Devine Scripture

Philippians 3:2

What does Philippians 3:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 3:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 3:2 means

Paul issues a triple warning: “dogs,” “evil workers,” and “the concision.” He uses strong language to unmask teachers who push a mutilating ritual in place of the gospel’s inward change. They boast of holiness while doing harm, promising spiritual progress through external marks rather than through faith in Christ. By calling their circumcision a mere cutting, he exposes how hollow their message is without true obedience and heart renewal. The church must recognize that religious activity can oppose grace when it adds requirements to Christ. Watchfulness is loving realism: some influences seem pious yet lead people away from the sufficiency of Jesus and the freedom of the new covenant.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the concision:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the concision:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Be on the watch against dogs, against the workers of evil, against those of the circumcision:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

look to the dogs, look to the evil-workers, look to the concision;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Beware of dogs: beware of evil workers: beware of the concision.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

See to dogs, see to evil workmen, see to the concision.

Context

Having urged joyful steadiness, Paul immediately names a real threat likely connected to Judaizing influences that required circumcision and law-keeping for Gentile believers. Verse 2’s stark labels alert the church to moral and doctrinal danger. This warning prepares for verse 3, where Paul describes the true people of God in spiritual—not merely physical—terms. The contrast sets up Paul’s personal testimony in verses 4–6: he once exemplified the very kind of confidence these teachers promote. Thus the warning leads naturally into his redefinition of righteousness.

v.1Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not irksome, but for you it is safe.

v.2This passage

v.3for we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh:

Cross references

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

  • Revelation 3:9

    Behold, I give of the synagogue of Satan, of them that say they are Jews, and they are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

  • Romans 2:28

    For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh:

  • 1 Timothy 1:19

    holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust from them made shipwreck concerning the faith:

  • Revelation 22:15

    Without are the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the fornicators, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and every one that loveth and maketh a lie.

  • Matthew 7:6

    Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before the swine, lest haply they trample them under their feet, and turn and rend you.

  • Proverbs 26:11

    As a dog that returneth to his vomit, So isa fool that repeateth his folly.

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