Devine Scripture

Philippians 3:5

What does Philippians 3:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 3:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 3:5 means

Paul lists seven advantages: circumcised on the eighth day, an Israelite by birth, from Benjamin’s tribe, a “Hebrew of Hebrews,” a Pharisee regarding the law. Each item highlights meticulous conformity and noble heritage. Circumcision on the eighth day shows covenant compliance from infancy; being of Israel and Benjamin underscores pure lineage; “Hebrew of Hebrews” hints at cultural and linguistic faithfulness; Pharisee signals rigorous devotion to the law. By any human measure, Paul was exemplary. Yet these markers, impressive to onlookers, could not give life. They testify to his sincerity and effort, but also to the futility of seeking righteousness by pedigree or rule-keeping apart from Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Being given circumcision on the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in relation to the law, a Pharisee:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

circumcision on the eighth day! of the race of Israel! of the tribe of Benjamin! a Hebrew of Hebrews! according to law a Pharisee!

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Being circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews. According to the law, a Pharisee:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

as to circumcision, [I received it] the eighth day; of [the] race of Israel, of [the] tribe of Benjamin, Hebrew of Hebrews; as to [the] law, a Pharisee;

Context

Verse 5 expands the claim of verse 4 with specifics of Paul’s birthright and training. It begins the résumé that legalists would prize. Verse 6 will complete the picture by adding zeal and outward blamelessness. Understanding this list helps the reader feel the weight of what Paul later calls “loss” in verses 7–8. The flow builds tension: after stacking up all the grounds for confidence in the flesh, Paul will overturn the entire stack by the revelation of Christ’s surpassing worth and the gift of true righteousness by faith.

v.4though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh: if any other man thinketh to have confidence in the flesh, I yet more:

v.5This passage

v.6as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 22:3

    I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God, even as ye all are this day:

  • Luke 1:59

    And it came to pass on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.

  • Genesis 40:15

    for indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.

  • John 7:21

    Jesus answered and said unto them, I did one work, and ye all marvel because thereof.

  • Jonah 1:9

    And he said unto them, I am a Hebrew; and I fear Jehovah, the God of heaven, who hath made the sea and the dry land.

  • Acts 23:6

    But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees: touching the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

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