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Philippians 3:21

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Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Who {G3739} shall change {G3345} our {G2257} vile {G5014} body {G4983}, that {G1519} it {G846} may be {G1096} fashioned like unto {G4832} his {G846} glorious {G1391} body {G4983}, according to {G2596} the working {G1753} whereby he {G846} is able {G1410} even {G2532} to subdue {G5293} all things {G3956} unto himself {G1438}.

He will change the bodies we have in this humble state and make them like his glorious body, using the power which enables him to bring everything under his control.

who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.

who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself.

Commentary

Philippians 3:21 is a powerful declaration of the future hope for believers, focusing on the transformative power of Jesus Christ over our physical bodies. It describes the ultimate redemption that awaits those who are citizens of heaven.

Context of Philippians 3:21

This verse concludes a significant section in Paul's letter to the Philippians where he contrasts two ways of life: those who "mind earthly things" (Philippians 3:19) and those whose "conversation (citizenship) is in heaven" (Philippians 3:20). Paul urges believers to reject worldly pursuits and instead fix their hope on the return of the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven. Philippians 3:21 then details the glorious outcome of this heavenly citizenship – the physical transformation of believers at Christ's coming.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Future Transformation of Believers: The central message is the promise that our current, mortal bodies will be radically changed. This transformation from a "vile body" (or "body of humiliation" in other translations) to a "glorious body" signifies a complete spiritual and physical renewal, free from decay, weakness, and sin's effects. This is a core aspect of Christian eschatology, the study of end times.
  • Conformity to Christ's Resurrection Body: Our future bodies will be "fashioned like unto his glorious body." This points to the resurrection body of Jesus Christ, which was immortal, incorruptible, and capable of both physical and spiritual realities. This conformity is the ultimate goal of redemption.
  • The Omnipotence of Jesus Christ: The phrase "according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself" underscores the boundless power of Christ. His ability to transform human bodies is presented as a testament to His ultimate authority and dominion over all creation, including death, decay, and the limitations of physical existence. This divine power guarantees the fulfillment of this promise.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "vile body" translates the Greek word tapeinōseōs (ταπεινώσεως), meaning "humiliation," "lowliness," or "abasement." It doesn't necessarily imply inherent evil but rather the body's present state of weakness, mortality, and susceptibility to sin and decay, a consequence of the Fall. It contrasts sharply with Christ's glorious body (doxēs, δόξης), indicating splendor, majesty, and perfection.

Practical Application and Significance

Philippians 3:21 offers immense hope and encouragement for believers. It reminds us that our present physical struggles, illnesses, and the inevitable decay of our bodies are temporary. The promise of a glorious, perfected body encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our ultimate destiny is not bound by earthly limitations. This hope should motivate us to pursue holiness and to live as citizens of heaven, eagerly awaiting the blessed hope of Christ's appearing and the full realization of our redemption. It affirms Christ's absolute power to bring about His purposes, giving us confidence in His ability to overcome all things, including death itself.

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 (May 20, 2025) 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

  • Colossians 3:4 (29 votes)

    When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

  • 1 John 3:2 (28 votes)

    Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:42 (21 votes)

    So also [is] the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

  • 1 Corinthians 15:56 (21 votes)

    The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law.

  • Romans 8:29 (12 votes)

    ¶ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

  • Isaiah 26:19 (11 votes)

    Thy dead [men] shall live, [together with] my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew [is as] the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

  • John 11:24 (11 votes)

    Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.