King James Version

What Does Philippians 3:20 Mean?

Philippians 3:20 in the King James Version says “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: conversation: or, we... — study this verse from Philippians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: conversation: or, we live or conduct ourselves as citizens of heaven, or, for obtaining heaven

Philippians 3:20 · KJV


Context

18

(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

19

Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

20

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: conversation: or, we live or conduct ourselves as citizens of heaven, or, for obtaining heaven

21

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ (ἡμῶν γὰρ τὸ πολίτευμα ἐν οὐρανοῖς ὑπάρχει, ἐξ οὗ καὶ σωτῆρα ἀπεκδεχόμεθα κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, hēmōn gar to politeuma en ouranois hyparchei, ex hou kai sōtēra apekdechometha kyrion Iēsoun Christon)—To politeuma ("citizenship, commonwealth")—believers are citizens of heaven, not earth. This is potent in Roman colony Philippi, where citizenship was prized. En ouranois hyparchei ("exists in heaven")—present reality, not future hope. Ex hou...apekdechometha ("from which we eagerly await")—apekdechomai ("wait eagerly, expect") combines anticipation and patience. Sōtēra...kyrion Iēsoun Christon ("Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ")—titles claiming deity and salvation, countering emperor-worship (Caesar was called sōtēr kai kyrios, "savior and lord").

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Historical & Cultural Context

Philippi was Roman colony (colonia) with ius Italicum—citizens enjoyed Roman law/privileges despite living far from Rome. Paul subverts this: Christians' true citizenship is heavenly; earthly cities are temporary. This is radical: Rome claimed ultimate allegiance; Paul claims heaven's. Politeuma appears in Stoic philosophy (cosmopolitanism) and Jewish texts (Philo), but Paul gives it eschatological, christological meaning. The Savior/Lord titles directly challenge Caesar's claims—only Jesus saves and rules.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing 'our citizenship is in heaven' (politeuma en ouranois) reshape earthly priorities?
  2. What does it mean to 'eagerly await' (apekdechometha) Christ's return in daily living?
  3. How does confessing Jesus as Savior and Lord challenge contemporary idolatries and false gospels?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἡμῶν1 of 15

our

G2257

of (or from) us

γὰρ2 of 15

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τὸ3 of 15
G3588

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

πολίτευμα4 of 15

conversation

G4175

a community, i.e., (abstractly) citizenship (figuratively)

ἐν5 of 15

in

G1722

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

οὐρανοῖς6 of 15

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

ὑπάρχει7 of 15

is

G5225

to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip

ἐξ8 of 15

from

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

οὗ9 of 15

whence

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ10 of 15

also

G2532

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

σωτῆρα11 of 15

the Saviour

G4990

a deliverer, i.e., god or christ

ἀπεκδεχόμεθα12 of 15

we look for

G553

to expect fully

κύριον13 of 15

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦν14 of 15

Jesus

G2424

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

Χριστόν15 of 15

Christ

G5547

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


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 3:20 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 3:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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