Devine Scripture

Philippians 3:4

What does Philippians 3:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 3:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 3:4 means

Paul concedes that if anyone could claim spiritual standing based on human credentials, he could. He is not endorsing such boasting but showing its emptiness from the inside. He once measured righteousness by pedigree and performance and excelled at both. His point is strategic: if he, with superior qualifications, refuses to trust them, others should abandon that path too. This disarms the appeal of legalistic teachers who flaunt their achievements. The gospel calls us to shift trust, not merely improve our record. Paul’s coming testimony will prove that gain by the old measure is actually loss when compared with Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh: if any other man thinketh to have confidence in the flesh, I yet more:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh: if any other man thinketh to have confidence in the flesh, I yet more:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Even though I myself might have faith in the flesh: if any other man has reason to have faith in the flesh, I have more:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

though I also have <FI>cause of<Fi> trust in flesh. If any other one doth think to have trust in flesh, I more;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other thinketh he may have confidence in the flesh, I more:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Though I have [my] trust even in flesh; if any other think to trust in flesh, I rather:

Context

Following the definition of true believers in verse 3, verse 4 introduces Paul’s résumé to expose the bankruptcy of fleshly confidence. It anticipates the detailed list in verses 5–6, which catalog his Jewish heritage and zealous law-keeping. The context matters because Paul is building toward a dramatic reversal in verses 7–8, where he will revalue everything. By first granting the full strength of his former credentials, he makes his later renunciation more compelling and persuasive for the Philippians tempted by legalistic claims.

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:

v.4This passage

v.5circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

Cross references

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