Philippians 3:13

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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,

Complete Jewish Bible:

Brothers, I, for my part, do not think of myself as having yet gotten hold of it; but one thing I do: forgetting what is behind me and straining forward toward what lies ahead,

Berean Standard Bible:

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,

American Standard Version:

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,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Brethren^{G80}, I^{G1473} count^{G3049} not^{G3756} myself^{G1683} to have apprehended^{G2638}: but^{G1161} this one thing^{G1520} I do, forgetting^{G1950} those things^{G3303} which are behind^{G3694}, and^{G1161} reaching forth unto^{G1901} those things which are before^{G1715},

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Philippians 3:13

Philippians 3:13 is a part of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Christian community in Philippi, a city in Macedonia. This verse reflects a central theme in Paul's writings and in the broader Christian message: the importance of spiritual progress and the pursuit of a relationship with Christ. Paul uses the metaphor of a runner focused on the race ahead to illustrate his point.

In this verse, Paul acknowledges that he does not consider himself to have achieved spiritual perfection or completion. Instead, he emphasizes a singular focus on "forgetting those things which are behind" and "reaching forth unto those things which are before." This implies a deliberate choice to not dwell on past accomplishments or failures, but rather to strive continuously towards future growth in faith and service to God.

The historical context of this verse is significant. Paul wrote this letter during his imprisonment, which adds depth to his message of pressing on despite hardships. His words serve as encouragement to the Philippians, and by extension to all believers, to maintain a forward-looking perspective in their spiritual journey, regardless of the circumstances they face. The theme resonates with the idea of sanctification, the process by which believers are transformed into the likeness of Christ, which is a lifelong endeavor requiring perseverance and dedication.

In summary, Philippians 3:13 encapsulates the Christian call to continual spiritual development, urging believers to let go of the past and to be fully engaged in the ongoing process of seeking a deeper relationship with Christ and living out their faith in practical ways. Paul's personal testimony and his situation while writing this letter underscore the authenticity and urgency of his message.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G80
   There are 344 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀδελφός
   Transliteration: adelphós
   Pronunciation: ad-el-fos'
   Description: from Α (as a connective particle) and (the womb); a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like Α):--brother.
   
2. Strong's Number: G1473
   There are 334 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐγώ
   Transliteration: egṓ
   Pronunciation: eg-o'
   Description: a primary pronoun of the first person I (only expressed when emphatic):--I, me. For the other cases and the plural see ἐμέ, ἐμοί, ἐμοῦ, ἡμᾶς, ἡμεῖς, ἡμῖν, ἡμῶν, etc.
   
3. Strong's Number: G3049
   There are 40 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: λογίζομαι
   Transliteration: logízomai
   Pronunciation: log-id'-zom-ahee
   Description: middle voice from λόγος; to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literally or figuratively):--conclude, (ac-)count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on).
   
4. Strong's Number: G3756
   There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐ
   Transliteration: ou
   Pronunciation: ookh
   Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
   
5. Strong's Number: G1683
   There are 37 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐμαυτοῦ
   Transliteration: emautoû
   Pronunciation: em-ow-ton'
   Description: genitive case compound of ἐμοῦ and αὐτός; of myself so likewise the dative case , and accusative case :--me, mine own (self), myself.
   
6. Strong's Number: G2638
   There are 14 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καταλαμβάνω
   Transliteration: katalambánō
   Pronunciation: kat-al-am-ban'-o
   Description: from κατά and λαμβάνω; to take eagerly, i.e. seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively):--apprehend, attain, come upon, comprehend, find, obtain, perceive, (over-)take.
   
7. Strong's Number: G1161
   There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δέ
   Transliteration: dé
   Pronunciation: deh
   Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
   
8. Strong's Number: G1520
   There are 235 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἷς
   Transliteration: heîs
   Pronunciation: hice
   Description: a primary numeral; one:--a(-n, -ny, certain), + abundantly, man, one (another), only, other, some. See also εἷς καθ’ εἷς, μηδείς, μία, οὐδείς.
   
9. Strong's Number: G1950
   There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐπιλανθάνομαι
   Transliteration: epilanthánomai
   Pronunciation: ep-ee-lan-than'-om-ahee
   Description: middle voice from ἐπί and λανθάνω; to lose out of mind; by implication, to neglect:--(be) forget(-ful of).
   
10. Strong's Number: G3303
    There are 193 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: μέν
    Transliteration: mén
    Pronunciation: men
    Description: a primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with δέ (this one, the former, etc.):--even, indeed, so, some, truly, verily. Often compounded with other particles in an intensive or asseverative sense.
    
11. Strong's Number: G3694
    There are 36 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ὀπίσω
    Transliteration: opísō
    Pronunciation: op-is'-o
    Description: from the same as ὄπισθεν with enclitic of direction; to the back, i.e. aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun):--after, back(-ward), (+ get) behind, + follow.
    
12. Strong's Number: G1901
    There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐπεκτείνομαι
    Transliteration: epekteínomai
    Pronunciation: ep-ek-ti'-nom-ahee
    Description: middle voice from ἐπί and ἐκτείνω; to stretch (oneself) forward upon:--reach forth.
    
13. Strong's Number: G1715
    There are 45 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἔμπροσθεν
    Transliteration: émprosthen
    Pronunciation: em'-pros-then
    Description: from ἐν and πρός; in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time):--against, at, before, (in presence, sight) of.