1
Τὸ λοιπόν, ἀδελφοί μου, χαίρετε ἐν κυρίῳ. τὰ αὐτὰ γράφειν ὑμῖν ἐμοὶ μὲν οὐκ ὀκνηρόν, ὑμῖν δὲ ἀσφαλές.
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, and for you it is safe.
A hinge: 'finally / for the rest' opens a fresh movement with the keynote imperative 'rejoice in the Lord'; the doubled 'same things' both reassures Paul and safeguards the readers — setting up the warning to follow.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
ΤὸtheAccusativearticle (adverbial accusative)
λοιπόνfinally / for the restAccusativeadverbial accusative (transition)λοιπόν: 'remaining'; τὸ λοιπόν as an adverbial idiom — 'finally,' 'henceforth,' or simply 'as for the rest,' marking a turn rather than the literal end.
ἀδελφοίbrothersVocativevocative of direct addressἀδελφός: 'brother'; the affectionate address marking a new section and the warmth of Paul's bond with the Philippians.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
χαίρετεrejoicePres Act Impv 2 Pl · χαίρωmain verb (imperative)→ customary present (standing disposition)χαίρω: 'rejoice, be glad'; the recurrent keynote of Philippians, qualified by 'in the Lord' — joy grounded in union with Christ, not circumstances.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
κυρίῳthe LordDativedat. of sphere (locus of joy)κύριος: 'Lord'; the sphere 'in the Lord' is the ground of the joy — a union-with-Christ formula.
τὰtheAccusativearticle
αὐτὰsame thingsAccusativeobject of γράφειναὐτός: 'same'; 'the same things' — perhaps the repeated call to joy, or the warning that follows already given orally.
γράφεινto writePres Act Inf · γράφωsubject infinitive (of the nominal clause)→ customary presentγράφω: 'write'; the articular/substantival action 'to write the same things' is the subject of the two predicate adjectives.
ὑμῖνto youDativedat. of recipient (with γράφειν)
ἐμοὶto meDativedat. of reference (advantage)
μὲνon the one handparticle (correlative μέν … δέ)
οὐκnotnegative particle
ὀκνηρόνtroublesome / irksomeNominativepredicate adjective (copula understood)ὀκνηρός: 'hesitant, irksome, tiresome'; from ὀκνέω ('shrink from'); the repetition costs Paul no reluctance.
ὑμῖνfor youDativedat. of reference (advantage)
δὲand / on the other handparticle (answering μέν)
ἀσφαλέςsafe / a safeguardNominativepredicate adjectiveἀσφαλής: 'secure, safe' (lit. 'not liable to fall,' ἀ- + σφάλλω); the repetition is a protection for them against error.
2
βλέπετε τοὺς κύνας, βλέπετε τοὺς κακοὺς ἐργάτας, βλέπετε τὴν κατατομήν.
Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the mutilation.
Three hammer-blow imperatives in asyndeton, each opening with βλέπετε; three escalating epithets for the same Judaizing opponents — culminating in the sarcastic 'mutilation' that travesties their 'circumcision.'
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
βλέπετεbeware of / watch out forPres Act Impv 2 Pl · βλέπωmain verb (imperative)→ customary present (continuing vigilance)βλέπω: 'look at, watch'; with the accusative of a danger it means 'beware of, look out for' — repeated three times for rhetorical force.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
κύναςdogsAccusativedirect object (danger to beware)κύων: 'dog'; a term of contempt — Jews commonly called Gentiles 'dogs,' and Paul ironically turns it on the Judaizers as the impure outsiders.
βλέπετεbeware ofPres Act Impv 2 Pl · βλέπωmain verb (imperative, anaphora)→ customary present
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
κακοὺςevilAccusativeattributive adjectiveκακός: 'bad, evil'; their 'work' (of proselytizing/circumcising) is morally evil, not merely mistaken.
ἐργάταςworkersAccusativedirect objectἐργάτης: 'worker, laborer'; perhaps an ironic echo of how the opponents styled themselves missionary 'workers' (cf. 2 Cor 11:13).
βλέπετεbeware ofPres Act Impv 2 Pl · βλέπωmain verb (imperative, anaphora)→ customary present
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
κατατομήνmutilationAccusativedirect objectκατατομή: 'cutting down, mutilation' (κατά + τέμνω); a biting pun on περιτομή ('circumcision') — their rite is mere flesh-cutting, like pagan self-mutilation.
3
ἡμεῖς γάρ ἐσμεν ἡ περιτομή, οἱ πνεύματι θεοῦ λατρεύοντες καὶ καυχώμενοι ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ καὶ οὐκ ἐν σαρκὶ πεποιθότες,
For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and boast in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh —
The ground for the warning: the emphatic 'we' are the true circumcision, defined by three participles — Spirit-worship, boasting in Christ, and no confidence in flesh — exactly inverting the opponents' fleshly basis.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
ἡμεῖςweNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)ἐγώ (pl.): the emphatic 'we' set against 'the mutilation' of v.2 — believers, not the Judaizers, are the real covenant people.
γάρforexplanatory conjunction (grounds the warning)
ἐσμενwe arePres Act Indic 1 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
ἡtheNominativearticle
περιτομήcircumcisionNominativepredicate nominativeπεριτομή: 'circumcision' (περί + τέμνω); the true covenant mark is now the people of faith — circumcision of the heart by the Spirit, not of flesh (cf. Rom 2:29).
οἱthe (ones)Nominativearticle (substantizes the participles)
πνεύματιby the SpiritDativedat. of means (instrument of worship)πνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; 'worship by the Spirit of God' — true worship is empowered by the Spirit, not by ritual in the flesh.
θεοῦof GodGenitivegenitive of source (the Spirit from God)θεός: God; some witnesses read θεῷ ('worship God in spirit'), but the better-attested θεοῦ defines the Spirit as God's.
λατρεύοντεςwho worship / servePres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · λατρεύωsubstantival participle (apposition to ἡμεῖς)→ customary presentλατρεύω: 'serve, worship' (cultic service); the covenant people now render true, Spirit-empowered cultic service.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
καυχώμενοιboasting / gloryingPres Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · καυχάομαιsubstantival participle (coordinate)→ customary presentκαυχάομαι: 'boast, glory'; legitimate boasting is 'in Christ Jesus' — the opposite of confidence in fleshly credentials.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (basis/sphere)
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐν (ground of boasting)
ἸησοῦJesusDativeapposition
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οὐκnotnegative particle (with the participle)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (basis)
σαρκὶfleshDativeobject of ἐν (rejected basis)σάρξ: 'flesh'; here human/external credentials and the realm of self-effort — the false ground of confidence the opponents trust.
