Philippians 3:8

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,

Yea {G235} doubtless {G3304}, and {G2532} I count {G2233} all things {G3956} but loss {G2209} for {G1511}{G1223} the excellency {G5242} of the knowledge {G1108} of Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424} my {G3450} Lord {G2962}: for {G1223} whom {G3739} I have suffered the loss {G2210} of all things {G3956}, and {G2532} do count {G2233} them {G1511} but dung {G4657}, that {G2443} I may win {G2770} Christ {G5547},

Not only that, but I consider everything a disadvantage in comparison with the supreme value of knowing the Messiah Yeshua as my Lord. It was because of him that I gave up everything and regard it all as garbage, in order to gain the Messiah

More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ

Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ,

Commentary

In Philippians 3:8, the Apostle Paul profoundly articulates the radical transformation of his values after encountering Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a powerful declaration of his ultimate devotion, contrasting his previous earthly achievements with the incomparable worth of knowing his Lord.

Context of Philippians 3:8

This verse follows Paul's detailed recounting of his impressive Jewish credentials and accomplishments in Philippians 3:4-6, where he lists his lineage, zeal for the law, and blamelessness by human standards. He then pivots sharply, declaring all these former "gains" as utterly worthless in light of Christ. The broader context of Philippians chapter 3 is Paul's warning against reliance on human effort or legalistic practices for salvation, emphasizing instead the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ alone.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Supreme Value of Christ: Paul unequivocally states that the "excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord" surpasses everything else. This highlights Christ as the ultimate treasure, worth more than any worldly success, reputation, or religious achievement.
  • Radical Renunciation and Sacrifice: Paul not only counts his past achievements as loss but also states he "suffered the loss of all things." This points to a deliberate and complete abandonment of anything that might hinder his relationship with Christ or compete for His supremacy. It's a call to re-evaluate our own priorities.
  • Spiritual Gain Over Worldly Loss: The phrase "do count them but dung" powerfully illustrates Paul's perspective. What the world considers valuable—status, wealth, human righteousness—is utterly worthless, even offensive, when compared to the spiritual gain found in Christ.
  • The Goal: Winning Christ: Paul's ultimate aim is to "win Christ." This isn't merely intellectual knowledge but a deep, personal possession of Christ and His righteousness, leading to salvation and a life lived in union with Him. This pursuit aligns with the concept of being found in Him, not having his own righteousness but that which is through faith in Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates the Greek word skubala (σκύβαλα) as "dung." This is a very strong and intentionally offensive term. It literally refers to refuse, rubbish, or excrement, emphasizing the utter worthlessness and repugnance of what Paul willingly discarded. It's not just "loss" in a neutral sense, but something vile to be thrown away. The word "excellency" comes from hyperbolē (ὑπερβολή), meaning "a throwing beyond," signifying something extraordinary, surpassing, or incomparable. It underscores the overwhelming superiority of Christ's knowledge.

Practical Application

Philippians 3:8 challenges believers to examine their own hearts and priorities. Are we truly counting all things as loss for Christ? What earthly possessions, ambitions, or accolades do we cling to that might be hindering our pursuit of a deeper relationship with Him? Paul's example calls us to a radical surrender, recognizing that true gain is found only in Christ. This verse encourages us to prioritize the eternal life that comes from knowing God and Jesus Christ, valuing Him above all else in our lives, just as Paul did.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 9:23 (39 votes)

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

  • Jeremiah 9:24 (39 votes)

    But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.

  • Romans 8:18 (25 votes)

    For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

  • Acts 20:24 (22 votes)

    But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

  • Philippians 3:7 (21 votes)

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

  • John 17:3 (19 votes)

    And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

  • Philippians 3:10 (15 votes)

    That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;