Philippians 3:10

KJV

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

KJV (with Strong's)

That I may know {G1097} him {G846}, and {G2532} the power {G1411} of his {G846} resurrection {G386}, and {G2532} the fellowship {G2842} of his {G846} sufferings {G3804}, being made conformable {G4833} unto his {G846} death {G2288};

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, I gave it all up in order to know him, that is, to know the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings as I am being conformed to his death,

Berean Standard Bible

I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death,

American Standard Version

that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 3:10 encapsulates the Apostle Paul's profound and singular ambition: to attain an intimate, experiential knowledge of Jesus Christ that encompasses the dynamic power of His resurrection, the deep communion found in sharing His sufferings, and a transformative conformity to His death. This verse articulates Paul's ultimate life goal, prioritizing a living, spiritual union with Christ above all former achievements or earthly credentials, seeking a righteousness that comes through faith in Him alone.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal expression of Paul's transformed values, following his powerful declaration in [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Counting All Things Loss for Christ"). Having previously listed his impressive Jewish and Pharisaic credentials, Paul emphatically states that he now considers all these "loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." Philippians 3:10 then articulates the positive aspiration that drives him: a deep, experiential relationship with Christ that shapes every facet of his being, contrasting with the legalistic righteousness he once pursued. It sets the stage for his subsequent discussion of pressing on toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, as seen in [Philippians 3:12-14](/philippians/3-12-14 "Philippians 3:12-14 - Pressing Towards the Goal").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul, a former zealous Pharisee, underwent a radical conversion (see [Acts 9](/acts/9 "Acts 9 - Paul's Conversion")). His renunciation of his former "gains" (which included impeccable lineage, adherence to the law, and zeal for Jewish traditions) was a direct challenge to the prevailing Jewish understanding of righteousness based on works. In the Roman world, suffering for one's beliefs was a common reality, and early Christians often faced persecution. Paul's desire to share in Christ's sufferings would have resonated with believers enduring hardship, emphasizing that such suffering was not a sign of divine disfavor but a pathway to deeper union with Christ and participation in His redemptive mission. This pursuit of Christ also stands in stark contrast to the self-promotion and worldly achievements often valued in Greco-Roman society.
* **Key Themes:** Philippians 3:10 contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of Philippians and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the theme of **righteousness by faith** (as opposed to legalistic righteousness), emphasizing that true righteousness is found only in Christ. It highlights the **experiential knowledge of Christ**, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to a profound, personal, and transformative relationship, echoing the eternal life described as knowing God in [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God"). Furthermore, the verse develops the theme of **sanctification and spiritual transformation**, portraying the Christian life as an ongoing process of being conformed to Christ's image, both in His triumph and His trials. Finally, it addresses the theme of **suffering for Christ**, presenting it not as a burden but as a means of deep communion and identification with the Savior, a concept Paul explores further in [2 Corinthians 1:5](/2_corinthians/1-5 "2 Corinthians 1:5 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** G1097 - This is not merely intellectual apprehension or factual knowledge. The Greek term implies a deep, intimate, and experiential acquaintance, a personal relationship that transforms the knower. It signifies a knowledge gained through personal involvement and experience, leading to profound understanding and union.
* **power (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** G1411 - This word denotes inherent ability, force, or miraculous power. In the context of Christ's resurrection, it refers to the dynamic, life-giving, and transformative energy that raised Jesus from the dead and is now available to believers for spiritual vitality, overcoming sin, and living a new life.
* **fellowship (Greek, _koinōnía'_):** G2842 - This term signifies a deep partnership, participation, communion, or sharing. It speaks to a mutual involvement and intimate bond. In the context of Christ's sufferings, it means actively participating in, identifying with, and sharing in the hardships, afflictions, and self-denial that come with following Christ and advancing His Gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That I may know him":** This phrase expresses Paul's supreme desire for an intimate, personal, and life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a pursuit of experiential knowledge that goes beyond theological understanding to a deep, living union with the Savior, shaping his entire being.
* **"and the power of his resurrection":** Paul yearns to experience the dynamic, life-giving force that raised Jesus from the dead. This power is not merely a future hope but a present reality, enabling believers to overcome sin, live victoriously, and walk in spiritual vitality in their daily lives, reflecting Christ's triumph over death.
* **"and the fellowship of his sufferings":** This signifies a deep communion and participation in Christ's experiences of hardship, persecution, and self-denial. It means actively identifying with Christ's mission and enduring the difficulties that arise from following Him and proclaiming the Gospel, thereby deepening one's bond with Him.
* **"being made conformable unto his death":** This clause describes an ongoing process of being shaped and molded into the likeness of Christ's death. It involves a daily dying to self, to worldly desires, and to the power of sin, embracing self-denial and a willingness to surrender everything, mirroring Christ's ultimate sacrificial obedience on the cross. This conformity is foundational for experiencing the fullness of His resurrection life.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in Philippians 3:10 to convey his profound spiritual aspiration. The verse exhibits **Parallelism** through its rhythmic listing of interconnected desires: "know him," "the power of his resurrection," "the fellowship of his sufferings," and "being made conformable unto his death." This structure emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Paul's pursuit, encompassing both Christ's triumph and His trials. **Metaphor** and **Symbolism** are evident in phrases like "power of his resurrection," which symbolizes the dynamic, transformative life available to believers, and "fellowship of his sufferings," which metaphorically represents a deep, empathetic identification with Christ's redemptive work. The phrase "being made conformable unto his death" is a potent **Metaphor** for the ongoing process of sanctification, where the believer dies to self and sin, mirroring Christ's ultimate sacrifice. The entire verse functions as a profound **Personal Aspiration**, revealing Paul's deepest spiritual ambition and serving as a model for all believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's yearning in Philippians 3:10 articulates a core theological truth: the Christian life is not merely about receiving initial justification but also about ongoing sanctification—a continuous process of being transformed into the likeness of Christ. This verse highlights the profound reality of the believer's union with Christ, where identification with Him is holistic, encompassing both His victorious resurrection power and His redemptive sufferings. It underscores that true spiritual growth involves a willingness to embrace the full spectrum of Christ's experience, recognizing that conformity to His death is a prerequisite for experiencing the fullness of His life. This deep, experiential knowledge of Christ is the ultimate source of righteousness and spiritual vitality, grounding the believer in a relationship that transcends all earthly pursuits.

