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Philippians 3:1-4 shifting gears to work the others
1. Philippians 3:1-4 shifting gears to work the others
Philippians 1 and 2 are concerned with calling the leadership of bishops and deacons to task for not teaching the true Christ. Paul uses many double meanings, play on words, puns, references to other scriptures, etc., to convey this.
In Philippians 3, Paul shifts gears and addresses the "
others". He will continue to reference the leadership in comments addressed to the "
others" as warnings.
Paul addresses three groups who desire extra rules to the faith which cause unneeded work and could lead some astray. To not alienate those other groups, he does not say "
beware" is in English translations but, rather, "
watch" or "
see" as in the older English meaning of "
be aware of".
2. Philippians 3:1-4
Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. [kjv]
3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. [kjv]
3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. [kjv]
3:4 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: [kjv]
Overview: What do these verses say and mean?
3. Finally shifting gears
Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. [kjv]
το λοιπον αδελφοι μου χαιρετε εν κυριω τα αυτα γραφειν υμιν εμοι μεν ουκ οκνηρον υμιν δε ασφαλες [gnt]
… cetero … pigrum … necessarium [v]
Paul is halfway through the letter and says "
finally". When people hear this in a sermon, they are ready to get up and leave. They become irritated or "
difficult" when the pastor then goes on for twenty minutes or so.
The ancient Greek word "λοιπόν" ≈ "what remains, others".
The Latin word "ceteros" ≈ "other, remainder, rest" as in the English phrase "et cetera" abbreviated as "etc.".
4. And the rest
5. Philippians 2:4
KJV: Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Greek: μη τα εαυτων εκαστοι εκαστος σκοπειτε σκοπουντες αλλα και τα ετερων εκαστος εκαστοι
6. And the rest
7. Acts 11:4 And so forth
8. Acts 11:4
KJV: But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
Greek: αρξαμενος δε ο πετρος εξετιθετο αυτοις καθεξης λεγων
Latin: incipiens autem Petrus exponebat illis ordinem dicens
Luther: Petrus aber hub an und erzählte es ihnen nacheinander her und sprach:
9. Strongs - in order
- *G2517 *5 καθεξῆς (kath-ex-ace') : from G2596 and G1836; thereafter, i.e. consecutively; as a noun (by ellipsis of noun) a subsequent person or time:--after(-ward), by (in) order.
- καθεξης *5
- Luke 1:3 ... from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
- Luke 8:1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout ...
- Acts 3:24 ... from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have ...
- Acts 11:4 ... rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
- Acts 18:23 ... of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
10. Usage - in order
 |
Words: καθεξης=5
|
11. Going forth in sequence
Luke 8:1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, [kjv]
και εγενετο εν τω καθεξης και αυτος διωδευεν κατα πολιν και κωμην κηρυσσων και ευαγγελιζομενος την βασιλειαν του θεου και οι δωδεκα συν αυτω [gnt]
… deinceps … civitatem … castellum … [v]
The Latin word
"deinceps" ≈ "following, next" and comes from
"dein" ≈ "thereafter" and
"ceps" ≈ "taking".
12. Luke 8:1
KJV: And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
Greek: και εγενετο εν τω καθεξης και αυτος διωδευεν κατα πολιν και κωμην κηρυσσων και ευαγγελιζομενος την βασιλειαν του θεου και οι δωδεκα συν αυτω
Latin: et factum est deinceps et ipse iter faciebat per civitatem et castellum praedicans et evangelizans regnum Dei et duodecim cum illo
13. To the rest of the others
Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. [kjv]
το λοιπον αδελφοι μου χαιρετε εν κυριω τα αυτα γραφειν υμιν εμοι μεν ουκ οκνηρον υμιν δε ασφαλες [gnt]
… cetero … pigrum … necessarium [v]
Philippians 1-2: to the leadership
Philippians 3-4: to the others
In Philippians 3, Paul shifts gears and addresses the "
others". Paul is "
continuing with the rest" of his remarks but also addressed to the "
others". He will continue to reference the leadership in comments addressed to the "
others" as warnings.
14. Rejoice
Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. [kjv]
το λοιπον αδελφοι μου χαιρετε εν κυριω τα αυτα γραφειν υμιν εμοι μεν ουκ οκνηρον υμιν δε ασφαλες [gnt]
… cetero … pigrum … necessarium [v]
The Greek for "
rejoice" is that of "
greet each other" which may or may not be joyous, depending on one's point of view.