πεποιθότεςhaving put confidencePerf Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · πείθωsubstantival participle (coordinate, negated)→ intensive perfect (settled trust)πείθω (perf. πέποιθα): in the perfect, 'to trust, be confident'; the settled confidence is decidedly not placed in the flesh.
4
καίπερ ἐγὼ ἔχων πεποίθησιν καὶ ἐν σαρκί. εἴ τις δοκεῖ ἄλλος πεποιθέναι ἐν σαρκί, ἐγὼ μᾶλλον·
though I myself have grounds for confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I more —
A concessive aside: Paul could play the opponents' game better than any. The conditional sets up a boast he will immediately turn inside out — 'I more' launches the catalogue of credentials.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
καίπερthoughconcessive particle (+ participle)καίπερ: 'although'; introduces a concessive participle (ἔχων) — 'although I have…'
ἐγὼINominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
ἔχωνhavingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἔχωconcessive participle→ customary presentἔχω: 'have, hold'; the concessive participle concedes that Paul does possess grounds 'even in the flesh.'
πεποίθησινconfidenceAccusativedirect objectπεποίθησις: 'confidence, trust'; the noun cognate to πέποιθα — a ground for self-reliance, here ironic.
καὶevenadverbial/ascensive conjunction
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
σαρκίfleshDativeobject of ἐν (sphere of the supposed confidence)σάρξ: 'flesh'; the arena of human credentials — Paul concedes he could compete there if it mattered.
εἴifconjunction (first-class condition)
τιςanyoneNominativesubject of δοκεῖτις: 'someone, anyone'; the indefinite gestures at the rival teachers.
δοκεῖthinksPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δοκέωmain verb (protasis)→ customary presentδοκέω: 'think, suppose, seem'; the supposing already hints the confidence is mere appearance.
ἄλλοςotherNominativeattributive adj. (with τις)ἄλλος: 'another, other'; 'any other person.'
πεποιθέναιto have confidencePerf Act Inf · πείθωcomplementary infinitive (of δοκεῖ)→ intensive perfect (settled trust)πείθω (perf.): 'to trust, be confident'; same root as v.3 πεποιθότες — the supposed confidence rests in flesh.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (basis)
σαρκίfleshDativeobject of ἐν (basis)
ἐγὼINominativesubject (elliptical: 'I [have grounds] more')
μᾶλλονmoreadverb (comparison; predicate by ellipsis)μᾶλλον: 'more, rather'; 'I more (than he)' — Paul out-credentials any rival, before overturning the whole calculus.
5
περιτομῇ ὀκταήμερος, ἐκ γένους Ἰσραήλ, φυλῆς Βενιαμίν, Ἑβραῖος ἐξ Ἑβραίων, κατὰ νόμον Φαρισαῖος,
circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee,
The inventory of fleshly assets, in tight asyndeton: four marks of inherited Jewish standing, then three of personal attainment (beginning here with Pharisee) — the very things now to be reckoned loss.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
περιτομῇin circumcisionDativedat. of reference (respect)περιτομή: 'circumcision'; the dative of respect — 'as to circumcision, an eighth-day one,' i.e. born a Jew, not a proselyte.
ὀκταήμεροςon the eighth dayNominativepredicate adjective (apposition to ἐγώ)ὀκταήμερος: 'on the eighth day' (ὀκτώ + ἡμέρα); circumcised at the law's appointed time (Gen 17:12), marking native Israelite birth.
ἐκof / frompreposition + genitive (origin)
γένουςthe race / stockGenitiveobject of ἐκ (origin)γένος: 'race, descent, stock'; ethnic membership in the covenant nation.
Ἰσραήλof IsraelGenitivegenitive of apposition (indeclinable)Ἰσραήλ: Israel; the covenant name of the people, not merely 'Jew' — Paul claims the elect-nation identity.
φυλῆςof the tribeGenitivegenitive of source/relationshipφυλή: 'tribe'; a precise pedigree, knowing his very tribe.
Βενιαμίνof BenjaminGenitivegenitive of apposition (indeclinable)Βενιαμίν: Benjamin; the tribe that gave Israel its first king (Saul) and stayed loyal in the south — a tribe of honor.
Ἑβραῖοςa HebrewNominativepredicate noun (apposition)Ἑβραῖος: 'Hebrew'; likely 'a Hebrew-speaking Jew of Hebrew parents,' preserving language and tradition, not a Hellenized one.
ἐξof / frompreposition + genitive (origin)
ἙβραίωνHebrewsGenitiveobject of ἐξ (origin)Ἑβραῖος: 'Hebrew'; 'a Hebrew of Hebrews' — Hebrew on both sides, through and through.
κατὰas to / according topreposition + accusative (standard/reference)
νόμονlawAccusativeobject of κατά (standard of reference)νόμος: 'law'; the Torah — measured by the law's interpretation and observance, Paul belonged to its strictest party.
Φαρισαῖοςa PhariseeNominativepredicate noun (apposition)Φαρισαῖος: 'Pharisee' (from Aram. 'separated'); the sect most rigorous in law-observance — a credential of attainment, not birth.
6
κατὰ ζῆλος διώκων τὴν ἐκκλησίαν, κατὰ δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐν νόμῳ γενόμενος ἄμεμπτος.
as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, found blameless.
The catalogue's climax: two more κατά-phrases of personal attainment — zeal proven by persecuting the church, and a 'blameless' standing under the law. By every fleshly standard Paul stood at the summit.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
κατὰas topreposition + accusative (reference)
ζῆλοςzealAccusativeobject of κατά (reference)ζῆλος: 'zeal, ardor'; religious zeal for the law (cf. Gal 1:14), here proven in the worst way — by persecution.
διώκωνpersecutingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · διώκωsubstantival/appositional participle ('a persecutor')→ customary present (characteristic activity)διώκω: 'pursue, persecute'; the same verb he will use positively in v.12 ('I press on') — his zeal once chased the church, now chases Christ.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἐκκλησίανchurchAccusativedirect object (of the participle)ἐκκλησία: 'assembly, church'; the community of believers — the object of Paul's pre-conversion violence.
