King James Version

What Does Philippians 3:15 Mean?

Philippians 3:15 in the King James Version says “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal ev...” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Philippians 3:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (Ὅσοι οὖν τέλειοι, τοῦτο φρονῶμεν· καὶ εἴ τι ἑτέρως φρονεῖτε, καὶ τοῦτο ὁ θεὸς ὑμῖν ἀποκαλύψει, Hosoi oun teleioi, touto phronōmen; kai ei ti heterōs phroneite, kai touto ho theos hymin apokalypsei)—Teleioi ("perfect, mature") seems paradoxical after v. 12 ("not already perfect"). Resolution: teleioi here means spiritually mature, not sinlessly perfect. Mature believers recognize they haven't arrived (v. 12) and press forward (vv. 13-14). Touto phronōmen ("let us think this")—adopt this mindset. Ei ti heterōs phroneite ("if you think differently")—Paul allows for disagreement but trusts ho theos...apokalypsei ("God will reveal")—divine illumination corrects error. This balances strong conviction with gracious patience toward those at different maturity stages.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient philosophers debated perfection's attainability. Stoics claimed sages achieved perfection; Skeptics denied knowability of truth. Paul's middle way: maturity recognizes imperfection and pursues growth. 'God shall reveal' trusts Spirit's illuminating work (John 16:13; 1 Cor 2:10-12). Early church had diverse maturity levels; Paul calls for unity in pursuit while allowing Spirit to correct misunderstandings over time.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you be 'perfect' (teleios—mature) while acknowledging you haven't 'already attained' (v. 12)?
  2. What theological or practical issues might require waiting for God to 'reveal' clarity?
  3. How do you balance strong conviction with gracious patience toward less mature believers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Ὅσοι1 of 16

“as many as”

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

οὖν2 of 16

“us therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τέλειοι3 of 16

“be perfect”

G5046

complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness

τοῦτο4 of 16

“this”

G5124

that thing

φρονεῖτε5 of 16

“Let”

G5426

to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d

καὶ6 of 16

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἴ7 of 16
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τι8 of 16
G5100

some or any person or object

ἑτέρως9 of 16

“otherwise”

G2088

differently

φρονεῖτε10 of 16

“Let”

G5426

to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d

καὶ11 of 16

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοῦτο12 of 16

“this”

G5124

that thing

ὁ13 of 16
G3588

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

θεὸς14 of 16

“God”

G2316

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

ὑμῖν15 of 16

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἀποκαλύψει·16 of 16

“shall reveal”

G601

to take off the cover, i.e., disclose

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 3:15 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 3:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 7:17Proverbs 2:3-6James 1:4-5Galatians 5:101 Corinthians 2:6Colossians 4:12

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