15. Shrinking hesitation of grief
Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. [kjv]
το λοιπον αδελφοι μου χαιρετε εν κυριω τα αυτα γραφειν υμιν εμοι μεν ουκ οκνηρον υμιν δε ασφαλες [gnt]
… cetero … pigrum … necessarium [v]
The ancient Greek word
"ὀκνηρός" ≈ "shrink, hesitate" and comes from
"ὀκνέω" ≈ "shrink, hesitate". The Latin word
"piger" ≈ "backward, slow, unwilling, reluctant".
The
KJV (King James Version) translates this word as "
grievous" here and as "
slothful" in two other places.
One can "hesitate" without being "grievous".
One can "hesitate" without being "slothful" or "lazy".
In each place, the original idea of "
hesitation" appears to fit well.
16. Slothful servant
Matthew 25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: [kjv]
αποκριθεις δε ο κυριος αυτου ειπεν αυτω πονηρε δουλε και οκνηρε ηδεις οτι θεριζω οπου ουκ εσπειρα και συναγω οθεν ου διεσκορπισα [gnt]
… piger … [v]
Is the servant "
slothful" or "
reluctant" as in "
hesitating"?
The Latin word
"pigeo" ≈ "annoyance, reluctance".
17. Matthew 25:26
KJV: His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Greek: αποκριθεις δε ο κυριος αυτου ειπεν αυτω πονηρε δουλε και οκνηρε ηδεις οτι θεριζω οπου ουκ εσπειρα και συναγω οθεν ου διεσκορπισα
Latin: respondens autem dominus eius dixit ei serve male et piger sciebas quia meto ubi non semino et congrego ubi non sparsi
18. Romans 12:11
Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; [kjv]
τη σπουδη μη οκνηροι τω πνευματι ζεοντες τω κυριω δουλευοντες [gnt]
… slow … bisynesse… [wy]
… busynes … tedious … [ty]
The ancient Greek word
"σπεύδω" ≈ "be keen, make haste" in the sense of an
urgent focused priority. The Old English word for
"busy-ness" became the modern word
"business".
The
KJV "slothful" is
"ὄκνος" ≈ "shrinking, hesitation" as in being
"fearful".
Paraphrase:
Make it an urgent and immediate priority not to shy away or be fearful of ... serving the Lord.
Anyone in business knows not to be fearful or shy away from approaching a customer rather than have them walk out of the store without buying anything.
19. Strongs - hesitate
- *G3636 *3 ὀκνηρός (ok-nay-ros') : from G3635; tardy, i.e. indolent; (figuratively) irksome:--grievous, slothful.
- οκνηρε
- Matthew 25:26 ... unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that ...
- οκνηροι
- Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
- οκνηρον
- Philippians 3:1 ... to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
20. Usage - hesitate
*G3636 *3 ὀκνηρός (ok-nay-ros') : from G3635; tardy, i.e. indolent; (figuratively) irksome:--grievous, slothful.
 |
Words: οκνηρε οκνηροι οκνηρον
|
The ancient Greek word
"ὄκνος" ≈ "shrinking, hesitation" and is related to the Latin word
"cunctor" ≈ "delay, hold up, hesitate" and to the English word
"hang" as in "
hang back". Think of hard "
k" going to "
kh" and then softening to "
h".
Numbers 22:16 And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me: [kjv]
και ηλθον προς βαλααμ και λεγουσιν αυτω ταδε λεγει βαλακ ο του σεπφωρ αξιω σε μη οκνησης ελθειν προς με [lxx]
… cuncteris … [v]
21. Romans 12:11
KJV: Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Greek: τη σπουδη μη οκνηροι τω πνευματι ζεοντες τω καιρω κυριω δουλευοντες
Latin: sollicitudine non pigri spiritu ferventes Domino servientes
Wycliffe: not slow in bisynesse, feruent in spirit, seruynge to the Lord,
Tyndale: Let not yt busynes which ye have in honde be tedious to you. Be fervet in ye sprete. Applye youre selves to ye tyme.
Gothic: usdaudein ni latai; ahmin wulandans; fraujin skalkinondans;
Spanish: Diligentes, no perezosos; fervientes en espíritu, sirviendo al Señor.
