Philippians 3:5

KJV

Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, [of] the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

KJV (with Strong's)

Circumcised {G4061} the eighth {G3637} day, of {G1537} the stock {G1085} of Israel {G2474}, of the tribe {G5443} of Benjamin {G958}, an Hebrew {G1445} of {G1537} the Hebrews {G1445}; as touching {G2596} the law {G3551}, a Pharisee {G5330};

Complete Jewish Bible

b’rit-milah on the eighth day,
by birth belonging to the people of Isra’el,
from the tribe of Binyamin,
a Hebrew-speaker, with Hebrew-speaking parents,
in regard to the Torah, a Parush,

Berean Standard Bible

circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;

American Standard Version

circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Philippians 3:5, the Apostle Paul meticulously enumerates his impeccable Jewish and legalistic credentials, detailing his flawless lineage, strict adherence to covenant rituals, and zealous observance of the Mosaic Law. This verse serves as a powerful declaration of his former standing and achievements within Judaism, setting the crucial foundation for his subsequent argument that all such human merits are utterly worthless when compared to the surpassing value of knowing Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's impassioned warning to the Philippian believers against "the concision" or "mutilators" (Philippians 3:2), likely referring to Judaizers who insisted that Gentile Christians must undergo physical circumcision and adhere to the Mosaic Law for salvation. To dismantle their false gospel, Paul employs a rhetorical strategy: he doesn't merely refute their claims but demonstrates that if anyone had grounds to boast in their "flesh" (human effort or heritage), it was he. By detailing his flawless Jewish pedigree and legalistic zeal, he establishes himself as the ultimate example of someone who once trusted in these things, only to radically re-evaluate them as "loss for Christ" (Philippians 3:7). This personal testimony undergirds his theological argument for righteousness by faith alone, contrasting it sharply with human achievement.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's list of credentials reflects the profound importance of lineage, ritual, and legal observance in first-century Jewish society. "Circumcised the eighth day" points to strict adherence to the Abrahamic covenant, distinguishing him from proselytes. Being "of the stock of Israel" and "of the tribe of Benjamin" underscored his pure, unmixed Israelite heritage, with Benjamin being a distinguished tribe, historically associated with Israel's first king (Saul, Paul's Hebrew name) and the area around Jerusalem. The phrase "an Hebrew of the Hebrews" indicates he was not a Hellenized Jew (one influenced by Greek culture and language) but maintained his traditional Hebrew (likely Aramaic) language and customs. Finally, "as touching the law, a Pharisee" highlights his membership in the most respected and zealous Jewish sect, known for their meticulous study and rigorous application of the written and oral Law, a commitment Paul himself affirmed in [Acts 23:6](/acts/23-6 "Acts 23:6 - Paul's Pharisee Identity").