* [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God")
* [Romans 6:3-5](/romans/6-3-5 "Romans 6:3-5 - Baptized into Christ's Death and Resurrection")
* [2 Corinthians 4:10-11](/2_corinthians/4-10-11 "2 Corinthians 4:10-11 - Carrying the Death of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 3:10 serves as a powerful and challenging call for believers today to pursue a deeper, more authentic walk with Jesus Christ. It urges us to move beyond a superficial or purely intellectual understanding of faith toward a passionate, experiential knowledge of Him that transforms every aspect of our lives. This involves actively seeking to experience the dynamic power of His resurrection, allowing it to empower us to overcome sin, live victoriously, and walk in newness of life. It also necessitates a willingness to embrace the "fellowship of His sufferings," recognizing that true discipleship often involves hardship, persecution, or self-denial for the sake of the Gospel. This shared suffering deepens our bond with Christ and aligns us more fully with His redemptive mission. Ultimately, the verse calls for a daily, radical surrender—a continuous "dying to self" and our own desires, pride, and sinful inclinations—so that we may be progressively conformed to Christ's obedient and sacrificial life. This pursuit of Christ's character and mission becomes the supreme goal, leading to profound spiritual experience and eternal reward.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How deeply do I truly desire to know Christ, beyond intellectual understanding, and what practical steps can I take to cultivate that intimate knowledge?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I actively experiencing the "power of His resurrection" to overcome sin, live victoriously, and walk in spiritual vitality?**
* **Am I willing to embrace the "fellowship of His sufferings," identifying with Christ's mission even when it involves hardship, self-denial, or opposition for the sake of the Gospel?**
* **What aspects of my own will, desires, or sinful patterns do I need to "die to" daily in order to be more fully conformed to Christ's death and manifest His resurrection life?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "know him" in this context?**

Answer: When Paul expresses his desire to "know him" (Christ), he is not referring to a mere intellectual understanding or factual knowledge of Jesus. The Greek word used (G1097, _ginṓskō_) implies a deep, intimate, and experiential relationship, much like the knowledge between a husband and wife. It signifies a profound personal union that transforms one's character, values, and actions. This kind of knowing is foundational to eternal life, as Jesus Himself stated in [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God"), "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." It's about a living, dynamic relationship that shapes every facet of a believer's existence.

**How can a believer experience "the power of his resurrection" today?**

Answer: The "power of his resurrection" (G1411, _dýnamis_) is not solely reserved for a future physical resurrection. It is a present, dynamic force available to believers for spiritual transformation. Experiencing this power means living a new life empowered by the Holy Spirit, overcoming the dominion of sin, and walking in righteousness, as described in [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ"): "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." This power enables believers to endure trials, serve God effectively, and live victoriously over spiritual adversaries, manifesting Christ's life in their mortal bodies.

**Does "fellowship of his sufferings" imply we suffer for our sins like Christ did?**

Answer: No, "fellowship of his sufferings" (G2842, _koinōnía_ of G3804, _páthēma_) does not mean that believers suffer to atone for their own sins or the sins of others. Christ's suffering on the cross was a unique, once-for-all, perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity ([Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Hebrews 9:28 - Christ's Sacrifice for Sin")). Our "fellowship of his sufferings" refers to sharing in the hardships, persecutions, self-denial, and afflictions that come with following Christ and advancing His kingdom in a fallen world. It is an identification with Christ in His redemptive mission, enduring opposition for the sake of the Gospel, just as Paul himself experienced ([2 Corinthians 11:23-28](/2_corinthians/11-23-28 "2 Corinthians 11:23-28 - Paul's Sufferings for Christ")). This shared suffering deepens our communion with Christ and refines our faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's profound desire in Philippians 3:10 finds its complete and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "him" whom Paul desires to know is the incarnate Son of God, the perfect revelation of the Father ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Jesus is the Way to the Father")). The "power of his resurrection" is the very power of God that triumphed over sin, death, and the grave, a power now bestowed upon believers through the Holy Spirit ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus")). The "fellowship of his sufferings" points directly to Christ's unparalleled agony on the cross, where He, as the sinless Lamb of God, bore the full weight of humanity's sin and endured the ultimate separation from God for our redemption ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions")). Our "being made conformable unto his death" is a participation in Christ's victory over sin and self, a spiritual crucifixion of the old nature so that His resurrection life may be manifested in us ([Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Christ Lives in Me")). Thus, Philippians 3:10 is not merely a personal aspiration but a Christ-centered reality, where every aspect of the believer's transformation is rooted in, empowered by, and ultimately directed toward the glorious person and finished work of Jesus, leading to the righteousness that is from God by faith in Him ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness from God by Faith")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

1 Peter 4:1

¶ Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

1 Peter 4:2

That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

Romans 8:17

¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.

2 Timothy 2:11

[It is] a faithful saying: For if we be dead with [him], we shall also live with [him]:

2 Timothy 2:12

If we suffer, we shall also reign with [him]: if we deny [him], he also will deny us:

Romans 6:3

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?