22. Numbers 22:16
KJV: And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:
Hebrew: ויבאו אל בלעם ויאמרו לו כה אמר בלק בן צפור אל נא תמנע מהלך אלי׃
Greek: και ηλθον προς βαλααμ και λεγουσιν αυτω ταδε λεγει βαλακ ο του σεπφωρ αξιω σε μη οκνησης ελθειν προς με
Latin: qui cum venissent ad Balaam dixerunt sic dicit Balac filius Sepphor ne cuncteris venire ad me
23. Romans 12:11
KJV: Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Greek: τη σπουδη μη οκνηροι τω πνευματι ζεοντες τω καιρω κυριω δουλευοντες
Latin: sollicitudine non pigri spiritu ferventes Domino servientes
24. Modern Greek
25. Strongs - hesitate
- *G3636 *3 ὀκνηρός (ok-nay-ros') : from G3635; tardy, i.e. indolent; (figuratively) irksome:--grievous, slothful.
- οκνηρε
- Matthew 25:26 ... unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that ...
- οκνηροι
- Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
- οκνηρον
- Philippians 3:1 ... to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
26. Usage - hesitate
|
|
Words: οκνηρε οκνηροι οκνηρον
|
27. Necessary and safe
Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. [kjv]
το λοιπον αδελφοι μου χαιρετε εν κυριω τα αυτα γραφειν υμιν εμοι μεν ουκ οκνηρον υμιν δε ασφαλες [gnt]
… cetero … pigrum … necessarium [v]
The ancient Greek word
"ἀσφαλής" ≈ "immovable, unfailing, safe" and is, literally, "
not falling down".
The Latin word
"necessarium" ≈ "unavoidable, inevitable, required" and is the source of the English word
"necessary". An older meaning of the English (and Medieval Latin word in monasteries) was that of an "
outhouse" where one did "
unavoidable business".
28. Verse summary
29. Philippians 3:1
KJV: Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
Greek: το λοιπον αδελφοι μου χαιρετε εν κυριω τα αυτα γραφειν υμιν εμοι μεν ουκ οκνηρον υμιν δε ασφαλες
Latin: de cetero fratres mei gaudete in Domino eadem vobis scribere mihi quidem non pigrum vobis autem necessarium
30. Watch and see
Philippians 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. [kjv]
βλεπετε τους κυνας βλεπετε τους κακους εργατας βλεπετε την κατατομην [gnt]
videte canes … malos operarios … concisionem [v]
The
KJV translates as "
beware" a Greek word that means "
see" or "
observe". The
GNT uses words for "
beware" that are not used here.
The ancient Greek word "βλέπω" ≈ "see" (a pre-Greek word). That is "seeing" but not "knowing".
The Latin word "video" ≈ "I see" is the first person verb form of "videre" ≈ "to see" and the source of the English word "video".
This Greek word is translated as "
beware" only 5 times in the
GNT. All uses are interesting.
 |
Details are left as a future topic.
|
31. Deception
In a negative context, the "
see" can be a type of "
warning" as in "
watch out for" or "
be aware of".
Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. [kjv]
και αποκριθεις ο ιησους ειπεν αυτοις βλεπετε μη τις υμας πλανηση [gnt]
… respondens … videte … seducat [v]
… answeride… Loke … disseyue … [wy]
Otherwise, one may be to "
see" while others may not "
see".
Luke 10:23 And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: [kjv]
και στραφεις προς τους μαθητας κατ ιδιαν ειπεν μακαριοι οι οφθαλμοι οι βλεποντες α βλεπετε [gnt]
… beati oculi … vident … videtis [v]
Greek has other words for "
seeing" with a deeper understanding.
32. Matthew 24:4
KJV: And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
Greek: και αποκριθεις ο ιησους ειπεν αυτοις βλεπετε μη τις υμας πλανηση
Latin: et respondens Iesus dixit eis videte ne quis vos seducat
Wycliffe: And Jhesus answeride, and seide to hem, Loke ye, that no man disseyue you.
33. Luke 10:23
KJV: And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:
Greek: και στραφεις προς τους μαθητας κατ ιδιαν ειπεν μακαριοι οι οφθαλμοι οι βλεποντες α βλεπετε
Latin: et conversus ad discipulos suos dixit beati oculi qui vident quae videtis
34. Roman k sound
Philippians 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. [kjv]
βλεπετε τους κυνας βλεπετε τους κακους εργατας βλεπετε την κατατομην [gnt]
The three word groups all start with the Greek "
K" or "
Kappa" letter. The "
beware" means "
see" or "
observe".