κατὰas topreposition + accusative (reference)
δικαιοσύνηνrighteousnessAccusativeobject of κατά (reference)δικαιοσύνη: 'righteousness'; here law-righteousness — conformity to the law's demands, contrasted in v.9 with God's righteousness.
τὴνthe (one)Accusativearticle (with ἐν νόμῳ, attributive)
ἐνin / underpreposition + dative (sphere)
νόμῳlawDativedat. of sphere (the law's domain)νόμος: 'law'; 'the righteousness that is in the law' — the standing achievable by Torah-observance.
γενόμενοςhaving become / provedAor Mid Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · γίνομαιappositional participle→ constative aoristγίνομαι: 'become, prove to be'; Paul 'became / showed himself' blameless — an outward, measurable standing.
ἄμεμπτοςblamelessNominativepredicate adjective (complement of γενόμενος)ἄμεμπτος: 'blameless, without reproach' (ἀ- + μέμφομαι); not sinless perfection but irreproachable conduct by the law's external measure.
7
ἀλλὰ ἅτινα ἦν μοι κέρδη, ταῦτα ἥγημαι διὰ τὸν Χριστὸν ζημίαν.
But whatever things were gain to me, these I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.
The hinge of the chapter: a strong adversative overturns the whole catalogue. The accounting metaphor (gain/loss) reverses — all the assets are reclassified as liabilities 'for the sake of Christ.'
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction (strong)ἀλλά: 'but'; the strongest adversative — a decisive reversal of everything in vv.4–6.
ἅτιναwhatever thingsNominativerelative pronoun (subject of ἦν)ὅστις: 'whoever, whatever (kind)'; the qualitative relative — 'whatever things of that sort were gain.'
ἦνwereImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίverb of relative clause (sg. w/ neut. pl. subject)→ imperfect (past state)
μοιto meDativedat. of advantage (possession)
κέρδηgainsNominativepredicate nominative (plural)κέρδος: 'gain, profit'; the commercial term — assets entered on the credit side of the ledger.
ταῦταtheseAccusativedirect object (resumptive of ἅτινα)οὗτος: 'this'; resumes the relative — 'these (very things) I have counted…'
ἥγημαιI have counted / consideredPerf Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἡγέομαιmain verb→ intensive perfect (a settled reckoning)ἡγέομαι: 'lead; consider, regard'; the perfect marks a decisive past reckoning whose verdict still stands — they remain counted as loss.
διὰfor the sake ofpreposition + accusative (cause/reason)
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ΧριστὸνChristAccusativeobject of διά (cause)Χριστός: 'Christ'; the cause for which everything is re-valued — knowing him surpasses all prior gain.
ζημίανlossAccusativedouble accusative (object complement of ταῦτα)ζημία: 'loss, damage, forfeit'; the ledger's debit column — the polar opposite of κέρδος; the credits are re-entered as debits.
8
ἀλλὰ μενοῦνγε καὶ ἡγοῦμαι πάντα ζημίαν εἶναι διὰ τὸ ὑπερέχον τῆς γνώσεως Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ κυρίου μου, δι' ὃν τὰ πάντα ἐζημιώθην, καὶ ἡγοῦμαι σκύβαλα ἵνα Χριστὸν κερδήσω
More than that, I even count everything to be loss for the sake of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them refuse, that I may gain Christ
An emphatic piling of particles widens the reckoning from 'those things' to 'all things,' and shifts the perfect of v.7 to a present that names the supreme reason — 'the surpassing worth of knowing Christ' — climaxing in the crude σκύβαλα to gain Christ.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction
μενοῦνγεindeed, more than thatintensive particle cluster (μέν+οὖν+γε)μενοῦνγε: 'rather, indeed, more than that'; a triple particle heightening and correcting upward — extends the claim emphatically.
καὶevenadverbial/ascensive conjunction
ἡγοῦμαιI count / considerPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἡγέομαιmain verb→ customary present (ongoing reckoning)ἡγέομαι: 'consider, regard'; the present (vs. v.7 perfect) makes the reckoning a continuing, present-tense stance.
πάνταall thingsAccusativeaccusative subject of εἶναιπᾶς: 'all'; the scope widens from the specific credentials to absolutely everything.
ζημίανlossAccusativepredicate accusative (of εἶναι)ζημία: 'loss'; everything is reckoned debit, not credit.
εἶναιto bePres Act Inf · εἰμίinfinitive in indirect discourse (object of ἡγοῦμαι)→ stative present
διὰfor the sake ofpreposition + accusative (cause)
τὸtheAccusativearticle (substantizes the participle)
ὑπερέχονsurpassing worthPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Neut · ὑπερέχωsubstantival participle (object of διά)→ customary presentὑπερέχω: 'surpass, excel, be superior' (ὑπέρ + ἔχω); the neuter substantive 'the surpassingness' — the all-eclipsing excellence of knowing Christ.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
γνώσεωςknowledgeGenitiveepexegetic/objective genitive (with ὑπερέχον)γνῶσις: 'knowledge'; not abstract data but personal, relational knowing of Christ — the surpassing worth itself.
Χριστοῦof ChristGenitiveobjective genitive (with γνώσεως)Χριστός: 'Christ'; the object known — to know Christ is the supreme good.
ἸησοῦJesusGenitiveapposition
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
κυρίουLordGenitiveapposition (title)κύριος: 'Lord'; the personal note 'my Lord' makes the knowledge intimate, not merely doctrinal.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
δι'for the sake ofpreposition + accusative (cause)
ὃνwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (object of διά)
τὰtheAccusativearticle
πάνταall thingsAccusativeaccusative of respect / adverbial ('in all things')πᾶς: 'all'; 'the all things' — the totality of his former assets, now forfeited.
ἐζημιώθηνI suffered the lossAor Pass Indic 1 Sg · ζημιόωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristζημιόω: 'cause loss, forfeit'; passive 'I was made to lose / forfeited' — cognate with ζημία, the loss is real and total.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἡγοῦμαιI countPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἡγέομαιmain verb→ customary presentἡγέομαι: 'consider, regard'; the verdict on what was forfeited.
σκύβαλαrefuse / dungAccusativepredicate accusative (object complement)σκύβαλον: 'refuse, dung, garbage'; a coarse word for what is thrown to the dogs — a deliberate echo of the 'dogs' of v.2; the credentials are worthless filth beside Christ.
