Philippians 3:9

KJV

¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} be found {G2147} in {G1722} him {G846}, not {G3361} having {G2192} mine own {G1699} righteousness {G1343}, which {G3588} is of {G1537} the law {G3551}, but {G235} that which {G3588} is through {G1223} the faith {G4102} of Christ {G5547}, the righteousness {G1343} which {G3588} is of {G1537} God {G2316} by {G1909} faith {G4102}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and be found in union with him, not having any righteousness of my own based on legalism, but having that righteousness which comes through the Messiah’s faithfulness, the righteousness from God based on trust.

Berean Standard Bible

and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.

American Standard Version

and be found in him, not having a righteousness of mine own, even that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 3:9 stands as a pivotal declaration of the Apostle Paul's theological understanding of salvation, contrasting human-achieved righteousness derived from adherence to the Mosaic Law with the divine righteousness freely granted by God through faith in Jesus Christ. This verse encapsulates the core Gospel message that a right standing before God is not earned by human effort or religious performance, but is a gracious gift received through a trusting relationship with Christ, leading to a profound union with Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Philippians 3:9 is nestled within a powerful section where Paul passionately warns the Philippian believers against "dogs" and "evil workers" (likely Judaizers) who insisted on circumcision and adherence to the Law for salvation. Having previously exhorted them to unity and humility, Paul now presents his own radical transformation as a prime example. In verses 4-6, he meticulously lists his impeccable Jewish credentials—circumcision, lineage, zeal for the Law—which, by worldly standards, would have guaranteed his righteousness. However, in verse 7, he declares these former "gains" as "loss for the sake of Christ," and in verse 8, he emphatically counts them as "rubbish" or "dung" (σκύβαλα, _skybala_) in comparison to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord. Verse 9 then articulates the profound theological reason for this radical re-evaluation: the pursuit of a different, superior righteousness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Philippians was written from prison, likely in Rome or Ephesus, around A.D. 60-62. The church in Philippi was a Gentile-majority congregation, but like many early Christian communities, it faced pressure from Judaizers—Jewish Christians who believed that Gentile converts must observe Jewish Law, including circumcision, to be truly saved. This theological conflict was a major issue in the early church, as seen in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) and Paul's letter to the Galatians. Paul's personal testimony in Philippians 3 directly confronts the Judaizers' claims by demonstrating that even someone with his unparalleled Jewish pedigree found all such efforts utterly worthless for securing a right standing with God. The concept of "righteousness of the law" (δικαιοσύνη ἐκ νόμου, _dikaiosynē ek nomou_) refers to the Jewish understanding that one could achieve a justified status before God through perfect obedience to the Mosaic Law, a path Paul now explicitly rejects.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several overarching themes in Philippians and Paul's broader theology. The primary theme is the **nature of true righteousness** and how it is obtained. Paul contrasts **human effort and self-righteousness** with **divine grace and faith**. This aligns with the pervasive New Testament teaching that salvation is not by works but by grace through faith, a concept powerfully articulated in passages like [Romans 3:21-28](/romans/3-21-28 "Romans 3:21-28 - Righteousness Through Faith") and [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the **supremacy of Christ** and the **transformative power of union with Him**. To "be found in him" means that one's identity, standing, and hope are inextricably linked to Christ, not to any personal achievement. This profound union is the source of the "righteousness which is of God by faith," distinguishing it from any righteousness derived from the Law, which Paul considers "loss" in [Philippians 3:7](/philippians/3-7 "Philippians 3:7 - Paul's Gains as Loss").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē'_):** From G1343, this term denotes equity of character or act, and specifically in a Christian context, justification. In Philippians 3:9, Paul uses it to refer to a right standing or acceptance before God. He contrasts two sources: "mine own righteousness," which is based on human effort and legal observance, and "the righteousness which is of God," which is a divinely imputed status.
* **mine own (Greek, _emós'_):** From G1699, this possessive pronoun emphasizes personal ownership and origin. Paul uses it to highlight the self-generated nature of the righteousness he once pursued through the law, underscoring its human origin and inherent inadequacy when compared to God's provision.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** From G4102, this word signifies persuasion, credence, or moral conviction, especially reliance upon Christ for salvation. In this verse, Paul uses "faith of Christ" (διὰ πίστεως Χριστοῦ) and "by faith" (ἐπὶ τῇ πίστει) to describe the means by which God's righteousness is received. It indicates a trusting dependence on Christ's work, rather than on one's own performance. The prepositions G1223 (διὰ, _diá_ - "through") and G1909 (ἐπὶ, _epí_ - "by" or "upon") further clarify that faith is the channel and the basis for receiving this divine righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And be found in him,"**: This opening clause expresses Paul's ultimate desire and goal: to be identified with Christ. To "be found" (G2147, _heurískō_) implies a state of being discovered or recognized, emphasizing that one's entire existence and standing are now defined by their union "in him" (G1722, _en_ G846, _autós_). This union with Christ is the context within which true righteousness is experienced.
* **"not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law,"**: Paul explicitly rejects any form of self-generated righteousness. "Mine own righteousness" (G1699, _emós_ G1343, _dikaiosýnē_) refers to a right standing achieved through personal effort, particularly through adherence to the Mosaic Law (G3551, _nómos_). This is the righteousness that Paul, as a zealous Pharisee, once pursued and excelled in, but now considers utterly insufficient and even detrimental.
* **"but that which is through the faith of Christ,"**: This introduces the contrasting source of true righteousness. The phrase "through the faith of Christ" (G1223, _diá_ G4102, _pístis_ G5547, _Christós_) is crucial. While it could grammatically mean "Christ's faithfulness," the overwhelming theological context of Paul's letters strongly supports the interpretation of "faith in Christ." It signifies that the channel or means by which this righteousness is obtained is a trusting belief directed towards Jesus Christ.
* **"the righteousness which is of God by faith:"**: This final clause clarifies the origin and basis of this true righteousness. It is "of God" (G1537, _ek_ G2316, _theós_), meaning it originates from God and is His gift, not something earned or produced by humans. It is received "by faith" (G1909, _epí_ G4102, _pístis_), reiterating and emphasizing that faith is the sole condition for its reception, solidifying the contrast with righteousness based on the Law.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Antithesis** and **Juxtaposition** in this verse to highlight the stark contrast between two irreconcilable paths to righteousness. He sets "mine own righteousness, which is of the law" directly against "that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith." This creates a powerful rhetorical effect, forcing the reader to choose between human effort and divine grace. The **Repetition** of the word "righteousness" (δικαιοσύνη, _dikaiosýnē_) underscores its central importance to the argument, while also distinguishing between its false and true forms. Furthermore, the verse uses **Inclusion** by beginning and ending with the concept of "faith" as the means of acquiring righteousness, framing the entire statement around this pivotal theological principle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 3:9 is a cornerstone of Pauline theology, articulating the doctrine of justification by faith alone. It asserts that humanity, inherently flawed and unable to perfectly fulfill the demands of the Law, cannot achieve a righteous standing before a holy God through its own efforts. Instead, God, in His sovereign grace, provides a perfect righteousness through the person and work of Jesus Christ, which is freely given to those who place their trust in Him. This divine imputation of righteousness is not merely a legal declaration but a transformative reality that establishes a new relationship with God, grounded in Christ's finished work rather than human performance. This truth liberates believers from the impossible burden of earning salvation and anchors their hope in God's unfailing grace.