* **Key Themes:** Philippians 3:5 contributes significantly to several major themes within the chapter and the broader epistle. It profoundly illustrates the theme of **boasting in the flesh** versus **boasting in the Lord**, showcasing the pinnacle of human achievement and heritage that Paul ultimately counted as refuse. It sets up the stark contrast between **legalistic righteousness** (achieved through human effort and adherence to the Law) and **righteousness by faith** (imputed through Christ alone), which is the central theological argument of [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith"). Furthermore, it speaks to the theme of **identity in Christ**, demonstrating how Paul's former identity, meticulously detailed here, was completely subsumed and redefined by his new identity as a follower of Jesus. This re-evaluation of values is a foundational message for believers, encouraging them to place their confidence not in self-merit but entirely in the finished work of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Circumcised (Greek, _peritomḗ'_):** From G4061, meaning "circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)." In this context, it refers to the physical ritual performed on the eighth day, as commanded in the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 17:12). Paul's immediate circumcision on the eighth day signified his full and legitimate Jewish identity from birth, distinguishing him from proselytes or those who might have undergone the rite later in life. It was the foundational sign of his covenantal inclusion.
* **stock (Greek, _génos'_):** From G1085, meaning "kin" (abstract or concrete, literal or figurative, individual or collective):--born, country(-man), diversity, generation, kind(-red), nation, offspring, stock. Here, it emphasizes Paul's pure, unmixed Israelite lineage. He was a legitimate descendant of Jacob (Israel), not a convert or someone of mixed heritage, which was a significant point of pride and purity within Jewish society.
* **Pharisee (Greek, _Pharisaîos'_):** From G5330, meaning "a separatist, i.e. exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary." This designates Paul as a member of the most prominent and respected Jewish sect of his time. The Pharisees were known for their meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law, both written and oral traditions, and their zealous pursuit of righteousness through legal observance. Paul's identity as a Pharisee indicated his deep theological training, commitment to Jewish law, and religious zeal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Circumcised the eighth day":** This clause establishes Paul's full and proper initiation into the Abrahamic covenant from birth. It signifies that he was a born Jew, not a proselyte, and that the covenant sign was performed precisely as prescribed in [Genesis 17:12](/genesis/17-12 "Genesis 17:12 - Command for Circumcision"). This was a mark of his absolute adherence to the foundational ritual of Judaism.
* **"of the stock of Israel":** This emphasizes his pure ethnic and national heritage. Paul was a direct, unmixed descendant of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. This highlights his authentic Israelite identity, underscoring that he belonged to the chosen people of God by birthright.
* **"[of] the tribe of Benjamin":** Paul identifies with one of the most distinguished tribes of Israel. Benjamin was the tribe from which Israel's first king, Saul (Paul's Hebrew name), originated, and it was closely associated with Jerusalem. This tribal affiliation further bolstered his credentials, signaling a noble and historically significant lineage.
* **"an Hebrew of the Hebrews":** This phrase signifies Paul's deep cultural and linguistic purity. He was not merely Jewish by birth but maintained his traditional Hebrew (likely Aramaic) language and customs, distinguishing him from Hellenistic Jews who had adopted Greek culture and language. It speaks to his uncompromised commitment to traditional Jewish identity.
* **"as touching the law, a Pharisee":** This final clause highlights Paul's supreme legal and religious zeal. Being a Pharisee meant he was part of the most zealous and respected Jewish sect, known for their rigorous study and meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law and their extensive oral traditions. This was the pinnacle of religious devotion and legalistic achievement in first-century Judaism, signifying Paul's unwavering commitment to earning righteousness through strict observance.

#### Literary Devices
Philippians 3:5 employs several literary devices to achieve its rhetorical effect. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, where Paul lists his credentials in a rapid, successive manner. This creates a cumulative effect, emphasizing the sheer volume and quality of his former advantages. There is also an element of **Climax** in the list, as Paul builds from his birthright (circumcision, stock, tribe) to his cultural identity ("Hebrew of the Hebrews") and culminating in his religious zeal ("Pharisee"). This progression highlights the increasing levels of personal effort and commitment involved in each credential. Furthermore, the entire passage (Philippians 3:4-11) is framed by a profound **Irony**: what Paul once considered his greatest assets and sources of pride, he now, in light of Christ, considers "loss" and "rubbish" (Philippians 3:7-8). This stark contrast underscores the radical transformation of his values and the absolute supremacy of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 3:5 stands as a powerful theological statement on the inadequacy of human merit and the Law for achieving righteousness before God. Paul's exhaustive list of credentials represents the pinnacle of what human effort, lineage, and religious zeal could achieve within the framework of the Old Covenant. Yet, for Paul, these very things, once his "gain," became "loss" in the light of Christ. This underscores the core New Testament truth that salvation and righteousness are not earned through works of the Law or any human achievement, but are freely given by God through faith in Jesus Christ. It redefines what truly matters in God's eyes, shifting the focus from external observances and inherited status to an internal transformation and relationship with Christ.