ἵναthatconjunction (purpose)
ΧριστὸνChristAccusativedirect object (of κερδήσω)
κερδήσωI may gainAor Act Subj 1 Sg · κερδαίνωsubjunctive (purpose clause)→ constative aoristκερδαίνω: 'gain, win'; cognate with κέρδος (v.7) — the sole true 'gain' is Christ, who eclipses every other profit.
9
καὶ εὑρεθῶ ἐν αὐτῷ, μὴ ἔχων ἐμὴν δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐκ νόμου ἀλλὰ τὴν διὰ πίστεως Χριστοῦ, τὴν ἐκ θεοῦ δικαιοσύνην ἐπὶ τῇ πίστει,
and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith —
The second goal coordinate with 'gain Christ': to be found in him clothed not in self-made law-righteousness but in the God-given righteousness received through faith — the doctrinal heart of the passage.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (continues ἵνα)
εὑρεθῶI may be foundAor Pass Subj 1 Sg · εὑρίσκωsubjunctive (purpose clause, coordinate)→ constative aoristεὑρίσκω: 'find'; passive 'be found' — to be discovered/shown to be in Christ, perhaps with an eye to the day of judgment.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (union/sphere)
αὐτῷhimDativeobject of ἐν (union with Christ)
μὴnotnegative particle (with participle)
ἔχωνhavingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἔχωadverbial participle (manner/attendant circ.)→ customary presentἔχω: 'have, hold'; the manner of being found in Christ — defined negatively then positively as to which righteousness one possesses.
ἐμὴνmy ownAccusativepossessive adjective (attributive)ἐμός: 'my own'; the emphatic possessive stresses self-originated righteousness — the very thing renounced.
δικαιοσύνηνrighteousnessAccusativedirect object (of ἔχων)δικαιοσύνη: 'righteousness'; right standing — here the contested question of its source: self or God.
τὴνthe (one)Accusativearticle (with ἐκ νόμου, attributive)
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)
νόμουlawGenitiveobject of ἐκ (rejected source)νόμος: 'law'; the law-righteousness of v.6 — the merely human standing now repudiated as a basis.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction (corrective)
τὴνthe (one)Accusativearticle (with διὰ πίστεως, attributive)
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (means)
πίστεωςfaithGenitiveobject of διά (means of receiving)πίστις: 'faith, trust'; the instrument through which God's righteousness is received.
Χριστοῦin Christ / of ChristGenitiveobjective genitive ('faith in Christ'; or subjective, 'Christ's faithfulness')Χριστός: 'Christ'; πίστις Χριστοῦ — most read it as objective ('faith in Christ'), the object of trust; some construe it subjectively ('the faithfulness of Christ'). The objective reading is followed here.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with ἐκ θεοῦ, attributive; restates δικαιοσύνη)
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)
θεοῦGodGenitiveobject of ἐκ (true source)θεός: God; the decisive contrast — this righteousness originates 'from God,' not from human law-keeping.
δικαιοσύνηνrighteousnessAccusativeaccusative (restating, in apposition)δικαιοσύνη: 'righteousness'; restated to make the source explicit — 'the from-God righteousness.'
ἐπὶon / based onpreposition + dative (basis/condition)
τῇtheDativearticle
πίστειfaithDativedat. of basis (with ἐπί)πίστις: 'faith'; 'resting on faith' — faith is the condition/basis on which this righteousness is granted, reiterating the means.
10
τοῦ γνῶναι αὐτὸν καὶ τὴν δύναμιν τῆς ἀναστάσεως αὐτοῦ καὶ κοινωνίαν παθημάτων αὐτοῦ, συμμορφιζόμενος τῷ θανάτῳ αὐτοῦ,
that I may know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death,
An articular infinitive of purpose unfolds 'gain Christ / be found in him': to know him experientially — resurrection power and the fellowship of his sufferings together, with conformity to his death as the present mode of that knowing.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
τοῦ—Genitivearticle (with infinitive, purpose)
γνῶναιto knowAor Act Inf · γινώσκωarticular infinitive of purpose/goal→ constative aorist (ingressive sense, 'come to know')γινώσκω: 'know' — relational, experiential knowing (as in Hebrew יָדַע), not mere information; the goal of all the loss.
αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object (of γνῶναι)
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (epexegetic)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
δύναμινpowerAccusativedirect object (coordinate, of γνῶναι)δύναμις: 'power, might'; the resurrection's effective power experienced in the believer's life.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
ἀναστάσεωςresurrectionGenitivegenitive of source/relation (with δύναμιν)ἀνάστασις: 'resurrection, rising up'; the power that raised Christ, now at work in those united to him.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of relationship
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
κοινωνίανfellowship / sharingAccusativedirect object (coordinate, of γνῶναι)κοινωνία: 'fellowship, participation, sharing'; partnership in Christ's sufferings — to know him includes sharing his cross.
παθημάτωνsufferingsGenitiveobjective genitive (with κοινωνίαν)πάθημα: 'suffering, affliction'; the sufferings of Christ in which his people participate (cf. 2 Cor 1:5).
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of relationship
συμμορφιζόμενοςbeing conformedPres Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · συμμορφίζωadverbial participle (manner/means)→ present (ongoing process)συμμορφίζω: 'conform, make of the same form' (σύν + μορφή); a present, ongoing being-shaped to Christ's death — sharing his cross-shaped pattern, anticipating v.21's σύμμορφον.
τῷtheDativearticle
θανάτῳdeathDativedat. of reference (object of conformity)θάνατος: 'death'; conformity to Christ's death — the daily dying that precedes sharing his resurrection.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of relationship
11
εἴ πως καταντήσω εἰς τὴν ἐξανάστασιν τὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν.
if somehow I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Not doubt but humble aspiration: 'if somehow I may attain' the final resurrection — the goal toward which the whole self-emptying strains, expressed with reverent tentativeness, not anxiety.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
εἴifconjunction (with πως, expresses aim/hope)
πωςsomehowparticle (indefinite)πως: 'somehow'; εἴ πως expresses a humble, hopeful aim — 'in the hope that I may,' not anxious uncertainty about the outcome.
