Philippians 3:7

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

But {G235} what things {G3748} were {G2258} gain {G2771} to me {G3427}, those {G5023} I counted {G2233} loss {G2209} for {G1223} Christ {G5547}.

But the things that used to be advantages for me, I have, because of the Messiah, come to consider a disadvantage.

But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ.

Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.

Commentary

Commentary on Philippians 3:7 (KJV)

Philippians 3:7 is a pivotal verse in Paul's letter, articulating a profound re-evaluation of values that occurred in his life after his encounter with Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a powerful declaration of Paul's transformed perspective, contrasting his former earthly achievements with the incomparable worth of knowing Christ.

Context

In the preceding verses (Philippians 3:4-6), Paul meticulously lists his impressive Jewish credentials and accomplishments: his lineage, his adherence to the Law as a Pharisee, and his zealous persecution of the early Christian church. These were the very things that, in the eyes of his contemporaries and himself, constituted "gain" or advantage. He was, by all societal and religious standards, a highly successful and righteous individual. However, the blinding light of Christ on the road to Damascus fundamentally altered his understanding of true righteousness and value, leading directly to the radical statement in verse 7.

Key Themes

  • Radical Re-evaluation of Values: Paul's declaration signifies a complete paradigm shift. What he once considered assets—his religious pedigree, legalistic observance, and zeal—he now views as liabilities when compared to Christ. This challenges believers to examine their own priorities and what they truly count as valuable.
  • The Supremacy of Christ: The phrase "for Christ" underscores the central reason for this re-evaluation. Paul's personal relationship with Jesus Christ is so overwhelmingly precious that everything else pales in comparison. This theme is further elaborated in Philippians 3:8, where he describes the "excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord."
  • Sacrifice for Spiritual Gain: This verse introduces the concept of spiritual accounting where worldly "gain" is willingly sacrificed and considered "loss" to achieve a far greater spiritual profit—union with and righteousness through Christ. It's a foundational principle for understanding Jesus' teaching on losing one's life to find it.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek words translated as "gain" (kerdos - κέρδος) and "loss" (zēmia - ζημία) are terms often used in commercial or accounting contexts. Kerdos refers to profit, advantage, or gain, while zēmia denotes damage, harm, or financial loss. By using these terms, Paul presents his spiritual transformation as a deliberate and rational recalculation of his life's ledger. He's not simply dismissing his past; he's actively re-categorizing it as a deficit once Christ is factored in.

Practical Application

Philippians 3:7 calls every believer to a similar self-examination. What do we currently count as "gain" in our lives? Is it our career, social status, material possessions, personal achievements, or even our religious performance? Paul's example urges us to hold these things loosely and be willing to count them as "loss" for the sake of Christ. True spiritual wealth is found not in what we accumulate for ourselves, but in what we are willing to surrender for the sake of knowing Jesus and being found in Him. This verse encourages a radical realignment of our priorities, placing Christ at the absolute center, as the ultimate and only true gain.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 14:33 (32 votes)

    So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

  • Matthew 16:26 (31 votes)

    For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

  • Matthew 13:44 (23 votes)

    Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

  • Matthew 13:46 (23 votes)

    Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

  • Luke 14:26 (19 votes)

    If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

  • Proverbs 13:8 (19 votes)

    ¶ The ransom of a man's life [are] his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

  • Philippians 3:8 (14 votes)

    Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,