"κυνας" ≈ "dogs" (apparent reference to the Cynics).
"κακους εργατας" ≈ "bad workers" (faith by required works).
"κατατομην" ≈ "concision" (Jews with extra required rules).
In Roman times, the letter "
k" was considered sinister and, in most cases, the Roman "
c", with the same "
k" sound, was used. Thus, "
Caesar" was pronounced as "
Kaiser". Carthage: Latin "
Karthago" as "
new Tyre", "
Punic" as "
Phoenician".
Later, the hard Latin "
c" as "
k" changed to the softer "
c" as "
s" or "
ch" as in "
church". The German word
"die Kirche" ≈ "church".
35. Cynics and dogs
36. Diogenes the Cynic
A famous
cynic from the time of Aristotle and Alexander the Great is
Diogenes of Sinope (404 - 323 BC), also known as
"Διογένης ὁ Κυνικός" ≈ "Diogenes the Cynic". His ideas later became the basis of the beliefs of the
Stoics.
Reported conversation with Alexander the Great.
Alexander: Is there anything I can do for you?
Diogenes: Yes, stand out of my sun.
Alexander: If I were not Alexander, then I should wish to be Diogenes.
Diogenes: If I were not Diogenes, I would still wish to be Diogenes.
37. Cynical about cynicism
The English word
"cynic" refers to a person who distrusts the motives of others and tends to be motivated by self-interest. Many view their attitude as negative rather than positive.
In ancient times, a "
cynic" was a type of Greek philosophy, founded by Antisthenes, and marked by disdain for pleasure and worldly ease, etc. It was widespread in the 3rd century BC and was revived in the 1st century AD, about the time Christianity was moving into Greece.
Since many of their beliefs fit in with Christianity, some had trouble separating between Christian and cynic beliefs. These cynic beliefs of self-sufficiency, asceticism, isolation, work, pain, etc., later influenced monasteries and monks. Some beliefs, such as a disdain for cultural and political norms went against the teachings of Christ.
38. Study as exercise as an ascetic
Interestingly, the Latin word
"studere" ≈ "study" and is used in the Latin Vulgate in Acts 24:16.
Acts 24:16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. [kjv]
εν τουτω και αυτος ασκω απροσκοπον συνειδησιν εχειν προς τον θεον και τους ανθρωπους δια παντος [gnt]
… studeo … [v]
The ancient Greek word "ἀσκέω" ≈ "to work, exercise" and is the source of the English word "ascetic".
The last definition (four of four) of the ancient Greek word is "
practice", "
exercise", "
train" as if this definition were added from influence of how the word was later translated from the Bible.
39. German and modern Greek
40. Extra work
The danger of all three groups was not of false doctrine but had to with requiring "extra" work that was not needed. This extra work could lead to missed opportunities and could lead to someone (e.g., leadership) taking advantage of the situation for their own purposes. Thus, Paul does not want to alienate these groups by using "beware" but only "see".
This would have been "be aware" of what they are doing which, in English, narrowed over time to "beware" is in a dangerous situation.
41. Evil workers
Philippians 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. [kjv]
βλεπετε τους κυνας βλεπετε τους κακους εργατας βλεπετε την κατατομην [gnt]
videte canes … malos operarios … concisionem [v]
The ancient Greek word
"κακός" ≈ "bad, worthless, useless" but is often translated in the
GNT as "
evil". Jesus uses the word for the "
sick" as in those who are not physically or spiritually healthy (or holy).
42. Concision
Philippians 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. [kjv]
βλεπετε τους κυνας βλεπετε τους κακους εργατας βλεπετε την κατατομην [gnt]
videte canes … malos operarios … concisionem [v]
The Greek word for "
concision" is used only here in the
GNT and
LXX (Septuagint).
It could refer to those of the Jewish faith who had many extra rules (or horns) which were not necessary for the Christian faith of Jesus.
It could refer to "
circumcision" as in the following verses. The Greek word for "
beware" is that of "
see" so a negative connotation requires a context based on the meaning of the words.
