Philippians 3:3

KJV

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} we {G2249} are {G2070} the circumcision {G4061}, which {G3588} worship {G3000} God {G2316} in the spirit {G4151}, and {G2532} rejoice {G2744} in {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424}, and {G2532} have {G3982} no {G3756} confidence {G3982} in {G1722} the flesh {G4561}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For it is we who are the Circumcised, we who worship by the Spirit of God and make our boast in the Messiah Yeshua! We do not put confidence in human qualifications,

Berean Standard Bible

For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—

American Standard Version

for we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 3:3 profoundly redefines true spiritual identity, contrasting external religious markers with an internal, Spirit-led life centered on Christ. The Apostle Paul asserts that genuine believers are the true "circumcision," distinguished by their worship of God in the spirit, their exclusive joy and confidence found in Christ Jesus, and their complete renunciation of any reliance on human effort or merit for salvation. This verse serves as a foundational statement against legalism and self-righteousness, redirecting all boast and hope to Christ alone.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Philippians 3:3 stands as a pivotal verse within Paul's impassioned warning against false teachers, specifically the Judaizers, who insisted that Gentile Christians must be circumcised and adhere to the Mosaic Law for salvation. The preceding verse, [Philippians 3:2](/philippians/3-2 "Philippians 3:2 - Warning Against Judaizers"), issues a sharp caution against "dogs," "evil workers," and "mutilators of the flesh"—derogatory terms for these legalistic opponents. Verse 3 directly counters their false gospel by defining the authentic marks of God's true people. It then serves as a theological springboard for Paul's deeply personal testimony in [Philippians 3:4-11](/philippians/3-4-11 "Philippians 3:4-11 - Paul's Renunciation of Fleshly Advantages"), where he enumerates his own impeccable Jewish credentials only to declare them utterly worthless ("rubbish" or "dung") in comparison to the surpassing value of knowing Christ. This verse thus functions as the theological thesis for Paul's subsequent autobiographical argument for justification by faith alone.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the first century, circumcision was the preeminent sign of the Abrahamic covenant ([Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9-14 "Genesis 17:9-14 - The Covenant of Circumcision")), deeply ingrained in Jewish identity and religious practice. It marked one as belonging to God's chosen people and was considered essential for righteousness. The Judaizers, Jewish Christians who infiltrated various early church communities, sought to impose this and other Old Testament laws on Gentile converts, creating significant theological and practical conflict. This issue was a central point of contention, famously addressed at the [Jerusalem Council in Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council"), where the apostles affirmed salvation by grace through faith apart from the Law. Paul's letter to the Philippians, likely written from Roman imprisonment, confronts this persistent threat, emphasizing that true spiritual identity and salvation are found exclusively in Christ, not in external rituals or human merit.

