King James Version

What Does Philippians 3:2 Mean?

Philippians 3:2 in the King James Version says “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.”

Philippians 3:2 · KJV

Context

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.

2

Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

3

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

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:

Read Philippians 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision (Βλέπετε τοὺς κύνας, βλέπετε τοὺς κακοὺς ἐργάτας, βλέπετε τὴν κατατομήν, Blepete tous kynas, blepete tous kakous ergatas, blepete tēn katatomēn)—Triple blepete ("beware, watch out for") emphasizes urgency. Kynas ("dogs") was Jewish epithet for Gentiles; Paul ironically applies it to Judaizers. Kakous ergatas ("evil workers") contrasts true gospel workers (1:22; 2:30). Katatomēn ("concision, mutilation") is wordplay on peritomē ("circumcision")—Paul reduces their ritual to mere flesh-cutting, not covenant sign.

Paul's harsh language reflects the gospel's stakes: Judaizers preached 'another gospel' (Gal 1:6-9), adding works to grace. Their teaching damned souls by obscuring Christ's sufficiency. The vehemence defends sheep from wolves (Acts 20:29). Katatomēn ridicules circumcision when divorced from faith—it becomes pagan mutilation (Lev 21:5; 1 Kgs 18:28).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Judaizers followed Paul's missionary work, teaching that faith in Christ was insufficient—Gentile believers must also observe Mosaic law, especially circumcision (Acts 15:1). The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) rejected this, but Judaizers persisted. Galatians and Philippians address this heresy. For Paul, adding law-requirements to gospel nullified grace (Gal 2:21, 5:2-4). The controversy split early Christianity.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul use such shocking language ('dogs,' 'mutilation') for Judaizing teachers?
  2. What modern errors parallel ancient Judaizing—adding requirements to faith in Christ alone?
  3. How do you distinguish legitimate spiritual discipline from legalistic 'concision' (katatomēn)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
βλέπετε1 of 10

“Beware”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

τοὺς2 of 10
G3588

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

κύνας3 of 10

“of dogs”

G2965

a dog ("hound") (literally or figuratively)

βλέπετε4 of 10

“Beware”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

τοὺς5 of 10
G3588

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

κακοὺς6 of 10

“of evil”

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

ἐργάτας7 of 10

“workers”

G2040

a toiler; figuratively, a teacher

βλέπετε8 of 10

“Beware”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

τὴν9 of 10
G3588

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

κατατομήν10 of 10

“of the concision”

G2699

a cutting down (off), i.e., mutilation (ironically)

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 3:2 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 3:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 11:13Titus 1:16Revelation 22:15Isaiah 56:10-112 Timothy 3:1-6Galatians 5:15

Test Your Knowledge

Philippians 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPhilippians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Philippians 3 with CommentaryAll Philippians ChaptersComplete Philippians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes