King James Version

What Does Philippians 3:14 Mean?

Philippians 3:14 in the King James Version says “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Philippians 3:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (κατὰ σκοπὸν διώκω εἰς τὸ βραβεῖον τῆς ἄνω κλήσεως τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, kata skopon diōkō eis to brabeion tēs anō klēseōs tou theou en Christō Iēsou)—Kata skopon ("toward the mark/goal")—skopos is target/finish line. Diōkō ("I press, pursue") repeats v. 12—relentless pursuit. To brabeion ("the prize")—victor's crown in games. Tēs anō klēseōs ("of the upward calling")—anō ("upward, heavenly") indicates eschatological summons. Tou theou en Christō Iēsou ("of God in Christ Jesus")—calling originated with God, mediated through Christ. The prize isn't reward for works but fullness of salvation—glorification, resurrection-body (v. 21), Christ-likeness (1 John 3:2). Paul runs not to earn salvation but to fulfill calling already received.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Athletic victors received crowns (laurel, olive, pine) and public honor. Paul's 'prize' is imperishable crown (1 Cor 9:25)—eternal life's consummation. 'Upward calling' echoes OT prophetic summons (Isa 55:1-3) and Jesus's call to disciples (Mark 1:17). The metaphor combines athletic striving with divine calling—human effort enabled by divine grace. Greco-Roman games celebrated individual prowess; Paul runs for God's glory, not self-promotion.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is 'the prize of the upward calling'—what are you pressing toward?
  2. How does recognizing salvation as already-secured calling affect your pursuit of the prize?
  3. What distractions keep you from pressing 'toward the mark' (kata skopon) with Paul's intensity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
κατὰ1 of 14

“toward”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

σκοπὸν2 of 14

“the mark”

G4649

perhaps akin to g4626 through the idea of concealment; compare g4629); a watch (sentry or scout), i.e., (by implication) a goal

διώκω3 of 14

“I press”

G1377

compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute

ἐπὶ4 of 14

“for”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸ5 of 14
G3588

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

βραβεῖον6 of 14

“the prize”

G1017

an award (of arbitration), i.e., (specially) a prize in the public games

τῆς7 of 14
G3588

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

ἄνω8 of 14

“of the high”

G507

upward or on the top

κλήσεως9 of 14

“calling”

G2821

an invitation (figuratively)

τοῦ10 of 14
G3588

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

θεοῦ11 of 14

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐν12 of 14

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Χριστῷ13 of 14

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦ14 of 14

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

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 3:14 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 3:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 9:241 Peter 5:10Revelation 3:212 Timothy 4:7-8Romans 8:28-301 Thessalonians 2:12

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