* **Key Themes:** Philippians 3:3 powerfully articulates several core themes central to Paul's theology and the book of Philippians. It fundamentally redefines **True Identity** for believers, shifting it from external, physical markers like circumcision to an internal, spiritual reality rooted in Christ. This verse is a cornerstone for the doctrine of **Justification by Faith Alone**, emphatically contrasting reliance on human effort ("the flesh") with absolute confidence in Christ. It also clarifies the nature of **Authentic Worship**, moving beyond mere ritualistic observance to a Spirit-led, heart-centered communion with God. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **Supremacy of Christ**, positioning Him as the exclusive object of the believer's joy, confidence, and the ultimate source of all spiritual blessing, a theme Paul repeatedly emphasizes throughout the letter, particularly in his calls to [rejoice in the Lord](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Circumcision (Greek, _peritomḗ'_):** G4061, meaning "circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)." In this context, Paul uses the term figuratively. He reclaims it to refer to those who possess the true spiritual reality signified by circumcision: an inward transformation of the heart, a spiritual cutting away of the old sinful nature, rather than merely an outward physical act. This marks the true people of God under the New Covenant.
* **Worship (Greek, _latreúō'_):** G3000, meaning "to minister (to God), i.e. render religious homage." This word denotes a dedicated, sacrificial service and devotion to God. Paul emphasizes that this worship is not merely external or ritualistic but is an internal, profound act of reverence and obedience, enabled and guided by the Holy Spirit.
* **Flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** G4561, meaning "flesh (as stripped of the skin),... or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specially), a human being (as such)." In this pivotal context, "flesh" signifies human effort, self-righteousness, ancestral privilege, religious performance, or any human advantage relied upon for spiritual standing before God. It stands in stark contrast to divine grace and the work of Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For we are the circumcision":** Paul makes a bold and revolutionary declaration. He asserts that true believers in Christ—both Jew and Gentile—are the authentic "circumcision," the true covenant people of God. This redefinition shifts the focus from an external, physical mark of ethnic identity to an internal, spiritual reality, emphasizing that belonging to God's people is now determined by faith in Christ and the Spirit's work, not by adherence to Old Covenant rituals.
* **"which worship God in the spirit":** This clause describes the distinguishing characteristic of the true "circumcision"—their mode of worship. Genuine worship is not confined to physical locations or outward ceremonies but is an internal, Spirit-empowered communion with God. "In the spirit" refers both to the human spirit, indicating heartfelt devotion, and, crucially, to the Holy Spirit, who enables and guides believers into authentic, intimate, and truth-filled worship.
* **"and rejoice in Christ Jesus":** This phrase identifies the exclusive object of the believer's boast, joy, and confidence. To "rejoice" (or boast) in Christ Jesus means that all self-glory, human achievement, or reliance on personal merit is utterly abandoned. The believer's entire hope, righteousness, and standing before God are found solely and completely in the person and finished work of Jesus Christ, leading to a deep, abiding, and unshakeable joy.
* **"and have no confidence in the flesh":** This final, emphatic clause serves as a definitive rejection of any reliance on human effort, lineage, religious performance, or personal accomplishments for salvation or spiritual merit. "The flesh" here encompasses all that human beings might boast in apart from God's grace. Paul unequivocally states that true believers place absolutely no trust or assurance in such things, understanding them to be utterly worthless and even detrimental in the sight of God.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs powerful **Antithesis** and **Contrast** throughout this verse to highlight the fundamental difference between the false gospel of the Judaizers and the true gospel of Christ. He sharply contrasts external, physical circumcision with an internal, spiritual reality, and human effort ("the flesh") with divine grace found exclusively in Christ. The term "circumcision" itself is used **Metaphorically**; it is redefined from a physical rite to a spiritual state, representing the true people of God who have been inwardly transformed. The emphatic "no confidence" functions as a strong **Hyperbole** to underscore the absolute and total rejection of self-reliance, emphasizing that any trust placed in human merit is not merely insufficient but entirely antithetical to the Christian faith. This sharp distinction serves to clarify the core of the gospel message for the Philippian believers and all subsequent generations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological significance of Philippians 3:3 lies in its radical redefinition of identity and righteousness within the New Covenant. Paul dismantles the Old Covenant's external markers, asserting that true belonging to God's people is no longer based on physical lineage or ritual observance, but on an internal, Spirit-wrought transformation. This verse is foundational to the doctrine of justification by faith alone, emphasizing that human effort ("the flesh") is utterly incapable of meriting divine favor. Instead, all confidence and boast must be placed in Christ Jesus, whose perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection provide the sole basis for a right standing with God. This spiritual reality transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries, uniting all believers in Christ as the true "circumcision," a people marked by genuine worship and an unwavering reliance on God's grace.

