Devine Scripture

Philippians 3:17

What does Philippians 3:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 3:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 3:17 means

Paul invites the believers to imitate him and to note others who live by the same pattern. This is not egotism but pastoral realism: truth takes shape in lives, and examples help people practice what they know. Paul’s life—pressing on, Christ-centered, cross-shaped—embodies the teaching of this chapter. By highlighting multiple models, he encourages a community of imitation where maturity is observed and transmitted. Discipleship is communal: we learn the race by running with seasoned runners. Watching such lives protects against error and anchors believers in habits that keep Christ as the boast and goal.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Brothers, take me as your example, and take note of those who are walking after the example we have given.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

become followers together of me, brethren, and observe those thus walking, according as ye have us--a pattern;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Be ye followers of me, brethren: and observe them who walk so as you have our model.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Be imitators [all] together of me, brethren, and fix your eyes on those walking thus as you have us for a model;

Context

Verse 17 follows the calls to mindset and consistency (vv. 15–16) with the practical aid of godly examples. It sets up the stark contrast in verses 18–19: not all walkers are safe guides. The appeal to imitation underscores that doctrine alone is not enough; embodied patterns matter. This prepares readers to discern between those whose lives align with the cross and those who oppose it. The sequence is pastoral: first show the right path, then warn against counterfeit paths that lure the unwary.

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

v.17This passage

v.18For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

Cross references

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

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:6

    And ye became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit;

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:7

    For yourselves know how ye ought to imitate us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

  • Romans 16:17

    Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:10

    Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and righteously and unblamably we behaved ourselves toward you that believe:

  • 1 Corinthians 10:32

    Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God:

  • Philippians 4:9

    The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

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