Philippians 3:9

¶ 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:

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}:

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.

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.

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

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:

Commentary

In this verse, the Apostle Paul powerfully contrasts two fundamentally different ways of being "right" with God:

Historical and Cultural Context: Paul is writing to the Philippian church, having just warned them against those who rely on human effort or religious pedigree ("the flesh") for their standing before God (v. 2-8). He recounts his own impeccable Jewish background and zeal for the Law, yet declares all of it "dung" compared to knowing Christ.

Key Themes and Messages:

  • Righteousness by Law vs. Righteousness by Faith: Paul explicitly rejects "mine own righteousness, which is of the law." This refers to attempting to earn God's favor and a right standing through obedience to the Mosaic Law or religious performance. He contrasts this with the true righteousness, which is "of God by faith." This divine righteousness is a gift, received through trust ("faith") in Jesus Christ, not achieved by human works.
  • Being "Found in Him": The goal is to be united with Christ, and this union is where true righteousness is found. Our identity and standing before God are defined by our relationship with Christ, not by our own merits.
  • The Source of Righteousness: True righteousness originates with God and is granted to those who believe in Christ. It is not inherent in us, nor is it produced by our efforts.

Linguistic Insights:

  • The Greek word for "righteousness" (δικαιοσύνη - dikaiosynē) refers to a state of being just, righteous, or right with God. Paul uses it here to denote the legal standing or acceptance before God.
  • "Through the faith of Christ" (διὰ πίστεως Χριστοῦ - dia pisteōs Christou) can be understood as "through faith in Christ" (subjective genitive) or possibly "through the faithfulness of Christ" (objective genitive). The context strongly supports the former: righteousness is received by our faith directed towards Christ.

Cross-References:

  • Romans 3:20-22: No one is justified by works of the Law, but righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
  • Romans 10:3-4: Israel sought to establish their own righteousness rather than submitting to God's righteousness found in Christ.
  • Galatians 2:16: A person is not justified by works of the Law but by faith in Jesus Christ.

Practical Application: This verse is a core statement of the Gospel. It reminds us that we cannot earn our way into God's favor. Our acceptance and right standing before a holy God come solely through placing our faith in Jesus Christ and receiving the perfect righteousness that God provides through Him. Our security and hope rest not on our performance, but on Christ's finished work and God's gracious gift.

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

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21 (29 votes)

    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 (20 votes)

    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 (16 votes)

    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 (16 votes)

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

  • Romans 4:5 (15 votes)

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

  • Romans 4:6 (15 votes)

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

  • Galatians 2:16 (15 votes)

    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.