* [Romans 2:28-29](/romans/2-28-29 "Romans 2:28-29 - True Circumcision is of the Heart")
* [Colossians 2:11-12](/colossians/2-11-12 "Colossians 2:11-12 - Circumcision Made Without Hands")
* [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")
* [Galatians 6:14](/galatians/6-14 "Galatians 6:14 - Boasting Only in the Cross of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 3:3 calls every believer to a profound self-examination regarding the source of their spiritual confidence and the nature of their worship. In a world that often values external performance, visible achievements, and self-reliance, this verse serves as a potent reminder that our standing before God is never based on what we do, but entirely on what Christ has done. Do we find ourselves subtly relying on our good deeds, our religious background, our moral uprightness, or even our theological knowledge for a sense of security or superiority? Paul's emphatic "no confidence in the flesh" challenges us to dismantle any such idols of self-righteousness. Instead, our worship should flow from a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit, marked by genuine adoration and a deep, abiding joy that finds its sole object in Christ Jesus. This means cultivating an inner life of devotion, allowing the Spirit to guide our prayers, our service, and our understanding of God, rather than merely adhering to outward forms or traditions. Our identity, our security, and our ultimate boast must be found exclusively in Him, freeing us from the endless striving for human approval or self-justification.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "fleshly" things (e.g., accomplishments, background, religious practices) that I might subtly rely on for my spiritual standing or identity, rather than Christ alone?**
* **How can I cultivate a more "in the spirit" worship life, moving beyond mere ritual to genuine, heartfelt communion with God?**
* **In what ways does my daily life demonstrate that my primary "rejoicing" and confidence are truly "in Christ Jesus"?**
* **How does understanding this verse free me from the pressure to perform or prove myself, either to God or to others?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "we are the circumcision"?**

Answer: By "we are the circumcision," Paul radically redefines the traditional Jewish understanding of circumcision. Historically, physical circumcision was the sign of God's covenant with Abraham ([Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9-14 "Genesis 17:9-14 - The Covenant of Circumcision")) and a mark of Jewish identity. However, Paul asserts that in the New Covenant, true "circumcision" is no longer a physical act but a spiritual reality. It refers to those who have experienced an inward transformation of the heart by the Holy Spirit, setting them apart for God. This concept is further developed in passages like [Romans 2:28-29](/romans/2-28-29 "Romans 2:28-29 - Inward Circumcision") and [Colossians 2:11-12](/colossians/2-11-12 "Colossians 2:11-12 - Circumcision of Christ"), where he speaks of a "circumcision made without hands," which is the spiritual cutting away of the sinful nature through union with Christ. Therefore, "we" refers to believers in Christ, both Jew and Gentile, who constitute the true people of God.

**What does "no confidence in the flesh" imply for believers today?**

Answer: "No confidence in the flesh" implies a complete rejection of any reliance on human effort, achievements, lineage, or external religious practices for one's salvation or standing before God. For Paul's original audience, "the flesh" included boasting in Jewish heritage, adherence to the Law, or physical circumcision. For believers today, it extends to anything we might be tempted to trust in apart from Christ: our good works, moral uprightness, church attendance, theological knowledge, social status, or even our spiritual experiences. It means recognizing that all human merit is utterly insufficient to earn God's favor or contribute to our righteousness. Our entire confidence, joy, and hope must be placed solely in the finished work of [Christ Jesus](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ"), acknowledging that salvation is by grace through faith alone, as articulated in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 3:3 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who embodies and inaugurates the New Covenant reality. The "circumcision" Paul speaks of is not merely a spiritual state but a direct result of being united with Christ in His death and resurrection. As [Colossians 2:11-12](/colossians/2-11-12 "Colossians 2:11-12 - Circumcision of Christ") explains, believers undergo a "circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ." This spiritual transformation, cutting away the power of sin and the old nature, is accomplished through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, which decisively dealt with the "flesh" and its claims. Our ability to "worship God in the spirit" is a direct consequence of Christ's ascension and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, whom He promised ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). The Spirit, sent by Christ, enables true worship, making it a heartfelt and intimate communion with the Father. Furthermore, our capacity to "rejoice in Christ Jesus" is rooted in His perfect righteousness imputed to us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")) and His victory over sin and death, which assures our salvation and eternal hope. Therefore, "having no confidence in the flesh" is not a mere negation, but an overwhelming affirmation of Christ's all-sufficiency; He alone is the source of our righteousness, our joy, and our eternal hope, fulfilling all the shadows and types of the Old Covenant in His glorious person.

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

Colossians 2:11

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

Romans 7:6

But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not [in] the oldness of the letter.

Deuteronomy 30:6

And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.

Galatians 6:13

For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

Galatians 6:15

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

Romans 2:25

For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

Romans 2:29

But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.