Devine Scripture

Philippians 3:12

What does Philippians 3:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 3:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 3:12 means

Paul frankly denies having already obtained the goal or reached perfection. Instead, he presses on to seize what Christ Jesus has seized him for. This balances assurance with humility. Salvation is God’s initiative—Christ laid hold of Paul by grace. Yet that grace propels effort, not passivity. Pressing on is not self-salvation but cooperative pursuit grounded in Christ’s prior claim. Paul refuses spiritual complacency; conformity to Christ is a race not yet finished. His words dignify holy ambition: to take hold of every purpose for which the Lord called and saved him, aligning his life with Christ’s design.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Not 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Not 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Not as if I had even now got the reward or been made complete: but I go on in the hope that I may come to the knowledge of that for which I was made the servant of Christ Jesus.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Not that I did already obtain, or have been already perfected; but I pursue, if also I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by the Christ Jesus;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Not as though I had already attained, or were already perfect: but I follow after, if I may by any means apprehend, wherein I am also apprehended by Christ Jesus.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Not that I have already obtained [the prize], or am already perfected; but I pursue, if also I may get possession [of it], seeing that also I have been taken possession of by Christ [Jesus].

Context

After aiming at resurrection in verse 11, verse 12 prevents misunderstanding. Paul is not already perfected; the Christian life is a journey. This sets up a running metaphor that will dominate verses 13–14. The context matters: the same apostle who is secure in Christ’s righteousness (verse 9) is also strenuous in sanctification. The sequence encourages believers to keep moving forward without presumption. Verses 13–14 will develop the single-minded focus required to pursue the heavenly prize of God’s call in Christ Jesus.

v.11if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead.

v.12This passage

v.13Brethren, I count not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before,

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 94:15

    For judgment shall return unto righteousness; And all the upright in heart shall follow it.

  • Philippians 3:16

    only, whereunto we have attained, by that same rule let us walk.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:13

    But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

  • Acts 9:15

    But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel:

  • Hebrews 13:21

    make you perfect in every good thing to do his will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:10

    but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.

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