King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
Complete Jewish Bible:
so that somehow I might arrive at being resurrected from the dead.
Berean Standard Bible:
and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
American Standard Version:
if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
If by any means{G1513} I might attain{G2658} unto{G1519} the resurrection{G1815} of the dead{G3498}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Luke 20:35
- But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
Luke 20:36
- Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
Revelation 20:5
- But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection.
Acts 23:6
- ¶ But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men [and] brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
Acts 26:7
- Unto which [promise] our twelve tribes, instantly serving [God] day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
Hebrews 11:35
- Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
2 Corinthians 11:3
- But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Philippians 3:11
Philippians 3:11, "If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead," is a verse that captures the Apostle Paul's fervent desire to experience the fullness of Christ's redemption, which includes the future resurrection of the faithful. This verse is part of a larger passage where Paul discusses his religious credentials and past life as a Pharisee, which he considers "loss" compared to the "surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:8).
The historical context of this verse is rooted in the early Christian church's struggles and triumphs. Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians while he was in prison, likely in Rome, around AD 60-62. At this time, the church was facing persecution and doctrinal challenges, including from Jewish Christians who emphasized the importance of adhering to the Mosaic Law.
In this verse, Paul expresses his aspiration to participate in the resurrection of the dead, a belief deeply embedded in Jewish eschatology and affirmed in Christian doctrine. The resurrection of the dead was a contentious issue among various Jewish sects during the Second Temple period, with the Pharisees (like Paul before his conversion) affirming it and the Sadducees denying it. Paul's statement reflects his hope in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ, whom he believes was raised from the dead, thus validating the future resurrection of all who are in Christ.
The themes of Philippians 3:11 include the primacy of the resurrection in Christian hope, the transformative power of knowing Christ, and the relinquishing of one's own merit for the righteousness that comes through faith. Paul's focus on the resurrection underscores the Christian belief in the ultimate victory over death through Jesus, and it serves as a source of encouragement and motivation for believers to persevere in their faith despite present sufferings. The verse also highlights the theme of spiritual progress, as Paul describes his journey of faith as not yet complete, looking forward to the ultimate fulfillment of his salvation in the resurrection.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: G1513
There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εἴ πως
Transliteration: eí pōs
Pronunciation: i poce
Description: from εἰ and -πώς; if somehow:--if by any means. - Strong's Number: G2658
There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: καταντάω
Transliteration: katantáō
Pronunciation: kat-an-tah'-o
Description: from κατά and a derivative of ἀντί; to meet against, i.e. arrive at (literally or figuratively):--attain, come. - Strong's Number: G1519
There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εἰς
Transliteration: eis
Pronunciation: ice
Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively). - Strong's Number: G1815
There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐξανάστασις
Transliteration: exanástasis
Pronunciation: ex-an-as'-tas-is
Description: from ἐξανίστημι; a rising from death:--resurrection. - Strong's Number: G3498
There are 123 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: νεκρός
Transliteration: nekrós
Pronunciation: nek-ros'
Description: from an apparently primary (a corpse); dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun):--dead.