43. Special knowledge
John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. [kjv]
εν τουτω γνωσονται παντες οτι εμοι μαθηται εστε εαν αγαπην εχητε εν αλληλοις [gnt]
… cognoscent … dilectionem … [v]
The ancient Greek word
"γνῶσις" ≈ "inquiry, knowledge" and is related to the English word
"knowledge" where the "
gn" and "
kn" are linguistically related. By the end of the first century, this Greek word became associated with those who claimed a "
special knowledge" of Jesus, God, etc.
Greek: gno-sis
English: know
The Latin word
"dilectio" ≈ "love" and is the source of the Latin word
"delicatus" ≈ "alluring, charming" as in the English word
"delicacy".
To
"know" is not to be
"ignorant".
44. Paul
Paul does not appear to be addressing "gnostics" in chapter 3. It is hard to start a "gnostic" movement when eyewitnesses are still alive. Any "gnostic" (false) beliefs were addressed to the leadership in chapters 1 and 2.
45. John 13:35
KJV: By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Greek: εν τουτω γνωσονται παντες οτι εμοι μαθηται εστε εαν αγαπην εχητε εν αλληλοις
Latin: in hoc cognoscent omnes quia mei discipuli estis si dilectionem habueritis ad invicem
46. Gnostic
In Christian historical terms, the name "
gnostic" is used to refer to someone who claims to have "
special" knowledge that one needs to be a Christian.
The word "gnostic" means someone who has special knowledge.
The word "agnostic" means to not know.
The gnostic ideas were not prevalent until later. Think about it. It is hard to claim that one needs special knowledge about Jesus when there were eye witnesses still alive. One would not get very far.
What was prevalent at this time were those who would claim that extra work was needed.
47. Philippians 3:2
KJV: Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
Greek: βλεπετε τους κυνας βλεπετε τους κακους εργατας βλεπετε την κατατομην
Latin: videte canes videte malos operarios videte concisionem
48. Circumcision of God
Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. [kjv]
ημεις γαρ εσμεν η περιτομη οι πνευματι θεου λατρευοντες και καυχωμενοι εν χριστω ιησου και ουκ εν σαρκι πεποιθοτες [gnt]
… circumcisio … spiritu … gloriamur … fiduciam … [v]
This "
rejoice" is of "
boasting" and is a different Greek word than used in verse 1 for "
greet". The "
circumcision" is abstract and in the spirit and not physical and in the flesh.
The ideas of Jesus are abstract of the "
spirit" first as "
faith" and then finding manifestation in the "
truth" of "
reality" as in "
works" and "
love".
49. John
50. John 14:6 Way truth and life
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [kjv]
λεγει αυτω ιησους εγω ειμι η οδος και η αληθεια και η ζωη ουδεις ερχεται προς τον πατερα ει μη δι εμου [gnt]
… via … veritas … vita … [v]
Jesus is the
"way",
"truth" and
"life".
In Latin, these three words start with "
v":
"via",
"veritas" and
"vita". The Greek and Hebrew words for
"truth" have to do with "
reality" and not "
logic" or "
opinion". Thus, Jesus is the
"way" (opinion as in glory), the
"truth" (reality as in science) and the
"life" (logic as in information).
51. John 14:6
KJV: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Greek: λεγει αυτω ο ιησους εγω ειμι η οδος και η αληθεια και η ζωη ουδεις ερχεται προς τον πατερα ει μη δι εμου
Latin: dicit ei Iesus ego sum via et veritas et vita nemo venit ad Patrem nisi per me
52. John 4:24
KJV: God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Greek: πνευμα ο θεος και τους προσκυνουντας αυτον εν πνευματι και αληθεια δει προσκυνειν
Latin: spiritus est Deus et eos qui adorant eum in spiritu et veritate oportet adorare
53. Nicodemus
In John 3, Jesus talked to Nicodemus about the "
spirit" as abstract and not physical.
John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. [kjv]
Spiritus … vult spirat … vocem … audis … Spiritu [v]
το πνευμα οπου θελει πνει και την φωνην αυτου ακουεις αλλ ουκ οιδας ποθεν ερχεται και που υπαγει ουτως εστιν πας ο γεγεννημενος εκ του πνευματος [gnt]
… spirit brethith … wole… herist … vois… spirit. [wy]
… wynde bloweth … listeth … hearest … sounde… sprete. [ty]
For some reason, in the Middle Ages, the "
spirit" became "
wind". Both Greek and Latin have a word for "
wind" but that word is not used.
