Devine Scripture

Philippians 3:16

What does Philippians 3:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 3:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 3:16 means

Paul counsels stability: whatever progress believers have made, they should keep living by that same standard. Do not retreat from gained ground; walk in the truth already known. This honors God’s past work and prevents spiritual whiplash from chasing novelty. Faithfulness in what is clear creates capacity for further light. The Christian path advances step by step; continuity matters. Paul’s advice keeps zeal tethered to integrity: the goal is growth without inconsistency. It also promotes unity, since a shared rule of life—centered on Christ and His gospel—keeps the community aligned even as it moves forward.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Only, as far as we have got, let us be guided by the same rule.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but to what we have come--by the same rule walk, the same thing think;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Nevertheless, whereunto we are come, that we be of the same mind, let us also continue in the same rule.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But whereto we have attained, [let us] walk in the same steps.

Context

Verse 16 complements verse 15’s call to mature mindset with a call to consistent practice. It forms a hinge toward verse 17, where Paul urges imitation of his example and of others who walk this way. The flow is logical: agree on the mindset, keep to the rule you have, then look to tested patterns of life to reinforce it. This steadiness stands in contrast to the instability and carnality of those described in verses 18–19. The church needs both doctrine and models to stay the course.

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:

v.16This passage

v.17Brethren, be ye imitators together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an ensample.

Cross references

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

  • Ephesians 5:2

    and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell.

  • Hebrews 10:38

    But my righteous one shall live by faith: And if he shrink back, my soul hath no pleasure in him.

  • Revelation 3:3

    Remember therefore how thou hast received and didst hear; and keep it, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

  • Romans 12:16

    Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.

  • Revelation 2:4

    But I have this against thee, that thou didst leave thy first love.

  • 2 Peter 2:10

    but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise dominion. Daring, self-willed, they tremble not to rail at dignities:

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