Philippians 3:20

KJV

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} our {G2257} conversation {G4175} is {G5225} in {G1722} heaven {G3772}; from {G1537} whence {G3739} also {G2532} we look for {G553} the Saviour {G4990}, the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But we are citizens of heaven, and it is from there that we expect a Deliverer, the Lord Yeshua the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

American Standard Version

For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 3:20 serves as a profound declaration of the believer's true identity and ultimate hope, contrasting the transient, earthly pursuits of those focused on temporal things with the enduring, heavenly orientation of genuine followers of Christ. This verse asserts that our true citizenship and allegiance reside in heaven, from which we eagerly await the return of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring about our ultimate transformation and redemption. It is a clarion call to live with an eternal perspective, aligning our present conduct with our future destiny.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Philippians 3:20 is situated within a crucial section of Paul's letter where he passionately contrasts two distinct ways of life: one rooted in human achievement and earthly pursuits, and the other in Christ-centered faith and heavenly anticipation. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul issues a stern warning against those he calls "enemies of the cross of Christ," whose "end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who mind earthly things" ([Philippians 3:18-19](/philippians/3-18-19 "Warning Against Enemies of the Cross")). Verse 20 directly follows this warning, presenting the antithetical reality for true believers. While others are consumed by the temporal, believers possess a divine citizenship, shifting the focus from earthly decay to heavenly glory. This sets the stage for the subsequent verse, [Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Transformation of Our Humble Bodies"), which elaborates on the future transformation of our bodies in light of this heavenly hope.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "citizenship" (πολίτευμα, _políteuma_) held significant weight for the Philippian church. Philippi was a Roman colony, and its inhabitants took great pride in their Roman citizenship, which afforded them certain rights, privileges, and a distinct identity within the Roman Empire (as seen in [Acts 16:21](/acts/16-21 "Roman Citizenship in Philippi")). Paul leverages this familiar concept to elevate the spiritual reality for believers. Just as Roman citizens in Philippi lived by Roman laws and looked to Rome as their homeland, so too should Christians live by heavenly principles, looking to heaven as their true home. This analogy would have resonated deeply with the Philippians, underscoring that their ultimate allegiance was not to Caesar or Rome, but to Christ and His heavenly kingdom.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout Philippians and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Christian Identity and Allegiance**, asserting that believers' primary identity is not earthly but heavenly, shaping their values and priorities. This contrasts sharply with the "earthly things" ([Philippians 3:19](/philippians/3-19 "Their God is Their Belly")) pursued by others. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Eschatological Hope and Expectation**, as believers "look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." This eager anticipation of Christ's return (the _Parousia_) is a foundational aspect of Christian hope, providing resilience amidst present suffering and motivation for holy living. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Future Transformation**, which is explicitly developed in [Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Transformation of Our Humble Bodies"), where Christ is depicted as the one who will transform our humble bodies to be like His glorious body. These themes collectively call believers to live with an eternal perspective, grounded in their heavenly reality and future hope.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Conversation (Greek, _políteuma'_):** From G4175, meaning "a community," "citizenship (figuratively)," or "body of citizens." In 17th-century English, "conversation" referred to one's conduct, manner of life, or even one's place of residence or citizenship. Paul's use of _políteuma_ here is profoundly significant, emphasizing that believers are not merely residents on earth but are citizens of a heavenly commonwealth. Our true allegiance, our "constitution," and the laws that govern our lives originate from heaven, not from any earthly authority. This concept demands a life lived in accordance with heavenly principles and values, reflecting our true homeland.

* **Heaven (Greek, _ouranós'_)::** From G3772, meaning "the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel (Christianity)." In this context, "heaven" signifies not just a distant place, but the very realm of God's sovereign rule and the ultimate dwelling of believers. It represents the source of our citizenship, our spiritual origin, and the destination of our hope. To have our _políteuma_ in heaven means our life is governed by divine authority and our ultimate future is secure in God's presence.

* **Look for (Greek, _apekdéchomai'_):** From G553, meaning "to expect fully." This compound verb conveys a strong sense of eager, earnest, and patient anticipation. It is not a passive waiting but an active, longing expectation for the arrival of someone significant. The preposition _apo_ (away from) intensifies the verb _ekdechomai_ (to wait for), suggesting a turning away from other distractions to focus intently on the coming event. This word highlights the active posture of Christian hope, characterized by a deep yearning for the return of Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For our conversation is in heaven;":** This clause establishes the foundational truth of the believer's identity. The conjunction "For" (G1063, _gár_) indicates that what follows provides the reason or explanation for the preceding warning against earthly-mindedness. "Our conversation" (G4175, _políteuma_) signifies our citizenship, our commonwealth, or our manner of life as governed by our true homeland. It is "in heaven" (G1722, _en_ G3772, _ouranós_), meaning our ultimate allegiance, our governing principles, and our true home are not earthly but divine. This declaration reorients the believer's entire perspective, shifting their focus from the temporal to the eternal.

