Philippians 3:5

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, [of] the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

Complete Jewish Bible:

b’rit-milah on the eighth day,
by birth belonging to the people of Isra’el,
from the tribe of Binyamin,
a Hebrew-speaker, with Hebrew-speaking parents,
in regard to the Torah, a Parush,

Berean Standard Bible:

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;

American Standard Version:

circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Circumcised^{G4061} the eighth^{G3637} day, of^{G1537} the stock^{G1085} of Israel^{G2474}, of the tribe^{G5443} of Benjamin^{G958}, an Hebrew^{G1445} of^{G1537} the Hebrews^{G1445}; as touching^{G2596} the law^{G3551}, a Pharisee^{G5330};

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Philippians 3:5

Philippians 3:5 is part of the Apostle Paul's letter to the church in Philippi, written while he was in prison, likely in Rome. In this verse, Paul is engaging in a autobiographical reflection to contrast his former life as a zealous Jew with his new life in Christ. The themes of this verse include Jewish identity, religious zeal, and the surpassing value of knowing Christ.

Historically, Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus) was born into a devout Jewish family, which is why he emphasizes being "circumcised on the eighth day," a sign of the Abrahamic covenant, and being "of the stock of Israel," highlighting his pure Jewish lineage. His belonging to the "tribe of Benjamin" was significant because Benjamin was one of the two tribes that remained loyal to the house of David after the division of the kingdom. Paul refers to himself as "an Hebrew of the Hebrews," underscoring his strict observance of Jewish customs and his adherence to Aramaic, the language of the Hebrews, over Greek.

Moreover, Paul identifies as "a Pharisee," which was a prominent and influential Jewish sect known for its strict interpretation and observance of the Mosaic Law. As a Pharisee, Paul would have been deeply committed to meticulous religious practice and the oral traditions that later became part of the Talmud.

In the broader context of Philippians 3, Paul is making the point that despite his impeccable religious credentials and zeal, he now considers these former achievements as loss for the sake of Christ. His encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus radically transformed his perspective, leading him to regard all his previous religious accomplishments as insignificant compared to the righteousness that comes from faith in Christ. This verse sets the stage for Paul's powerful declaration in Philippians 3:8-9, where he expresses his desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection, and to share in His sufferings, considering all else as rubbish or loss.

In summary, Philippians 3:5 encapsulates the Apostle Paul's religious pedigree and former identity as a model Jew and Pharisee, which he contrasts with the value of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord. This contrast serves to illustrate the transformative power of the Gospel and the new identity found in Christ, which Paul sees as infinitely superior to any human achievement or status.

*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: G4061
   There are 32 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: περιτομή
   Transliteration: peritomḗ
   Pronunciation: per-it-om-ay'
   Description: from περιτέμνω; circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively):--X circumcised, circumcision.
   
2. Strong's Number: G3637
   There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὀκταήμερος
   Transliteration: oktaḗmeros
   Pronunciation: ok-tah-ay'-mer-os
   Description: from ὀκτώ and ἡμέρα; an eight-day old person or act:--the eighth day.
   
3. Strong's Number: G1537
   There are 761 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐκ
   Transliteration: ek
   Pronunciation: ex
   Description: a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote):--after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.
   
4. Strong's Number: G1085
   There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: γένος
   Transliteration: génos
   Pronunciation: ghen'-os
   Description: from γίνομαι; "kin" (abstract or concrete, literal or figurative, individual or collective):--born, country(-man), diversity, generation, kind(-red), nation, offspring, stock.
   
5. Strong's Number: G2474
   There are 68 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Ἰσραήλ
   Transliteration: Israḗl
   Pronunciation: is-rah-ale'
   Description: of Hebrew origin (יִשְׂרָאֵל); Israel (i.e. Jisrael), the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively):--Israel.
   
6. Strong's Number: G5443
   There are 23 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: φυλή
   Transliteration: phylḗ
   Pronunciation: foo-lay'
   Description: from φύω (compare φύλλον); an offshoot, i.e. race or clan:--kindred, tribe.
   
7. Strong's Number: G958
   There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Βενιαμίν
   Transliteration: Beniamín
   Pronunciation: ben-ee-am-een'
   Description: of Hebrew origin (בִּנְיָמִין); Benjamin, an Israelite:--Benjamin.
   
8. Strong's Number: G1445
   There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Ἑβραῖος
   Transliteration: Hebraîos
   Pronunciation: heb-rah'-yos
   Description: from Ἐβέρ; a Hebræan (i.e. Hebrew) or Jew:--Hebrew.
   
9. Strong's Number: G2596
   There are 436 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: κατά
   Transliteration: katá
   Pronunciation: kat-ah'
   Description: a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined):--about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity.
   
10. Strong's Number: G3551
    There are 158 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: νόμος
    Transliteration: nómos
    Pronunciation: nom'-os
    Description: from a primary (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle):--law.
    
11. Strong's Number: G5330
    There are 95 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Φαρισαῖος
    Transliteration: Pharisaîos
    Pronunciation: far-is-ah'-yos
    Description: of Hebrew origin (compare פָּרָשׁ); a separatist, i.e. exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary:--Pharisee.