καταντήσωI may attain / arriveAor Act Subj 1 Sg · καταντάωsubjunctive (clause of aim)→ constative aoristκαταντάω: 'come to, arrive at, attain' (κατά + ἀντάω); a travel metaphor — reaching the destination, the final resurrection.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (goal)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἐξανάστασινresurrection / rising outAccusativeobject of εἰς (goal)ἐξανάστασις: 'rising out' (ἐξ + ἀνάστασις); a rare, intensified form found only here in the NT — the out-resurrection from among the dead.
τὴνthe (one)Accusativearticle (with ἐκ νεκρῶν, attributive)
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (separation/source)
νεκρῶνthe deadGenitiveobject of ἐκ (partitive/separation)νεκρός: 'dead (one)'; 'from among the dead' — the bodily resurrection of believers, the goal of v.10's pattern of death-then-life.
12
Οὐχ ὅτι ἤδη ἔλαβον ἢ ἤδη τετελείωμαι, διώκω δὲ εἰ καὶ καταλάβω, ἐφ' ᾧ καὶ κατελήμφθην ὑπὸ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ.
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfected, but I press on to lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
A disclaimer guards against perfectionism: not 'already arrived,' but pressing on. The wordplay καταλάβω / κατελήμφθην grounds the pursuit — Paul chases what Christ already seized him for.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
Οὐχnotnegative particle
ὅτιthatconjunction (οὐχ ὅτι idiom, 'not that…')ὅτι: 'that'; οὐχ ὅτι = a fixed idiom forestalling a misunderstanding — 'I do not mean that…'
ἤδηalreadyadverb (time)ἤδη: 'already, now'; the over-realized claim Paul denies — that the goal is already in hand.
ἔλαβονI obtained / receivedAor Act Indic 1 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (denied)→ constative aoristλαμβάνω: 'take, receive, obtain'; the object is unexpressed — the prize/goal of v.11; he has not yet grasped it.
ἢordisjunctive conjunction
ἤδηalreadyadverb (time)
τετελείωμαιI have been perfectedPerf Pass Indic 1 Sg · τελειόωmain verb (denied)→ intensive perfect (state denied)τελειόω: 'complete, perfect, bring to the goal' (cf. τέλος); the perfect would claim a finished state — Paul denies having reached the completion.
διώκωI press on / pursuePres Act Indic 1 Sg · διώκωmain verb (adversative δέ)→ customary present (ongoing pursuit)διώκω: 'pursue, press on' (also 'persecute,' v.6); the runner's relentless pursuit — the zeal that once persecuted now chases Christ.
δὲbutadversative conjunction
εἰif / whetherconjunction (εἰ καί, expressing aim)
καὶindeedadverbial conjunction (with εἰ)
καταλάβωI may lay hold ofAor Act Subj 1 Sg · καταλαμβάνωsubjunctive (clause of purpose/aim)→ constative aoristκαταλαμβάνω: 'seize, lay hold of, grasp' (κατά-intensive of λαμβάνω); to grasp fully — paired with its passive below in a deliberate wordplay.
ἐφ'for / for whichpreposition + dative (ἐφ' ᾧ, 'for which')
ᾧwhichDativerelative pronoun (object of ἐπί; cause/purpose)ὅς: relative; ἐφ' ᾧ here = 'for the very purpose for which' Christ seized him — the ground of the pursuit.
καὶalsoadverbial conjunction
κατελήμφθηνI was laid hold ofAor Pass Indic 1 Sg · καταλαμβάνωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristκαταλαμβάνω (pass.): 'be seized, laid hold of'; the passive of καταλάβω — grace precedes pursuit: Christ grasped Paul (on the Damascus road) before Paul ever grasped at Christ.
ὑπὸbypreposition + genitive (agency)
ΧριστοῦChristGenitiveobject of ὑπό (personal agent)
ἸησοῦJesusGenitiveapposition
13
ἀδελφοί, ἐγὼ ἐμαυτὸν οὐ λογίζομαι κατειληφέναι· ἓν δέ, τὰ μὲν ὀπίσω ἐπιλανθανόμενος τοῖς δὲ ἔμπροσθεν ἐπεκτεινόμενος,
Brothers, I do not consider myself to have laid hold of it; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what lies ahead,
A direct address renews the disclaimer, then narrows to a single resolve ('one thing'). Two athletic participles — forgetting the behind, stretching toward the ahead — picture the runner's total forward focus.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
ἀδελφοίbrothersVocativevocative of addressἀδελφός: 'brother'; the warm address marks the personal earnestness of the appeal.
ἐγὼINominativesubject (emphatic)
ἐμαυτὸνmyselfAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitiveἐμαυτοῦ: reflexive 'myself'; the candid self-assessment — Paul refuses to overrate himself.
οὐnotnegative particle
λογίζομαιI consider / reckonPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · λογίζομαιmain verb→ customary presentλογίζομαι: 'reckon, consider, count'; an accounting term — Paul's sober self-evaluation, consistent with the ledger imagery of vv.7–8.
κατειληφέναιto have laid holdPerf Act Inf · καταλαμβάνωinfinitive in indirect discourse (object of λογίζομαι)→ intensive perfect (completed grasp, denied)καταλαμβάνω (perf.): 'to have seized/grasped'; the perfect would assert a settled possession — which he disclaims.
ἓνone thingAccusativeaccusative (elliptical: 'one thing [I do]')εἷς: 'one'; the single-minded focus — 'but one thing (I pursue),' the verb left to be supplied.
δέbutadversative conjunction
τὰthe thingsAccusativearticle (substantizes the adverb)
μὲνon the one handparticle (correlative μέν … δέ)
ὀπίσωbehindadverb (substantized by τά)ὀπίσω: 'behind, back'; 'the things behind' — past attainments and failures alike, left behind like ground covered by a runner.
ἐπιλανθανόμενοςforgettingPres Mid Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἐπιλανθάνομαιadverbial participle (manner)→ present (ongoing)ἐπιλανθάνομαι: 'forget, neglect' (+ gen.); deliberately disregarding what is past so as not to be slowed by it.
τοῖςthe thingsDativearticle (object of ἐπεκτεινόμενος, dat.)
δὲon the other handparticle (answering μέν)
ἔμπροσθενaheadadverb (substantized by τοῖς)ἔμπροσθεν: 'in front, ahead'; 'the things before' — the goal and prize toward which the runner leans.