* **"from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:":** This second clause describes the practical outworking and hopeful consequence of our heavenly citizenship. "From whence" (G1537, _ek_ G3739, _hós_) indicates the origin point of our expectation – from heaven itself. The phrase "we look for" (G553, _apekdéchomai_) conveys an eager, full, and patient anticipation. We are not merely waiting, but actively expecting the arrival of "the Saviour" (G4990, _sōtḗr_), who is explicitly identified as "the Lord Jesus Christ" (G2962, _kýrios_ G2424, _Iēsoûs_ G5547, _Christós_). This highlights the object of our hope: the personal return of Jesus, who is both our deliverer and our sovereign Master, the Anointed One. This expectation is central to the Christian life and provides the ultimate motivation for living as heavenly citizens on earth.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in Philippians 3:20 to convey his profound message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where "conversation" (πολίτευμα, _políteuma_) is used metaphorically to represent "citizenship" or "commonwealth." This metaphor leverages the Philippians' pride in their Roman citizenship to illustrate a higher, spiritual reality: their true allegiance and identity are heavenly. This creates a strong **Antithesis** with the "enemies of the cross" mentioned in the preceding verse, whose focus is entirely earthly. The contrast between "earthly things" and "heaven" highlights the divergent destinies and values of the two groups. Furthermore, the phrase "we look for the Saviour" employs **Eschatological Language**, pointing to the future return of Christ and the ultimate consummation of God's redemptive plan. This language instills hope and provides a future orientation for the believer's present conduct.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 3:20 is a cornerstone verse for understanding Christian identity, eschatology, and the practical implications of our faith. It establishes that our primary allegiance is not to any earthly kingdom or system, but to the heavenly kingdom of God. This divine citizenship fundamentally reorients our values, priorities, and aspirations, calling us to live as ambassadors of heaven on earth. The eager expectation of Christ's return is not merely a theological doctrine but a living hope that shapes our present conduct, providing both comfort in suffering and motivation for holiness. Our heavenly citizenship and future hope are inextricably linked, reminding us that our ultimate destiny is with Christ in glory.

* [Colossians 3:1-2](/colossians/3-1-2 "Setting Your Mind on Things Above"): "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
* [Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13-16 "Pilgrims and Sojourners on Earth"): "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country... But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city."
* [1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3-5 "A Living Hope and an Inheritance in Heaven"): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding that our citizenship is in heaven profoundly impacts how we live our daily lives. It calls us to a radical reorientation of our priorities, moving beyond the fleeting concerns of this world to embrace the eternal realities of God's kingdom. If our true home and allegiance are heavenly, then our values, ethics, and aspirations should reflect that divine origin. This means cultivating a mindset that prioritizes spiritual growth, righteous living, and the advancement of God's purposes on earth, rather than being consumed by material possessions, worldly status, or temporary pleasures. Our eager expectation of Christ's return provides immense hope and resilience, enabling us to endure trials with patience, knowing that our ultimate redemption is secure. It should motivate us to live as faithful ambassadors of our heavenly King, demonstrating His love and truth to a world that desperately needs it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding your "conversation" (citizenship) as being in heaven change your perspective on earthly challenges and pursuits?**
* **In what practical ways can you live more consistently as a citizen of heaven in your daily interactions, decisions, and priorities?**
* **How does the eager expectation of "the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ" returning motivate you to live a life pleasing to Him?**

### FAQ

**What does "our conversation is in heaven" mean in modern English?**

Answer: In modern English, "our conversation is in heaven" means that our citizenship, our commonwealth, or our manner of life and allegiance is in heaven. The Greek word _políteuma_ (πολίτευμα) refers to the body of citizens, the administration of a state, or the rights and duties of a citizen. So, Paul is declaring that believers' true home, their ultimate governing authority, and the source of their identity and values are not on earth but in the heavenly realm, where God reigns. It's a declaration of our spiritual nationality.

**How does heavenly citizenship impact our responsibilities on earth?**

Answer: Heavenly citizenship does not negate our responsibilities on earth; rather, it redefines and elevates them. As citizens of heaven, we are called to live as ambassadors for Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:20](/2_corinthians/5-20 "Believers as Ambassadors for Christ")), representing our heavenly King and His kingdom values. This means living with integrity, love, justice, and holiness in all our earthly spheres – family, work, community, and nation. We are to be salt and light ([Matthew 5:13-16](/matthew/5-13-16 "Salt and Light of the World")), influencing the world for good while maintaining our distinct, heavenly orientation. Our earthly actions should reflect our heavenly allegiance, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 3:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is both the King of this heavenly commonwealth and the eagerly awaited Savior. Our "conversation" or citizenship is "in heaven" precisely because Christ, our Head, is ascended and seated at the right hand of God there ([Ephesians 1:20](/ephesians/1-20 "Christ Seated at God's Right Hand")). He is the one who has secured our place in this heavenly realm through His atoning death and triumphant resurrection ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Redemption Through Christ's Blood")). Furthermore, the verse explicitly states that we "look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ," emphasizing that the hope of our heavenly citizenship culminates in His glorious return. He is not just a distant ruler, but the one who will personally descend from heaven, transform our humble bodies to be like His glorious body ([Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Transformation of Our Humble Bodies")), and gather His citizens to Himself ([1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "The Lord's Descent and the Rapture")). Thus, Christ is the Alpha and Omega of our heavenly citizenship – the one who established it, sustains it, and will ultimately bring it to its glorious consummation.

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

Ephesians 2:19

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Colossians 3:1

¶ If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Colossians 3:3

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

2 Corinthians 4:18

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.

2 Corinthians 5:1

¶ For we know that if our earthly house of [this] tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Hebrews 12:22

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

1 Peter 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,