it or already have been perfected, but I am pursuing, if also I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. <a href="/ylt/philippians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Not that I did already obtain, or have been already perfected; but I pursue, if also I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by the Christ Jesus; <a href="/slt/philippians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Not that I have already attained or have been already perfected: and I pursue, if I also may overtake, for which also I was overtaken by Christ Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/philippians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Not as though I has already attained, or were already perfect; but I follow after, if I may by any means apprehend, wherein I am also apprehended by Christ Jesus. <a href="/cpdv/philippians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> It is not as though I have already received this, or were already perfect. But rather I pursue, so that by some means I might attain, that in which I have already been attained by Christ Jesus. <a href="/nabre/philippians/3.htm">New American Bible</a> It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ [Jesus]. <a href="/nrsvce/philippians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/philippians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Not as though I had already attained or were already perfect; but I am striving, that I may reach that for which Jesus Christ appointed me. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philippians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> I have not yet received it, neither am I yet perfect, but I run so that I may obtain that thing for which Yeshua The Messiah apprehended me.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/philippians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Not that I have already attained, or have already reached the goal; but I am pressing forward, that I may lay hold on that for which I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus. <a href="/godbey/philippians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Not that I already received it, or have already been made perfect: but I persevere, if I may receive that for which I have indeed been received by Christ Jesus. <a href="/haweis/philippians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Not that I have already attained, or am now perfect: but I pursue, that I may overtake that for which also by his apprehension of me I am destined by Christ Jesus.<CM> <a href="/mace/philippians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for I am not yet secure of the prize, I have not yet finish'd my course: but I press to obtain the reward, which Jesus Christ invited me to. <a href="/wey/philippians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I do not say that I have already won the race or have already reached perfection. But I am pressing on, striving to lay hold of the prize for which also Christ has laid hold of me. <a href="/worrell/philippians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Not that I already obtained, or have already been made perfect; but I am pressing on, if I may lay hold of that for which I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. <a href="/worsley/philippians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> not that I have yet won the prize, or am already perfect: but I press forward to acquire that perfection, for which also I have been apprehended by Christ Jesus. <a href="/parallel/philippians/3-12.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=624" 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> 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12<a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: Ouch (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">Not</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/2235.htm" title="2235: ēdē (Adv) -- Already; now at length, now after all this waiting. Apparently from e and de; even now."></a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: elabon (V-AIA-1S) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">I have already obtained all this,</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/2235.htm" title="2235: ēdē (Adv) -- Already; now at length, now after all this waiting. Apparently from e and de; even now."></a> <a href="/greek/5048.htm" title="5048: teteleiōmai (V-RIM/P-1S) -- From teleios; to complete, i.e. accomplish, or consummate.">have already been made perfect,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/1377.htm" title="1377: diōkō (V-PIA-1S) -- To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute.">I press on</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2638.htm" title="2638: katalabō (V-ASA-1S) -- From kata and lambano; to take eagerly, i.e. Seize, possess, etc.">to take hold of</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: eph’ (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">that for which</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hō (RelPro-DNS) -- Who, which, what, that. "></a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hypo (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when)."></a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2638.htm" title="2638: katelēmphthēn (V-AIP-1S) -- From kata and lambano; to take eagerly, i.e. Seize, possess, etc.">took hold of me.</a> 13Brothers, 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,…<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="/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="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1-2</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. / Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. <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="/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12</a> Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses. <a href="/romans/9-30.htm">Romans 9:30-32</a> What then will we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; / but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. / Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, <a href="/2_peter/1-10.htm">2 Peter 1:10-11</a> Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble, / and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. <a href="/colossians/1-29.htm">Colossians 1:29</a> To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">1 Corinthians 15:10</a> But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. <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="/ephesians/4-13.htm">Ephesians 4:13</a> until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ. <a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Romans 7:18-19</a> I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. / For I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">2 Corinthians 5:9</a> So we aspire to please Him, whether we are at home in this body or away from it. <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Matthew 5:48</a> Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. <a href="/luke/13-24.htm">Luke 13:24</a> “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. <a href="/psalms/119-32.htm">Psalm 119:32</a> I run in the path of Your commandments, for You will enlarge my heart.