ἐπεκτεινόμενοςstraining toward / reaching outPres Mid Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἐπεκτείνομαιadverbial participle (manner)→ present (ongoing)ἐπεκτείνομαι: 'stretch out toward' (ἐπί + ἐκ + τείνω); a vivid athletic image — the racer's body straining forward, head and hand reaching for the tape.
14
κατὰ σκοπὸν διώκω εἰς τὸ βραβεῖον τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ.
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
The 'one thing' culminates: the verb διώκω returns, now defined by goal-line and prize. The race-image resolves in the 'upward call' — God's summons heavenward, the believer's true prize in Christ.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
κατὰtoward / alongpreposition + accusative (direction/aim)
σκοπὸνgoal / markAccusativeobject of κατά (the target)σκοπός: 'mark, goal, target' (cf. 'scope'); the fixed point the racer eyes — running 'with eyes on the goal.'
διώκωI press onPres Act Indic 1 Sg · διώκωmain verb→ customary present (sustained pursuit)διώκω: 'pursue, press on'; the third use of the verb in the section — the runner's settled, driving forward motion.
εἰςfor / towardpreposition + accusative (goal/purpose)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
βραβεῖονprizeAccusativeobject of εἰς (the reward)βραβεῖον: 'prize' (the award given by the βραβεύς, the umpire); the victor's wreath — here the heavenly reward of the call.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
ἄνωupward / heavenlyadverb (attributive, 'the upward')ἄνω: 'above, upward'; 'the upward call' — God's summons that calls heavenward (cf. Col 3:1–2), defining the prize's nature.
κλήσεωςcallingGenitivegenitive (epexegetic/source, with βραβεῖον)κλῆσις: 'calling, summons'; God's effectual call, whose prize is the goal of the race.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivesubjective genitive (God's call)θεός: God; the caller — the summons originates in God himself.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐν (sphere of the call)Χριστός: 'Christ'; the calling is issued and realized 'in Christ' — the sphere in which the prize is found.
ἸησοῦJesusDativeapposition
15
Ὅσοι οὖν τέλειοι, τοῦτο φρονῶμεν· καὶ εἴ τι ἑτέρως φρονεῖτε, καὶ τοῦτο ὁ θεὸς ὑμῖν ἀποκαλύψει·
Let us, then, as many as are mature, think this way; and if in anything you think otherwise, this too God will reveal to you.
An inference applies the runner's mindset to the church: the 'mature' should share this outlook (a gentle irony beside v.12's 'not perfected'). Disagreement is left to God's revealing — Paul does not coerce.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
Ὅσοιas many asNominativerelative/correlative pronoun (subject)ὅσος: 'as many as, all who'; embraces the whole company of the mature.
οὖνthen / thereforeinferential conjunctionοὖν: 'therefore'; draws the practical inference from Paul's example.
τέλειοιmature / perfectNominativepredicate adjective (substantival)τέλειος: 'complete, mature, perfect' (cf. τετελείωμαι v.12); here 'mature' — those grown-up in faith; a subtle play, since maturity means knowing one is not yet 'perfected.'
τοῦτοthisAccusativedirect object (of φρονῶμεν)οὗτος: 'this'; 'this mindset' — the forward-pressing attitude of vv.12–14.
φρονῶμενlet us think / be mindedPres Act Subj 1 Pl · φρονέωhortatory subjunctive→ customary present (settled disposition)φρονέω: 'think, set one's mind on, be disposed'; a key Philippian verb (cf. 2:5) — a whole orientation of mind, not a single thought.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εἴifconjunction (first-class condition)
τιin anythingAccusativeaccusative of respect (adverbial)τις: 'anything'; 'in some respect' you think differently.
ἑτέρωςotherwise / differentlyadverb (manner)ἑτέρως: 'differently, otherwise'; a hapax in the NT — divergent thinking, not necessarily hostile.
φρονεῖτεyou thinkPres Act Indic 2 Pl · φρονέωmain verb (protasis)→ customary presentφρονέω: 'be minded'; their differing disposition, which Paul entrusts to God's correction.
καὶalso / tooadverbial/ascensive conjunction
τοῦτοthisAccusativedirect object (of ἀποκαλύψει)οὗτος: 'this'; 'this too' — even the point of disagreement God will clarify.
ὁtheNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubjectθεός: God; the one who corrects and matures — Paul leaves persuasion to him.
ὑμῖνto youDativedat. of indirect object (recipient of revelation)
ἀποκαλύψειwill revealFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποκαλύπτωmain verb (apodosis)→ predictive future (confident assurance)ἀποκαλύπτω: 'uncover, reveal' (ἀπό + καλύπτω); God will disclose the truth to the sincere — confidence in God's pastoral work.
16
πλὴν εἰς ὃ ἐφθάσαμεν, τῷ αὐτῷ στοιχεῖν.
Only, to what we have attained, let us hold true to the same.
A capping proviso: whatever remains to be revealed, the present obligation is to walk in line with the ground already reached — progress consolidates rather than abandons what is gained.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
πλὴνonly / neverthelessadverb/conjunction (restrictive)πλήν: 'except, only, nevertheless'; here a restrictive 'in any case, only' — narrowing to the one present duty.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (extent reached)
ὃwhatAccusativerelative pronoun (object of εἰς)ὅς: relative; 'that which' — the stage of growth already reached.
ἐφθάσαμενwe have attained / reachedAor Act Indic 1 Pl · φθάνωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aorist (resultant point reached)φθάνω: 'arrive at, attain, reach' (earlier 'come before'); the point of maturity the community has so far reached.
τῷtheDativearticle (with αὐτῷ; dat. of rule with στοιχεῖν)
αὐτῷsameDativedat. of rule/standard (object of στοιχεῖν)αὐτός: 'same'; 'by the same (standard)' — keep in step with the line already drawn.
στοιχεῖνto walk in line / hold truePres Act Inf · στοιχέωinfinitive used imperativally (exhortation)→ customary present (continuing conduct)στοιχέω: 'be in rows, march in line, conform' (from στοῖχος, 'a row'); to keep ranks, stay in step — the infinitive functions as a command, 'let us hold the line.'
17
Συμμιμηταί μου γίνεσθε, ἀδελφοί, καὶ σκοπεῖτε τοὺς οὕτω περιπατοῦντας καθὼς ἔχετε τύπον ἡμᾶς.
Be fellow imitators of me, brothers, and observe those who walk according to the example you have in us.
