Devine Scripture

Philippians 3:18

What does Philippians 3:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 3:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 3:18 means

Paul warns, with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. The cross saves and also defines the way of life—self-denial, humility, reliance on grace. To oppose the cross is to reject either its saving sufficiency or its shape for discipleship. Paul’s grief shows pastoral love; error is not an abstract issue but a tragedy for souls. The danger is widespread (“many”), so vigilance is needed. This sobering line keeps the church from naïveté: not every teacher or lifestyle that names Christ aligns with His cross. Fidelity to Jesus requires cross-shaped thinking and living.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For there are those, of whom I have given you word before, and do so now with sorrow, who are haters of the cross of Christ;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for many walk of whom many times I told you--and now also weeping tell--the enemies of the cross of the Christ!

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For many walk, of whom I have told you often (and now tell you weeping) that they are enemies of the cross of Christ:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

(for many walk of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they [are] the enemies of the cross of Christ:

Context

Verse 18 contrasts with verse 17’s call to imitate faithful examples. The warning intensifies what began in verse 2: threats are real and personal. Verse 19 will specify the traits and end of such enemies—earthly-mindedness and destruction. The flow matters because Paul is showing two paths and two destinies: the cross-shaped way that presses toward the heavenly prize, and the flesh-shaped way that ends in loss. This contrast prepares the hopeful lift in verses 20–21, where believers’ true homeland and future transformation are celebrated.

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

v.18This passage

v.19whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 11:13

    For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ.

  • Acts 20:19

    serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials which befell me by the plots of the Jews;

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:6

    that no man transgress, and wrong his brother in the matter: because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified.

  • Jeremiah 13:17

    But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because Jehovah’s flock is taken captive.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:4

    For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be made sorry, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

  • Psalms 119:136

    Streams of water run down mine eyes, Because they observe not thy law. צ TSADHE.

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