* [Philippians 3:7](/philippians/3-7 "Philippians 3:7 - Paul Counts All as Loss")
* [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - No One Justified by Law")
* [Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justified by Faith in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's meticulous cataloging of his former achievements in Philippians 3:5 serves as a profound mirror for every believer. It challenges us to honestly examine where we might be tempted to place our confidence or find our sense of worth. Is it in our religious background, our moral uprightness, our intellectual accomplishments, our social status, or even our service within the church? Paul's radical re-evaluation teaches us that no amount of human pedigree, personal effort, or religious observance, however impressive, can earn favor with God or contribute to our salvation. True righteousness comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ. This verse calls us to humility, urging us to relinquish any form of self-righteousness and to place our complete reliance on God's grace and the finished work of Christ on the cross. It encourages us to count everything else as "loss" in comparison to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "credentials" or achievements in your life are you most tempted to boast in, or rely on for your standing with God?**
* **How does Paul's example of counting his impressive background as "loss" challenge your own understanding of what truly matters for salvation and spiritual identity?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be subtly trusting in your own efforts or merits rather than fully relying on Christ's righteousness?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of being "circumcised the eighth day"?**
Answer: Being "circumcised the eighth day" signified that Paul was a born Jew, not a proselyte, and that he was initiated into the Abrahamic covenant precisely according to God's command in [Genesis 17:12](/genesis/17-12 "Genesis 17:12 - Command for Circumcision"). This detail underscored his perfect adherence to Jewish law and tradition from the very beginning of his life, distinguishing him as a legitimate and pure Israelite.

**Why does Paul emphasize being "of the tribe of Benjamin"?**
Answer: Paul emphasizes his tribal affiliation with Benjamin because it was a distinguished tribe in Israel. It was the tribe from which Israel's first king, Saul (Paul's Hebrew name), originated, and it was historically known for its loyalty and its proximity to Jerusalem. This detail further solidified his impeccable Jewish lineage and heritage, adding to his impressive list of credentials.

**What does "an Hebrew of the Hebrews" mean?**
Answer: This phrase highlights Paul's pure linguistic and cultural identity. It means he was not merely Jewish by birth but maintained the traditional Hebrew language (likely Aramaic, the common Semitic language of the time) and customs, distinguishing him from Hellenistic Jews who had adopted Greek culture and language. It signified his deep immersion in and commitment to traditional Jewish life and thought.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's exhaustive list of Jewish credentials, meticulously detailed in Philippians 3:5, ultimately serves to magnify the surpassing worth of Jesus Christ. While Paul embodied the pinnacle of Old Covenant righteousness through lineage, ritual, and legal observance, these very things, once his boast, are now counted as "loss" because Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of all that they foreshadowed. Jesus Christ is the true "Israel" (as seen in [Isaiah 49:3](/isaiah/49-3 "Isaiah 49:3 - Israel as God's Servant")), perfectly embodying God's covenant people. He perfectly fulfilled the Law, not by merely observing it, but by living a sinless life and offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The physical circumcision, once the sign of the Old Covenant, finds its spiritual fulfillment in the "circumcision of the heart" by the Holy Spirit, which is true righteousness in Christ ([Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - True Circumcision of the Heart")). Our identity and righteousness are no longer found in our human lineage or adherence to external laws, but solely in being "in Christ" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), who has become our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). Thus, Paul's former credentials, though impressive in themselves, serve as a stark backdrop against which the glorious and all-sufficient perfection of Christ shines even brighter.

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

2 Corinthians 11:22

¶ Are they Hebrews? so [am] I. Are they Israelites? so [am] I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so [am] I.

Romans 11:1

¶ I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, [of] the tribe of Benjamin.

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 22:3

¶ I am verily a man [which am] a Jew, born in Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, [and] taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

Genesis 17:12

And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which [is] not of thy seed.

Acts 26:4

My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;

Acts 26:5

Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.