A pivot to the section's warning: imitate Paul and watch those who model his pattern. The positive command sets the standard against which the 'enemies of the cross' (v.18) will be judged.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
Συμμιμηταίfellow imitatorsNominativepredicate nominative (with γίνεσθε)συμμιμητής: 'joint imitator' (σύν + μιμητής); a rare/coined word — 'imitate together with one another' or 'join in imitating me.'
μουof meGenitiveobjective genitive (whom to imitate)
γίνεσθεbecome / bePres Mid Impv 2 Pl · γίνομαιmain verb (imperative)→ customary present (ongoing conduct)γίνομαι: 'become, be'; 'become imitators' — an ongoing imitation, not a single act.
ἀδελφοίbrothersVocativevocative of addressἀδελφός: 'brother'; renewed affectionate address.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
σκοπεῖτεobserve / keep your eye onPres Act Impv 2 Pl · σκοπέωmain verb (imperative)→ customary presentσκοπέω: 'look at, watch, mark' (cf. σκοπός, v.14); fix attention on worthy models so as to copy them.
τοὺςthoseAccusativearticle (substantizes the participle)
οὕτωthus / in this wayadverb (manner)οὕτως: 'thus, so'; 'who walk in this way' — i.e. after Paul's example.
περιπατοῦνταςwalking / livingPres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · περιπατέωsubstantival participle (object of σκοπεῖτε)→ customary presentπεριπατέω: 'walk about, conduct one's life' (περί + πατέω); the common ethical metaphor for manner of life.
καθὼςaccording as / just ascomparative conjunctionκαθώς: 'just as, according as'; introduces the standard — Paul and his companions as the pattern.
ἔχετεyou havePres Act Indic 2 Pl · ἔχωmain verb (comparative clause)→ customary presentἔχω: 'have, hold'; they 'have' Paul and his coworkers as a living example.
τύπονpattern / exampleAccusativedirect object (predicate accusative)τύπος: 'mark, model, type' (the impression left by a blow, cf. 'type'); a pattern to be stamped onto one's own conduct.
ἡμᾶςusAccusativeaccusative in apposition to τύπον
18
πολλοὶ γὰρ περιπατοῦσιν οὓς πολλάκις ἔλεγον ὑμῖν, νῦν δὲ καὶ κλαίων λέγω, τοὺς ἐχθροὺς τοῦ σταυροῦ τοῦ Χριστοῦ,
For many walk, of whom I often told you and now tell you even weeping, as enemies of the cross of Christ —
The reason for the vigilant imitation: 'many' walk otherwise. The emotional aside ('even weeping') shows the warning is pastoral grief, not polemical heat — these are 'enemies of the cross.'
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
πολλοὶmanyNominativesubject (substantival adjective)πολύς: 'many'; an unsettling 'many' walk contrary to the cross — a real and widespread danger.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction (grounds v.17)
περιπατοῦσινwalk / livePres Act Indic 3 Pl · περιπατέωmain verb→ customary presentπεριπατέω: 'walk, conduct life'; the same verb as v.17 — but these walk in opposition to the cross.
οὓςwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἔλεγον/λέγω)
πολλάκιςoftenadverb (frequency)πολλάκις: 'often, many times'; Paul has warned repeatedly — this is no new alarm.
ἔλεγονI was telling / used to tellImpf Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb (rel. clause)→ customary imperfect (repeated past action)λέγω: 'say, tell'; the imperfect captures the repeated past warnings.
ὑμῖνto youDativedat. of indirect object
νῦνnowadverb (time)
δὲbut / andadversative/continuative conjunction
καὶevenadverbial/ascensive conjunction
κλαίωνweepingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · κλαίωadverbial participle (manner)→ present (concurrent)κλαίω: 'weep, cry'; the tears reveal the warning's tenderness — grief over the lost, not contempt.
λέγωI tellPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb (present, vs. impf. ἔλεγον)→ customary presentλέγω: 'say, tell'; the present renews the warning at the moment of writing.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle (with ἐχθρούς; in apposition to οὕς)
ἐχθροὺςenemiesAccusativeaccusative in apposition (predicate of οὕς)ἐχθρός: 'enemy, hostile'; they oppose the cross — its message of self-denial and dependence on grace — by their indulgent way of life.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
σταυροῦcrossGenitiveobjective genitive (with ἐχθρούς)σταυρός: 'cross'; the cross stands for the whole gospel of crucified self and grace — to which their lives are hostile.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
ΧριστοῦChristGenitivegenitive of possession (with σταυροῦ)Χριστός: 'Christ'; 'the cross of Christ' — the central saving event they set themselves against.
19
ὧν τὸ τέλος ἀπώλεια, ὧν ὁ θεὸς ἡ κοιλία καὶ ἡ δόξα ἐν τῇ αἰσχύνῃ αὐτῶν, οἱ τὰ ἐπίγεια φρονοῦντες.
whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.
Four staccato clauses indict the enemies: their destiny (destruction), their idol (the belly), their boast (their shame), their horizon (earthly things) — each phrase the antithesis of the heavenly hope of v.20.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
ὧνwhoseGenitiverelative pronoun (possessive genitive)
τὸtheNominativearticle
τέλοςend / outcomeNominativesubject (copula understood)τέλος: 'end, goal, outcome'; the destiny they are heading for — the grim counterpart to the believer's prize (v.14).
ἀπώλειαdestruction / ruinNominativepredicate nominativeἀπώλεια: 'destruction, ruin, perdition' (from ἀπόλλυμι); final loss — the opposite of σωτηρία (cf. v.20, 'Savior').
ὧνwhoseGenitiverelative pronoun (possessive genitive)
ὁtheNominativearticle
θεὸςgodNominativesubjectθεός: 'god'; what they serve and obey — not the true God but appetite.
ἡtheNominativearticle
κοιλίαbelly / appetiteNominativepredicate nominativeκοιλία: 'belly, stomach'; perhaps literal gluttony, perhaps food-laws, but in any case bodily appetite enthroned as god.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἡtheNominativearticle
δόξαglory / boastNominativesubject (copula understood)δόξα: 'glory, honor'; what they boast in — perversely located in what should shame them.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
τῇtheDativearticle
αἰσχύνῃshameDativeobject of ἐν (locus of their 'glory')αἰσχύνη: 'shame, disgrace'; their pride is in things that ought to disgrace them — a moral inversion.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession
οἱthe (ones)Nominativearticle (substantizes the participle)
τὰtheAccusativearticle
ἐπίγειαearthly thingsAccusativedirect object (of φρονοῦντες)ἐπίγειος: 'earthly, on the earth' (ἐπί + γῆ); the horizon of their minds — the polar opposite of the heavenly citizenship of v.20.
φρονοῦντεςminding / setting the mind onPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · φρονέωsubstantival participle (summary apposition)→ customary present (settled disposition)φρονέω: 'set the mind on, be disposed' (cf. v.15); their whole bent is earthward — the verdict that sums up the indictment.
20
ἡμῶν γὰρ τὸ πολίτευμα ἐν οὐρανοῖς ὑπάρχει, ἐξ οὗ καὶ σωτῆρα ἀπεκδεχόμεθα κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν,
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
The decisive antithesis to v.19: the emphatic 'our' citizenship is heavenly. Set against minds fixed on earth, believers belong to a heavenly commonwealth and await a Savior from there — fitting for a Roman colony like Philippi.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession (emphatic, fronted)ἐγώ (pl.): the emphatic, front-placed 'our' sharply contrasts believers with the earth-minded of v.19.
γὰρforexplanatory/contrastive conjunction
τὸtheNominativearticle
πολίτευμαcitizenship / commonwealthNominativesubjectπολίτευμα: 'commonwealth, citizenship, colony of citizens' (from πολίτης, 'citizen'); a pointed image for Philippi, a Roman colony — believers are a heavenly colony on earth.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
οὐρανοῖςthe heavensDativedat. of place (location of the commonwealth)οὐρανός: 'heaven'; the plural (a Semitic idiom) — the believers' true home and seat of citizenship.
ὑπάρχειexists / isPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ὑπάρχωmain verb→ stative present (present reality)ὑπάρχω: 'exist, be (already)'; a weightier 'is' than εἰμί — the heavenly citizenship is a present, settled reality.
ἐξfrompreposition + genitive (source/origin)
οὗwhichGenitiverelative pronoun (object of ἐξ; antecedent 'heaven')ὅς: relative; 'from which' — i.e. from heaven the Savior will come.
καὶalsoadverbial/ascensive conjunction
σωτῆραa SaviorAccusativedirect object (of ἀπεκδεχόμεθα)σωτήρ: 'savior, deliverer'; a title claimed by Roman emperors — here pointedly given to Christ alone, the deliverer the colony awaits.
ἀπεκδεχόμεθαwe eagerly awaitPres Mid Indic 1 Pl · ἀπεκδέχομαιmain verb (rel. clause)→ customary present (sustained expectation)ἀπεκδέχομαι: 'await eagerly' (ἀπό + ἐκ + δέχομαι, doubly intensive); the strained, longing expectation of Christ's return (cf. Rom 8:19,23).
κύριονthe LordAccusativeaccusative in apposition to σωτῆρακύριος: 'Lord'; another imperial title — the awaited Savior is the true Lord, over against Caesar.
ἸησοῦνJesusAccusativeapposition
ΧριστόνChristAccusativeapposition
21
ὃς μετασχηματίσει τὸ σῶμα τῆς ταπεινώσεως ἡμῶν σύμμορφον τῷ σώματι τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν τοῦ δύνασθαι αὐτὸν καὶ ὑποτάξαι αὐτῷ τὰ πάντα.
who will transform our lowly body to be conformed to his glorious body, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself.
The chapter's climax: the awaited Savior will transform the believer's humble body into the likeness of his glorified body — the resurrection hope of v.11 and the σύμμορφος of v.10 fulfilled, guaranteed by the all-subjecting power of Christ.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
ὃςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (subject; antecedent 'Savior')
μετασχηματίσειwill transform / refashionFut Act Indic 3 Sg · μετασχηματίζωmain verb (rel. clause)→ predictive futureμετασχηματίζω: 'change the form/fashion of' (μετά + σχῆμα); the present lowly body will be refashioned — not discarded but transformed.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
σῶμαbodyAccusativedirect objectσῶμα: 'body'; the physical body — affirmed and destined for glory, not abandoned (against the body-despising of v.19).
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
ταπεινώσεωςlowliness / humiliationGenitiveattributive genitive (quality: 'lowly body')ταπείνωσις: 'lowliness, humiliation'; a Semitic genitive of quality — 'the body of our lowliness,' i.e. our humble, mortal, weak body.
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession
σύμμορφονconformedAccusativepredicate accusative (object complement of σῶμα)σύμμορφος: 'sharing the same form, conformed' (σύν + μορφή); cognate with συμμορφίζω (v.10) — the cross-conformity now reaches resurrection-conformity to his glory.
τῷtheDativearticle
σώματιbodyDativedat. of reference (with σύμμορφον)σῶμα: 'body'; the pattern to which ours is conformed — Christ's risen, glorified body.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
δόξηςgloryGenitiveattributive genitive (quality: 'glorious body')δόξα: 'glory, splendor'; 'the body of his glory' — his radiant, exalted resurrection body (contrast the false 'glory' of v.19).
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (standard/means)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἐνέργειανworking / operationAccusativeobject of κατά (the empowering ground)ἐνέργεια: 'working, energy, operation' (cf. 'energy'); the effective divine power by which the transformation is accomplished.
τοῦ—Genitivearticle (with the articular infinitive)
δύνασθαιto be ablePres Mid Inf · δύναμαιarticular infinitive (epexegetic of ἐνέργειαν)→ customary presentδύναμαι: 'be able, be powerful'; 'the working of his being able' — the power explained as his capacity to subject all things.
αὐτὸνhe / himAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive
καὶevenadverbial/ascensive conjunction
ὑποτάξαιto subject / subdueAor Act Inf · ὑποτάσσωcomplementary infinitive (of δύνασθαι)→ constative aoristὑποτάσσω: 'subject, subordinate' (a military term, 'arrange under'); the power that subdues all things (cf. Ps 8:6; 1 Cor 15:27) guarantees the body's transformation.
αὐτῷto himselfDativedat. of indirect object (with ὑποτάξαι)
τὰtheAccusativearticle
πάνταall thingsAccusativedirect object (of ὑποτάξαι)πᾶς: 'all'; 'the all things' — the entire created order, brought under Christ's sovereign sway.