Philippians 3:11

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

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

so that somehow I might arrive at being resurrected from the dead.

and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead.

Commentary on Philippians 3:11 (KJV)

Philippians 3:11, "If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead," encapsulates the Apostle Paul's profound spiritual ambition and the ultimate hope of the Christian faith. This verse is not about Paul's uncertainty regarding the general resurrection, which he firmly believed in, but rather his intense desire to fully participate in the resurrection to life, specifically the resurrection of the righteous, often referred to as the "first resurrection."

Context

This verse is part of a deeply personal and passionate section of Paul's letter to the Philippians (Philippians 3:1-11). Paul contrasts his former confidence in his Jewish heritage and legalistic righteousness (Philippians 3:4-6) with his new, all-consuming pursuit of knowing Christ. He considers all his past achievements as "loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord" (Philippians 3:8). His ultimate goal, as stated in the preceding verse, is to "know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death" (Philippians 3:10). Verse 11 naturally flows from this desire for complete union with Christ, even to the point of sharing in His resurrection.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Ultimate Christian Hope: The resurrection of the dead is the foundational hope of believers. It signifies victory over death and the promise of eternal life with God, a central tenet of the gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).
  • Intense Spiritual Striving: The phrase "If by any means" (Greek: ei pōs) conveys Paul's earnest desire and willingness to undergo whatever is necessary—even suffering and death—to fully attain this resurrection. It reflects a life wholly dedicated to Christ, not a passive expectation.
  • Union with Christ in All Stages: Paul's pursuit involves not just knowing Christ's power, but also sharing in His sufferings and death, leading ultimately to participation in His resurrection. This signifies a holistic, experiential relationship with Jesus Christ.
  • Goal-Oriented Faith: For Paul, faith was not static but a dynamic journey with a clear, glorious destination. This pursuit of the resurrection motivates his entire life and ministry, urging believers to "press toward the mark" (Philippians 3:14).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "attain unto" is katantao (καταντάω), which means "to arrive at," "to reach," or "to come to a destination." This emphasizes the resurrection as a specific goal or culmination of Paul's spiritual journey. The term "resurrection of the dead" (exanastasis ek nekron, literally "out-resurrection from among the dead") can imply a specific resurrection of believers, distinguishing them from the general populace, aligning with concepts like the "first resurrection" mentioned in Revelation 20:6.

Practical Application

For modern believers, Philippians 3:11 serves as a powerful reminder of our ultimate hope and the posture of our faith. It challenges us to consider:

  • What is our ultimate goal? Is our life driven by the hope of eternal life and full union with Christ?
  • Are we actively striving? Like Paul, are we willing to make sacrifices and endure difficulties for the sake of Christ and the gospel, knowing the glorious end?
  • Do we embrace suffering for Christ? Understanding that sharing in Christ's sufferings is part of the path to sharing in His resurrection (Romans 8:17) can transform our perspective on trials.

This verse encourages a life lived with intentionality, eyes fixed on the eternal prize, and a heart fully devoted to knowing and following Jesus, who is "the resurrection, and the life" (John 11:25).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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