Philippians 3:5

Philippians 3:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;

King James Version KJV

Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

American Standard Version ASV

circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

Bible in Basic English BBE

Being given circumcision on the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in relation to the law, a Pharisee:

Free Bible Version FBV

I was circumcised on the eighth day, I'm an Israelite of the tribe of Benjamin, a true Hebrew. Regarding legal observance I'm a Pharisee;

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Circumcised the eight day, of the kinred of Israel, of the tribe of Beniamin, an Ebrewe of the Ebrewes, by the Lawe a Pharise.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

circumcision on the eighth day! of the race of Israel! of the tribe of Benjamin! a Hebrew of Hebrews! according to law a Pharisee!

World English Bible WEB

circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; with respect to the law, a Pharisee;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Being circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; according to the law, a Pharisee:

Translation for Translators T4T

I was circumcised {Someone circumcised me} when I was one week old. I am from the people of Israel. I am from the tribe of Benjamin. I am completely Hebrew in every way. While I was a member of the Pharisee sect, I strictly obeyed the laws that God gave Moses.

Plain English Version PEV

I was born into the Israel nation, and I belong to the Benjamin tribe. They did that young man operation on me when I was 8 days old, just like the Jewish law says. When I grew up, I joined the Pharisee mob, that are really strong for the Jewish law. I’m properly Jewish.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Philippians 3:5

BAB

Word Study

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Philippians 3:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK περιτομη οκταημερος εκ γενους ισραηλ φυλης βενιαμιν εβραιος εξ εβραιων κατα νομον φαρισαιος

περιτομη peritomē G4061 circumcision Noun-NSF

οκταημερος oktaēmeros G3637 eighth day Adj-NSM

εκ ek G1537 out from Prep

γενους genos G1085 family: descendant Noun-GSN

ισραηλ Israēl G2474 Israel Noun-PRI

φυλης phulē G5443 tribe Noun-GSF

βενιαμιν Beniamin G958 Benjamin Noun-PRI

εβραιος Hebraios G1445 Hebrew Adj-NSM

εξ ek G1537 out from Prep

εβραιων Hebraios G1445 Hebrew Adj-GPM

κατα kata G2596 according to Prep

νομον nomos G3551 law Noun-ASM

φαρισαιος Pharisaios G5330 Pharisee Noun-NSM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Philippians 3:5

περιτομη peritomē G4061 "circumcision" Noun-NSF

Circumcision refers to the Jewish rite of cutting, as seen in Romans 4:11 and Galatians 5:11. It can also mean the state of being circumcised or the circumcised people themselves.

Definition: περι-τομή, -ῆς, ἡ (περιτέμνω), [in LXX: Gen.17:13, Exo.4:25-26 (מוּל ni., מוּלָה), Jer.11:16 * ;] circumcision; __(a) of the rite itself : Jhn.7:22-23 Act.7:8, Rom.4:11, Gal.5:11, Php.3:5; __(b) of the state of circumcision: Rom.2:25-28 3:1, 1Co.7:19, Gal.5:6 6:15, Col.3:11; ἐν π. ὤν, Rom.4:10; __(with) by meton., π. = οἱ περιτμηθέντες, the circumcised: Rom.3:30 4:9, 12 15:8, Gal.2:7-9, Eph.2:11; οἱ ἐκ τῆς π., of Jews, Rom.4:12; of Jewish Christians, Act.11:2, Gal.2:12, Tit.1:10; οἱ ἐκ π. πιστοί, Act.10:45; οἱ ὄντες ἐκ π., Col.4:11 Metaphorical, Rom.2:29, Col.2:11, Php.3:3.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 32 NT verses. KJV: X circumcised, circumcision See also: 1 Corinthians 7:19; John 7:23; Romans 2:25.

οκταημερος oktaēmeros G3637 "eighth day" Adj-NSM

An eight-day-old person or act, like a baby boy's circumcision in the Bible, as mentioned in Philippians 3:5.

