Philippians 3:11

KJV

If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

KJV (with Strong's)

If by any means {G1513} I might attain {G2658} unto {G1519} the resurrection {G1815} of the dead {G3498}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 3:11 encapsulates the Apostle Paul's ultimate spiritual ambition: to fully participate in the resurrection from the dead, not merely as a general event, but as a deeply personal and transformative experience in union with Christ. This verse highlights the intense spiritual striving and unwavering focus required to apprehend the glorious hope of eternal life and bodily resurrection, which is the culmination of knowing Christ in His suffering, death, and triumphant power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Philippians 3:11 concludes a pivotal and deeply personal section of Paul's letter, beginning in [Philippians 3:1](/philippians/3-1 "Philippians 3 - Warning Against False Teachers"). In [Philippians 3:4-6](/philippians/3-4-6 "Paul's Former Confidence in the Flesh"), Paul meticulously dismantles his former sources of confidence—his Jewish heritage, legalistic righteousness, and impeccable Pharisaic credentials—declaring them "loss" and "dung" in comparison to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. This radical re-evaluation leads directly to his singular pursuit, articulated in [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Knowing Christ and the Power of His Resurrection"), which expresses his desire to "know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death." Verse 11 naturally flows as the ultimate goal of this profound union: to attain the resurrection, the final and glorious outcome of such a life-encompassing relationship with Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote Philippians from prison, likely Rome, around AD 60-62. The Philippian church, though generally faithful, faced internal disagreements and external pressures, including from Judaizers who advocated for circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law for salvation, which Paul vehemently opposes in [Philippians 3:2-3](/philippians/3-2-3 "Beware of Dogs!"). The concept of resurrection was a point of contention in the Greco-Roman world; many Greeks found the idea of bodily resurrection absurd ([Acts 17:32](/acts/17-32 "The Athenians Mock Resurrection")). For Jews, while belief in resurrection was more common, its timing and nature were debated (e.g., Pharisees vs. Sadducees, [Acts 23:8](/acts/23-8 "Pharisees and Sadducees Disagree")). Paul's emphatic declaration of his pursuit of the resurrection would have been a bold statement against both pagan skepticism and incomplete Jewish understandings, emphasizing its centrality to Christian hope and identity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Philippians and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the **Supremacy of Christ**, as all of Paul's former achievements pale in comparison to knowing Him ([Philippians 3:8](/philippians/3-8 "All Things Loss for Christ")). It vividly portrays **Spiritual Striving and Perseverance**, demonstrating that Christian faith is not passive but an active, lifelong pursuit of Christlikeness, even to the point of sharing in His sufferings ([Philippians 3:12-14](/philippians/3-12-14 "Pressing Toward the Goal")). The ultimate theme is the **Hope of Resurrection and Eternal Life**, which serves as the driving motivation for Paul's entire existence and ministry, offering a glorious future that transcends present suffering and death ([Philippians 1:21](/philippians/1-21 "To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **means (Greek, _eí pōs'_):** From *eí* (if) and *-pōs* (somehow), this phrase conveys a sense of intense desire and earnest striving, rather than uncertainty about the *fact* of resurrection. Paul is not questioning *if* there will be a resurrection, but rather expressing his fervent longing to participate fully and personally in the "out-resurrection" from the dead, implying a special, blessed resurrection of believers. It speaks to the effort and commitment he is willing to exert to achieve this ultimate goal.
* **attain (Greek, _katantáō'_):** Meaning "to meet against," "to arrive at," or "to reach a destination," this verb emphasizes the resurrection as a specific, tangible goal or culmination of Paul's spiritual journey. It signifies a coming to a desired end point, highlighting the purposeful direction of Paul's life and ministry towards this ultimate hope. It's not a passive reception, but an active reaching for a destination.
* **resurrection (Greek, _exanástasis'_):** Derived from *exanístēmi* (to raise up out of), this word specifically denotes a "rising from death." The prefix *ex-* ("out of") can imply a selective resurrection, a "resurrection *out from among* the dead," distinguishing the resurrection of believers from a general resurrection of all humanity for judgment. This aligns with the concept of the "first resurrection" of the righteous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If by any means":** This phrase, using the Greek *ei pōs*, does not express doubt about the *possibility* of resurrection, but rather the intense desire and the willingness to undergo whatever is necessary to achieve a full, experiential participation in it. It reflects Paul's profound commitment and the arduous nature of the spiritual journey, emphasizing his readiness to endure suffering or even death to reach this ultimate goal.
* **"I might attain unto":** The verb "attain" (*katantáō*) signifies reaching a destination or arriving at a specific point. For Paul, the resurrection is not a vague hope but a concrete, ultimate objective toward which he is actively striving. It implies a purposeful pursuit, a reaching for the culmination of his union with Christ.
* **"the resurrection of the dead":** This refers to the bodily resurrection of believers, the ultimate triumph over death promised to those in Christ. The Greek term *exanástasis ek nekrōn* (literally, "out-resurrection from among the dead") suggests a particular resurrection—that of the righteous—distinguished from the general resurrection of all humanity. This is the glorious destiny of those who have known Christ in His suffering and death.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey the profundity of his spiritual ambition. The phrase "If by any means" functions as **Emphasis**, highlighting the intensity of his desire and the lengths to which he is willing to go. It is not a statement of uncertainty, but of fervent longing and determination. The entire passage, from [Philippians 3:7](/philippians/3-7 "Paul's Loss for Christ") to [Philippians 3:11](/philippians/3-11 "Attaining the Resurrection"), demonstrates **Contrast** as Paul juxtaposes his former earthly achievements with the incomparable worth of knowing Christ and attaining the resurrection. This contrast serves to elevate the spiritual goal above all worldly pursuits. Furthermore, the concept of "attaining" the resurrection, following the language of "pressing toward the mark" in [Philippians 3:14](/philippians/3-14 "Pressing Toward the Goal"), uses **Metaphor** to portray the Christian life as a race or a journey with a clear, ultimate destination.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 3:11 stands as a powerful declaration of the eschatological hope that undergirds the entire Christian faith. It is not merely about a future event, but about the present reality of union with Christ that anticipates and guarantees that future. Paul's pursuit of the resurrection is intrinsically linked to his desire to know Christ experientially in every facet—His power, His sufferings, and His death—culminating in the ultimate victory over death that Christ Himself achieved. This verse affirms that the resurrection is the ultimate vindication of faith, the promise of eternal life in glorified bodies, and the final defeat of sin and death, which empowers believers to live with purposeful striving and unwavering hope in the present. It underscores that our present suffering with Christ is a prelude to our future glory with Him.

* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "The Spirit Gives Life to Mortal Bodies")
* [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "Victory Over Death")
* [Colossians 3:1-4](/colossians/3-1-4 "Set Your Minds on Things Above")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's passionate pursuit of the resurrection in Philippians 3:11 challenges believers today to examine the ultimate goal of their faith. Is our Christian life characterized by a similar fervent longing for complete union with Christ, even to the point of sharing in His sufferings, knowing that the resurrection is the glorious culmination? This verse calls us beyond a passive expectation of heaven to an active, intentional striving to live a life fully surrendered to Christ, allowing the hope of resurrection to shape our priorities, our endurance through trials, and our willingness to make sacrifices for the gospel. It reminds us that the Christian journey is dynamic, requiring perseverance and a steadfast gaze on the eternal prize, transforming our perspective on present difficulties into opportunities for deeper fellowship with Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the ultimate hope that drives your daily life and decisions? Is it the resurrection and full union with Christ?**
* **In what ways are you actively "attaining" or striving towards a deeper knowledge of Christ and participation in His life, death, and resurrection?**
* **How does the hope of future resurrection impact your perspective on present suffering, loss, or challenges?**

### FAQ
**Does "If by any means" imply Paul was uncertain about his salvation or the resurrection?**

Answer: No, "If by any means" (Greek: *ei pōs*) does not express doubt about Paul's salvation or the reality of the resurrection. Paul was absolutely confident in his salvation through Christ ([Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "God Will Complete His Work")). Instead, the phrase conveys his intense desire, earnest striving, and the willingness to undergo any necessary hardship or suffering to fully and experientially attain or participate in the resurrection of the dead. It speaks to the arduous nature of the Christian walk and Paul's commitment to press on towards the ultimate prize, rather than a lack of assurance. He yearned for the fullest possible realization of his union with Christ, which culminates in the physical resurrection and glorification.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 3:11 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is Himself "the resurrection, and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life")). Paul's aspiration to "attain unto the resurrection of the dead" is not a self-generated achievement but a participation in Christ's own triumphant victory over death. Jesus' bodily resurrection from the grave ([Luke 24:6-7](/luke/24-6-7 "He is Not Here, But is Risen!")) guarantees the future resurrection of all who are in Him ([1 Corinthians 15:20-23](/1_corinthians/15-20-23 "Christ the Firstfruits")). Believers are already spiritually united with Christ in His death and resurrection through baptism ([Romans 6:3-5](/romans/6-3-5 "Buried and Raised with Christ")), and this spiritual reality foreshadows the future bodily transformation. Paul's pursuit is thus a longing for the full manifestation of the life of Christ within him, culminating in a glorified body like Christ's own ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Our Citizenship is in Heaven")). The resurrection of the dead is not merely a hope for a future event, but the ultimate expression of Christ's sovereignty over sin and death, making possible the eternal fellowship with God that Paul so fervently sought.

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

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.