* [Romans 3:21-22](/romans/3-21-22 "Romans 3:21-22 - Righteousness of God through Faith")
* [Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification by Faith, Not Works")
* [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 3:9 serves as a profound call to examine the source of our confidence and assurance before God. In a world that often values self-reliance, achievement, and visible performance, this verse radically reorients our perspective. It challenges us to relinquish any lingering reliance on our own good deeds, moral uprightness, or religious observances as a basis for God's acceptance. True spiritual security and peace are found only when we fully embrace the truth that our righteousness is a gift from God, received solely through faith in Christ. This understanding fosters humility, gratitude, and a deeper dependence on God, freeing us from the exhausting treadmill of trying to earn what can only be freely given. It invites us to rest in Christ's perfect work, knowing that our standing before God is secure, not because of who we are or what we have done, but because of who He is and what He has accomplished for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of my life or religious practice might I be tempted to rely on for my standing before God, instead of Christ's righteousness?**
* **How does understanding righteousness as a gift from God, rather than something earned, change my perspective on spiritual striving and my relationship with Him?**
* **In what ways can I more fully "be found in Christ" in my daily thoughts, words, and actions?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between "my own righteousness" and "the righteousness which is of God"?**

Answer: "My own righteousness" refers to any attempt by a person to achieve a right standing before God through their own efforts, obedience to religious laws (like the Mosaic Law), or good deeds. It is a righteousness that originates from human performance and is inherently flawed and insufficient to meet God's perfect standard. In contrast, "the righteousness which is of God" is a divine gift. It is God's own perfect righteousness, which He imputes (credits) to believers through their faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness is not earned but freely received, making a person acceptable in God's sight not because of their own merit, but because of Christ's perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice. This distinction is central to the Gospel message found throughout Paul's letters, such as in [Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - The Righteousness of God Revealed") and [Romans 10:3-4](/romans/10-3-4 "Romans 10:3-4 - Christ the End of the Law for Righteousness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 3:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment and source of the "righteousness which is of God." Humanity's inability to achieve righteousness through the Law (as demonstrated by the Law itself, which reveals sin, see [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - Law Reveals Sin")) necessitated a divine solution. Christ perfectly fulfilled the Law on our behalf, living a sinless life and offering Himself as the spotless Lamb of God (as foreshadowed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His atoning death on the cross, He absorbed the penalty for our unrighteousness, and through His resurrection, He demonstrated victory over sin and death. Thus, the "faith of Christ" is not merely our belief, but our reliance on Christ's perfect faithfulness and His completed work. When we are "found in him," God graciously imputes Christ's perfect righteousness to us, making us "the righteousness of God in Him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). This divine exchange is the heart of the Gospel, where our sin is laid upon Christ, and His righteousness is freely given to us, establishing an eternal covenant of grace and peace through the Lord Jesus Christ ([Ephesians 2:13-16](/ephesians/2-13-16 "Ephesians 2:13-16 - Peace Through Christ")).

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 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

1 Corinthians 1:30

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Romans 4:13

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, [was] not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

Romans 4:15

Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, [there is] no transgression.

Romans 4:5

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Romans 4:6

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

Galatians 2:16

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.