Devine Scripture

Philippians 3:11

What does Philippians 3:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 3:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 3:11 means

Paul adds a humble aim: “if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead.” He is not doubting God’s promise but acknowledging the pilgrim path God may appoint—through hardship, endurance, and perseverance. The phrase “by any means” signals submission to God’s way and timing. Final resurrection is the believer’s hope, the consummation of knowing Christ. Paul’s desire to share Christ’s sufferings is tethered to this hope; suffering is not an end in itself. It is a road God can use to fit us for glory. The certainty lies in Christ; the manner of reaching that certainty is entrusted to God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

If in any way I may have the reward of life from the dead.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

if anyhow I may attain to the rising again of the dead.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

If by any means I may attain to the resurrection which is from the dead.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

if any way I arrive at the resurrection from among [the] dead.

Context

Verses 10–11 complete Paul’s statement of desire: to know Christ now and to share His future glory. Verse 11 points ahead to the eschatological finish line, preparing for verses 12–14 where Paul clarifies that he has not yet arrived. The flow protects against complacency; hope of resurrection fuels present pursuit. It also protects against despair; the goal is sure in Christ, though the route may be rugged. Next, Paul will adopt athletic imagery to describe pressing toward what Christ already purposed for him.

v.10that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death;

v.11This passage

v.12Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:3

    let no man beguile you in any wise: for it will not be, except the falling away come first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition,

  • Romans 11:14

    if by any means I may provoke to jealousy them that are my flesh, and may save some of them.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:22

    To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:3

    But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:27

    but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.

  • John 11:24

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

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