Devine Scripture

Philippians 3:14

What does Philippians 3:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 3:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 3:14 means

Paul presses toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. The “goal” is the finish line of God’s purpose; the “prize” is the consummation of salvation—full fellowship with Christ and conformity to Him. The calling is “high” because it comes from above and lifts believers heavenward. The race image emphasizes perseverance, direction, and hope. Paul’s drive is not for earthly accolades but for what God has promised in Christ. This guards against distraction: only a prize that outlasts death is worth ultimate pursuit. The runner’s eyes are on Jesus, the caller and reward.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I go forward to the mark, even the reward of the high purpose of God in Christ Jesus.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

to the mark I pursue for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I press towards the mark, to the prize of the supernal vocation of God in Christ Jesus.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I pursue, [looking] towards [the] goal, for the prize of the calling on high ofGod in Christ Jesus.

Context

Verse 14 completes the athletic metaphor begun in verses 12–13. It names what Paul pursues: God’s upward call in Christ. This provides a theological anchor for the exhortations that follow in verses 15–16, where Paul invites mature believers to share this mindset and to walk consistently with the progress already made. The sequence matters: example leads to invitation, then to practical unity. The prize-centered focus will also contrast sharply with those in verses 18–19 whose minds are set on earthly things.

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,

v.14This passage

v.15Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye are otherwise minded, this also shall God reveal unto you:

Cross references

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

  • 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:

  • Romans 9:23

    and that he might make known the riches of his glory upon vessels of mercy, which he afore prepared unto glory,

  • Hebrews 3:1

    Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, evenJesus;

  • Luke 16:16

    The law and the prophets were until John: from that time the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached, and every man entereth violently into it.

  • 2 Peter 1:3

    seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue;

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:12

    to the end that ye should walk worthily of God, who calleth you into his own kingdom and glory.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Philippians 3

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Philippians 3.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Philippians 3:14.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary