Bible Strands
Philippians 3:8
More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Philippian church while cataloging his personal reevaluation of religious and social status after encountering the gospel. He places this declaration immediately after contrasting his former confidence in the law with his present pursuit of Christ.
The words — The Greek ἡγοῦμαι (hēgoumai) means "I count," and ζημίαν (zēmian) means "loss." Paul uses these terms to state that he reckons all former advantages as financial deficit compared to knowing Christ.
The thread — The devaluation of worldly status appears in Jeremiah 9:23, which forbids boasting in wisdom, strength, or wealth, and in Acts 20:24, where Paul treats his life as worthless to complete his ministry. Romans 8:18 similarly contrasts present circumstances with future glory.
Why it lands — The text demands a conscious revaluation of personal achievements and possessions as secondary to relational knowledge of Jesus. It requires the reader to treat earthly gains as expendable in order to secure Christ.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Cross-references
- Jeremiah 9:23 This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches.
- Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.
- Acts 20:24 But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
- Philippians 3:7 But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ.
- John 17:3 Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.
- Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death,
- 2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.
- Matthew 19:27 “Look,” Peter replied, “we have left everything to follow You. What then will there be for us?”
- 1 Corinthians 2:2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
- Colossians 2:2 that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ,