King James Version

What Does Philippians 3:13 Mean?

Philippians 3:13 in the King James Version says “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and...” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,”

Philippians 3:13 · KJV

Context

11

If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

12

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15

Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before (ἀδελφοί, ἐγὼ ἐμαυτὸν οὐ λογίζομαι κατειληφέναι· ἓν δέ, τὰ μὲν ὀπίσω ἐπιλανθανόμενος τοῖς δὲ ἔμπροσθεν ἐπεκτεινόμενος, adelphoi, egō emauton ou logizomai kateilēphenai; hen de, ta men opisō epilanthanomenos tois de emprosthen epekteinomenos)—Adelphoi ("brothers") marks solemnity. Ou logizomai kateilēphenai ("I do not count myself to have apprehended") reinforces v. 12's humility. Hen de ("but one thing")—singular focus. Two participles describe this focus: epilanthanomenos ("forgetting") ta opisō ("things behind")—past achievements/failures don't define; epekteinomenos ("stretching forward") tois emprosthen ("things ahead")—like runner straining toward finish. This athletic imagery (common in Paul: 1 Cor 9:24-27; 2 Tim 4:7) pictures focused, forward-oriented pursuit. No looking back—only pressing ahead.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient athletic contests (Olympics, Isthmian games) were prominent in Greco-Roman culture. Runners trained intensely, raced naked to minimize drag, stretched toward finish line. Paul applies this to Christian life: singular focus, abandoning past, straining forward. Forgetting 'things behind' includes both pre-conversion credentials (vv. 5-6) and post-conversion achievements—neither define identity or destiny. Only Christ and His call matter (v. 14).

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'things behind' (past sins or successes) do you need to forget to press forward?
  2. How does 'one thing I do' challenge cultural multitasking and divided attention?
  3. What does 'stretching forward' (epekteinomenos) look like practically in pursuing Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ἀδελφοί1 of 16

“Brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἐγὼ2 of 16

“I”

G1473

i, me

ἐμαυτὸν3 of 16

“myself”

G1683

of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>

οὐ4 of 16

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

λογίζομαι5 of 16

“count”

G3049

to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)

κατειληφέναι·6 of 16

“to have apprehended”

G2638

to take eagerly, i.e., seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively)

ἓν7 of 16

“this one thing”

G1520

one

δὲ8 of 16

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

τὰ9 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὲν10 of 16

“those things”

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ὀπίσω11 of 16

“which are behind”

G3694

to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)

ἐπιλανθανόμενος12 of 16

“I do forgetting”

G1950

to lose out of mind; by implication, to neglect

τοῖς13 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ14 of 16

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἔμπροσθεν15 of 16

“those things which are before”

G1715

in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)

ἐπεκτεινόμενος16 of 16

“reaching forth unto”

G1901

to stretch (oneself) forward upon

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Philippians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Philippians 3:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Philippians 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 9:62Hebrews 12:1-2Philippians 3:121 Corinthians 9:24-27Psalms 27:4Philippians 3:8

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