Philippians 3:5

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;

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};

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,

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;

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

In Philippians 3:5, the Apostle Paul continues to list his impressive Jewish credentials, which he is now counting as "loss for Christ" (Philippians 3:7). This verse is a powerful declaration of his impeccable pedigree according to the Law, setting the stage for his subsequent argument that true righteousness comes not from human effort or lineage, but from faith in Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (Philippians 3:1-11) where Paul passionately warns the Philippian believers against "the concision" or "mutilators"—likely Judaizers who insisted that Gentile Christians must be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law to be saved. To counter their claims, Paul doesn't just refute them; he demonstrates that if anyone could boast in their fleshly heritage or legalistic observance, it would be him. By detailing his flawless background, he highlights the radical shift in his values after encountering Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3).

Key Themes

  • Impeccable Jewish Lineage: Paul emphasizes his pure Israelite heritage.
    • "Circumcised the eighth day": This points to his strict adherence to the Abrahamic covenant from birth, as commanded in Genesis 17:12. It signifies he was not a proselyte but a born Jew, fulfilling the covenant sign.
    • "of the stock of Israel": He was a genuine descendant of Jacob, not a convert or from a mixed heritage, underscoring his pure Israelite identity.
    • "of the tribe of Benjamin": Paul identifies with one of the most distinguished tribes, from which Israel's first king, Saul, came (Paul's Hebrew name was Saul). This was a tribe known for its loyalty and martial prowess, often associated with Jerusalem.
    • "an Hebrew of the Hebrews": This phrase underscores his pure linguistic and cultural identity. He was not Hellenized (influenced by Greek culture) but maintained his Hebrew language and traditions, distinguishing him from many Jews of the Diaspora.
  • Unblemished Legal Standing:
    • "as touching the law, a Pharisee": This is perhaps Paul's strongest claim to religious zeal. The Pharisees were the most zealous and respected Jewish sect, known for their meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law and their oral traditions. Paul's background as a Pharisee meant he was trained in the Law and dedicated his life to its rigorous observance (Acts 23:6).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Hebrew of the Hebrews" (Greek: Hebraios ex Hebraiōn) strongly conveys a sense of unmixed Jewish identity and adherence to traditional Jewish customs and language (likely Aramaic, the common spoken Semitic language of the time, related to ancient Hebrew). It signifies a pure, untainted Hebrew lineage and cultural practice, distinguishing him from Hellenistic Jews who might have adopted more Greek customs or language.

Practical Application

Paul's enumeration of his former advantages serves as a powerful illustration for believers today. It teaches us that no amount of human achievement, noble heritage, religious observance, or personal merit can earn favor with God or contribute to our salvation. Our true righteousness comes solely through faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9). This verse challenges us to examine where we place our confidence—in our own accomplishments or in the finished work of Jesus Christ. It encourages humility and a complete reliance on God's grace, echoing Paul's declaration that "what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ" (Philippians 3:7).

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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 11:22 (10 votes)

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

  • Romans 11:1 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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