Devine Scripture

Philippians 3:7

What does Philippians 3:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 3:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 3:7 means

Paul declares a radical reversal: what he once counted as “gain” he now reckons “loss” because of Christ. Conversion changed his accounting system. Spiritual profit is not measured by heritage or achievements but by union with Jesus. This is not self-contempt; it is Christ-supremacy. When the true Treasure is found, former trophies lose lustre. He is not dismissing good gifts, but he refuses to treat them as grounds of acceptance before God. The decisive shift is from self to Savior. This verse marks the turning point where Paul abandons every rival confidence so that Christ alone becomes his righteousness, joy, and hope.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But those things which were profit to me, I gave up for Christ.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

But what things were to me gains, these I have counted, because of the Christ, loss;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But the things that were gain to me, the same I have counted loss for Christ.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but what things were gain to me these I counted, on account of Christ, loss.

Context

After listing impressive credentials in verses 4–6, verse 7 begins the great revaluation that defines the heart of the chapter. It states the principle that governs verses 8–11: Christ’s surpassing worth eclipses every former gain. The flow moves from rejection of fleshly confidence to the positive pursuit of “gaining” and “knowing” Christ. This transition is crucial to read the rest well: Paul is not merely critiquing legalism; he is presenting a better treasure. Verses 8–9 will unpack what “loss for Christ” means in terms of righteousness, and verses 10–11 in terms of experiential knowledge and hope.

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

v.7This passage

v.8Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ,

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 19:17

    And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the Plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.

  • Philippians 3:4

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

  • Genesis 19:26

    But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

  • Matthew 13:44

    The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in the field; which a man found, and hid; and in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

  • Job 2:4

    And Satan answered Jehovah, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.

  • Luke 14:33

    So therefore whosoever he be of you that renounceth not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

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