Devine Scripture

Philippians 3:15

What does Philippians 3:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 3:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 3:15 means

Paul appeals to the “perfect” (mature) to adopt the same mindset of humble, forward-leaning pursuit. “Perfect” here does not mean sinless; it describes spiritual adulthood that knows it is not yet complete. If any differ, Paul trusts God to reveal what is lacking. This balances exhortation and patience: truth is taught, and God gives understanding. The mature hold convictions firmly while remaining teachable. Unity in this shared outlook guards the church from extremes—pride that claims arrival and apathy that refuses to grow. The aim is a community pressing together toward Christlikeness under God’s ongoing illumination.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Let 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:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Let 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:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then let us all, who have come to full growth, be of this mind: and if in anything you are of a different mind, even this will God make clear to you:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

As many, therefore, as <FI>are<Fi> perfect--let us think this, and if <FI>in<Fi> anything ye think otherwise, this also shall God reveal to you,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, this also God will reveal to you,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

As many therefore as [are] perfect, let us be thus minded; and if ye are any otherwise minded, this alsoGod shall reveal to you.

Context

Verse 15 applies the race mentality to the church. It follows verse 14’s prize by urging a common mindset among the spiritually mature. The assurance that God will reveal any misalignment softens the exhortation and encourages humility. Verse 16 will then stress practical consistency—living up to the light already received. The flow shows Paul’s pastoral wisdom: call the church to a high aim, trust God’s work in consciences, and insist on steady obedience. This prepares for the example/contrast section in verses 17–19.

v.14I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

v.15This passage

v.16only, whereunto we have attained, by that same rule let us walk.

Cross references

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

  • Colossians 4:12

    Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, saluteth you, always striving for you in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.

  • Philippians 3:12

    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.

  • Isaiah 35:8

    And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for the redeemed: the wayfaring men, yea fools, shall not err therein.

  • 2 Timothy 3:17

    that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.

  • Proverbs 3:5

    Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding:

  • 1 Corinthians 14:20

    Brethren, be not children in mind: yet in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men.

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