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.I had.<a href="/philippians/3-13.htm">Philippians 3:13,16</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="/psalms/119-5.htm">Psalm 119:5,173-176</a> O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! … <a href="/romans/7-19.htm">Romans 7:19-24</a> For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do… already perfect.<a href="/job/17-9.htm">Job 17:9</a> The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.<a href="/psalms/138-8.htm">Psalm 138:8</a> The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.<a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Proverbs 4:18</a> But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.I follow.<a href="/philippians/3-14.htm">Philippians 3:14</a> I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.<a href="/psalms/42-1.htm">Psalm 42:1</a> To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.<a href="/psalms/63-1.htm">Psalm 63:1-3,8</a> A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; … that I.<a href="/philippians/3-14.htm">Philippians 3:14</a> I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.<a href="/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12</a> Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.apprehended.<a href="/psalms/110-2.htm">Psalm 110:2,3</a> The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies… <a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Acts 9:3-6,15</a> And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: … <a href="/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4</a> According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/3-3.htm">Already</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-18.htm">Apprehend</a> <a href="/acts/12-4.htm">Apprehended</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-2.htm">Attained</a> <a href="/philippians/3-10.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/philippians/2-30.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/philippians/1-18.htm">Either</a> <a href="/galatians/6-16.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/philippians/2-29.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/philippians/3-11.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/philippians/3-8.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-14.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-11.htm">Obtained</a> <a href="/philippians/1-20.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/galatians/3-3.htm">Perfection</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-5.htm">Press</a> <a href="/acts/24-9.htm">Pressing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Race</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-10.htm">Reached</a> <a href="/philippians/3-11.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">Striving</a> <a href="/acts/17-4.htm">Won</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philippians/3-16.htm">Already</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-3.htm">Apprehend</a> <a href="/philippians/3-13.htm">Apprehended</a> <a href="/philippians/3-16.htm">Attained</a> <a href="/philippians/3-14.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/colossians/1-24.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-6.htm">Either</a> <a href="/philippians/3-17.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/philippians/3-13.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/colossians/1-5.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/philippians/3-14.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-22.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-13.htm">Obtained</a> <a href="/philippians/3-15.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/colossians/3-14.htm">Perfection</a> <a href="/philippians/3-14.htm">Press</a> <a href="/titus/3-14.htm">Pressing</a> <a href="/philippians/3-14.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">Race</a> <a href="/philippians/3-16.htm">Reached</a> <a href="/philippians/3-14.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/colossians/1-7.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/colossians/1-29.htm">Striving</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-2.htm">Won</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>Not that I have already obtained all this Paul acknowledges his own spiritual journey and growth, emphasizing humility. This phrase reflects the Christian understanding that sanctification is a lifelong process. Paul, despite his significant contributions to the early church, admits he has not yet reached spiritual perfection. This humility is a model for believers, reminding them that no one is beyond the need for growth and transformation. The "all this" refers to the resurrection and complete transformation into Christ's likeness, as discussed earlier in <a href="/philippians/3.htm">Philippians 3</a>.or have already been made perfect The concept of perfection here is about spiritual maturity and completeness in Christ. In the Greco-Roman world, perfection often implied a state of completeness or fulfillment of purpose. Paul contrasts this with the Christian journey, which is ongoing. Theologically, this aligns with the doctrine of sanctification, where believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ. This phrase also counters any notion of spiritual elitism, emphasizing that even apostles are on a journey toward holiness.but I press on Paul uses athletic imagery, common in his writings, to describe the Christian life as a race or pursuit. The Greek word for "press on" suggests vigorous and determined effort. This reflects the cultural context of the Isthmian Games, similar to the Olympics, which were familiar to his audience. The Christian life requires perseverance and dedication, akin to an athlete striving for victory. This imagery is also found in <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</a>, where Paul speaks of running the race to win the prize.to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me This phrase highlights the reciprocal nature of the Christian calling. Christ's initiative in "taking hold" of Paul refers to his conversion experience on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). It underscores the idea of divine election and purpose. Believers are called to actively pursue the purpose for which they were saved, which is to become like Christ and fulfill God's will. This reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and human responsibility working together in the process of salvation and sanctification.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who authored the letter to the Philippians. He is expressing his ongoing pursuit of spiritual maturity and Christlikeness. 2. <a href="/topical/p/philippi.htm">Philippi</a> A city in Macedonia where the church to whom Paul is writing is located. It was the first European church founded by Paul. 3. <a href="/topical/c/christ_jesus.htm">Christ Jesus</a> Central figure of Christianity, whose life and teachings Paul is striving to emulate and whose purpose Paul seeks to fulfill in his own life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_journey_of_faith.htm">The Journey of Faith</a> Paul acknowledges that he has not yet reached perfection, highlighting the ongoing nature of the Christian journey. Believers should recognize that spiritual growth is a continuous process. <a href="/topical/p/pressing_onward.htm">Pressing Onward</a> The phrase "press on" (Greek: di?k?) implies an active and determined effort. Christians are called to actively pursue their spiritual goals with perseverance and dedication. <a href="/topical/p/purpose_in_christ.htm">Purpose in Christ</a> Paul seeks to "take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." This underscores the importance of understanding and pursuing God's purpose for our lives, which is rooted in our relationship with Christ. <a href="/topical/h/humility_in_growth.htm">Humility in Growth</a> By admitting he has not yet obtained perfection, Paul models humility. Believers should maintain a humble attitude, recognizing their need for continual growth and reliance on God's grace. <a href="/topical/c/christ-centered_focus.htm">Christ-Centered Focus</a> The ultimate goal of the Christian life is to become more like Christ. Our efforts and pursuits should be centered on Him, aligning our lives with His teachings and example.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/philippians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) Not as though . . .--The tenses are here varied. Not as though I ever yet attained, or have been already made perfect. To "attain," or receive (probably the prize, see <a href="/philippians/3-14.htm" title="I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.">Philippians 3:14</a>), is a single act; "to be perfected" a continuous process. Clearly St. Paul has no belief, either in any indefectible grasp of salvation, or in any attainment of full spiritual perfection on this side of the grave. We may note our Lord's use of the word "to be perfected" to signify His death (<a href="/luke/13-32.htm" title="And he said to them, Go you, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.">Luke 13:32</a>), and a similar application of the word to Him in <a href="/hebrews/2-10.htm" title="For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.">Hebrews 2:10</a>; <a href="/hebrews/5-9.htm" title="And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him;">Hebrews 5:9</a>; also the use of the words "made perfect" to signify the condition of the glorified (<a href="/hebrews/11-40.htm" title="God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.">Hebrews 11:40</a>; <a href="/hebrews/12-23.htm" title="To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,">Hebrews 12:23</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philippians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - Not as though I had already. attained, either were already perfect; the R.V. renders this clause more accurately, not that (1. do not say that) I have already obtained. The verb is not the same with that translated "attain" in ver. 11; it means to get, to win a prize, as in <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24</a>. The tense is aorist: "I say not that I did at once win the prize;" that is, at the time of his conversion. Compare the tenses used in ver. 8, "I suffered the loss of all things;" and ver. 12, "I was apprehended;" which both refer to the same time. The prize was gained in a moment; it needs the continued effort of a lifetime. St. Paul proceeds, using now the perfect tense, "Nor have I been already made perfect." He has not even now reached perfection; he is still working out his own salvation. There may be here a delicate allusion to the spiritual pride which seems to have disturbed the unity of the Philippians (see <a href="/philippians/2-2.htm">Philippians 2:2-4</a>). But I follow after; rather, I pursue, I press on. If that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. The words rendered "for which" (ἐφ ῷ) will admit three different interpretations: (1) that of A.V., which implies the ellipse of the antecedent "that;" (2) that given in the margin of R.V., "seeing that;" and (3) that of the R.V., "for which," for which purpose (that is, that I may press on and persevere) I was also apprehended by Christ Jesus. All these translations are possible, and all give a good sense. Perhaps . . . <a href="/commentaries/philippians/3-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Not Οὐχ (Ouch) 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. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. I have already obtained [all this], ἔλαβον (elabon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. have already been perfected, τετελείωμαι (teteleiōmai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5048.htm">Strong's 5048: </a> From teleios; to complete, i.e. accomplish, or consummate. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. I press on διώκω (diōkō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1377.htm">Strong's 1377: </a> To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute. to take hold of καταλάβω (katalabō) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2638.htm">Strong's 2638: </a> From kata and lambano; to take eagerly, i.e. Seize, possess, etc. that for which ἐφ’ (eph’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. Christ Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. Jesus Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. took hold of me. κατελήμφθην (katelēmphthēn) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2638.htm">Strong's 2638: </a> From kata and lambano; to take eagerly, i.e. Seize, possess, etc. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philippians/3-12.htm">Philippians 3:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/philippians/3-12.htm">Philippians 3:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/philippians/3-12.htm">Philippians 3:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/philippians/3-12.htm">Philippians 3:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/philippians/3-12.htm">Philippians 3:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/philippians/3-12.htm">Philippians 3:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philippians/3-12.htm">Philippians 3:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/philippians/3-12.htm">Philippians 3:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/philippians/3-12.htm">Philippians 3:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/philippians/3-12.htm">Philippians 3:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">NT Letters: Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already obtained (Philipp. Phil. Php.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philippians/3-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philippians 3:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philippians 3:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philippians/3-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philippians 3:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philippians 3:13" /></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>