54. John 3:8
KJV: The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Greek: το πνευμα οπου θελει πνει και την φωνην αυτου ακουεις αλλ ουκ οιδας ποθεν ερχεται και που υπαγει ουτως εστιν πας ο γεγεννημενος εκ του πνευματος
Latin: Spiritus ubi vult spirat et vocem eius audis sed non scis unde veniat et quo vadat sic est omnis qui natus est ex Spiritu
Wycliffe: The spirit brethith where he wole, and thou herist his vois, but thou wost not, fro whennus he cometh, ne whidir he goith; so is ech man that is borun of the spirit.
Tyndale: The wynde bloweth where he listeth and thou hearest his sounde: but canst not tell whence he cometh and whether he goeth. So is every man that is boren of the sprete.
55. Three and three
Three "
negative" aspects to "
see" or "
be aware of":
"works" of the "Cynics" (humanistic rules, spots)
"works" in general
"works" of the Jews (extra rules, horns)
Philippians 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. [kjv]
Three "
positive" aspects to "
see" or "
be aware of":
"worship God in the spirit" (not in and of the world)
"boast in Christ Jesus" (not works but faith)
"have no confidence in the flesh" (not by extra rules)
3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. [kjv]
56. Philippians 3:3
KJV: For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
Greek: ημεις γαρ εσμεν η περιτομη οι πνευματι θεω θεου λατρευοντες και καυχωμενοι εν χριστω ιησου και ουκ εν σαρκι πεποιθοτες
Latin: nos enim sumus circumcisio qui spiritu Deo servimus et gloriamur in Christo Iesu et non in carne fiduciam habentes
57. Self-confidence
Philippians 3:4 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: [kjv]
καιπερ εγω εχων πεποιθησιν και εν σαρκι ει τις δοκει αλλος πεποιθεναι εν σαρκι εγω μαλλον [gnt]
… confidentiam … carne … videtur … magis [v]
Confidence in the flesh was a part of each of the groups mentioned. The "
dogs" (ideas of the cynics), "
bad workers" (requiring works) and "
concision" (extra Jewish rules) are focused on the physical manifestations of the flesh in terms of works and extra rules of the present reality of this world.
58. More
Philippians 3:4 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: [kjv]
καιπερ εγω εχων πεποιθησιν και εν σαρκι ει τις δοκει αλλος πεποιθεναι εν σαρκι εγω μαλλον [gnt]
… confidentiam … carne … videtur … magis [v]
The ancient Greek word
"μᾶλλον" ≈ "more" and is related to the Latin word
"melior" ≈ "better".
The Latin word
"magis" ≈ "more".
59. Philippians 3:4
KJV: 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:
Greek: καιπερ εγω εχων πεποιθησιν και εν σαρκι ει τις δοκει αλλος πεποιθεναι εν σαρκι εγω μαλλον
Latin: quamquam ego habeam confidentiam et in carne si quis alius videtur confidere in carne ego magis
60. Paul and his background
Paul will then go on to list his background and qualifications in verses 5 to 13. Some people will be impressed, some will ignore it, some will resent it.
There are ways to involve others in the spirit and truth of Jesus.
Not: confrontational better than through attitude
Not: self-righteous pharisee and tax collector in Luke 18.
Yes: Churchill and the duke story
Yes: involve others, as they are, in the conspiracy
Paul is saying that all his outstanding achievements make him "
worse" than those to whom he is speaking since he expected his "
works" to save him.
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Details are left as a future topic.
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61. Trash talk
Trash talk is defined as
insulting a
rival in a
disparaging way. To make the case that Paul is trash-talking, one should notice the following.
Paul does not appear to be talking to rivals. Paul is not competing with his audience. He is trying to convince them that "works" are not the way.
Paul does not appear to be insulting his audience.
Paul does not appear to be talking in a disparaging way.
I once heard an entire sermon on these verses based on the premise that Paul is "
trash-talking" and, using some twisted logic and not properly translating some words from the Greek, that we should go out and "
trash-talk" during the week to others.
This is a case where one should "
beware" and not just "
be aware".
62. Philippians 3:1-4
Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. [kjv]
3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. [kjv]
3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. [kjv]
3:4 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: [kjv]
Review: What do these verses say and mean?
63. End of page