Definition: ὀκταήμερος, -ον (ὀκτώ, ἡμέρα), of the eighth day, eight days old: with dative ref., περιτομῇ., Php.3:5 (words of this class denote duration, cf. τεταρταῖος).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: the eighth day See also: Philippians 3:5.

εκ ek G1537 "out from" Prep

The preposition 'out from' shows movement or origin, like in John 6:31 and Acts 9:3. It helps us understand where people or things come from or are going.

Definition: ἐκ (ἐξ), prep. with genitive, from out of, from (see Addendum, p. 492).This entry is included here, but in the print version the entry is found on p. 492. ἐκ, before a vowel ἐξ, prep. with genitive, of motion outwards, separation from (opposite to εἰς; = Lat. e, ex), from out of, from among, from. __I. Of Place, __1. of motion, out of, forth from, off from: Jhn.6:31, Act.9:3, Gal.1:8, al.; esp. after verbs of motion, Mat.8:28 17:9, Mrk.1:25 7:28, Jhn.1:33 20:1, Act.12:7, 17 27:30, al.; constr. praeg., σώζειν (διας) ἐκ, Ju 5, Act.28:4. Metaphorical, Mat.7:4, 5, 1Pe.2:9; ἐκ τ. χειρός (-ῶν), before genitive of person(s), Luk.1:74, Jhn.10:28, 29, 39, Act.12:4 24:7, Rev.19:2; πίνειν (which see) ἐκ; of the place from which an action proceeds, Luk.5:3 (cf. 12:36, Jhn.13:4, 2Co.2:4). __2. Of change from one place or condition to another: Jhn.8:42, Rom.6:13 13:11, Rev.7:14, al.; with ellips. of verb of motion, 2Ti.2:26, 2Pe.2:21, Rev.2:21, al. __3. Of separation or distinction from a number, before collective or pl. nouns: Mat.13:47, 49, Jhn.12:1, Act.3:15, 1Pe.1:3, al.; after εἷς, Mat.10:29 Luk.17:15, al.; οὐδείς, Jhn.7:19, al.; πολλοί, Jhn.11:19, al.; τις, Luk.11:15, al.; τίς, Mat.6:27, al.; in partitive phrase as subject of sentence, Jhn.16:17; Hebraistically, ἐκ μέσου before genitive, = ἐκ (Heb. מִתּוֹךְ), Mat.13:49, al. __4. Of position or direction (so in cl. = ἔξω): ἐκ δεξιῶν (see: δεξιός); ἐξ ἐναντίας, Mrk.15:39 (metaphorically, Tit.2:8); ἐκ ῥιζῶν (i.e., utterly), Mat.11:20. __II. Of Time, __1. of the point of time from which, from, since: ἐκ γενετῆς, Jhn.9:1, cf. Mrk.10:20, Luk.23:8, Act.24:10, al. __2. Of succession in time: ἐκ δευτέρου, a second time, Mrk.14:72, al., cf. Mat.26:44; ἡμέραν ἐξ ἡμέρας, from day to day, 2Pe.2:8. __III. Of Origin, __1. of nativity, lineage, race: κοίτην (ἐν γαστρί) ἔχειν, Rom.9:10, Mat.1:18; γεννᾶν ἐκ, Mat.1:3ff.; γεννᾶσθαι (γίνεσθαι) ἐκ, Jhn.3:6 8:41, Gal.4:4; ἐκ πνεύματος (θεοῦ), Jhn.1:13 3:5ff., al. ἔρχεσθαι, εἶναι, etc., ἐκ τ. πολέως, Jhn.1:44; φυλῆς, Luk.2:36, al.; τ. ἐξουσίας Ἡρῴδου, Luk.23:7; ὁ ὢν ἐκ τ. γῆς, Jhn.3:31. __2. Of the author, occasion or source: Mat.5:37, Jhn.2:16, Rom.2:29, 1Co.8:6, Gal.5:8, al.; ἐκ (τ. θεοῦ, 1Co.7:7, 2Co.5:1, 1Jn.4:7; ἐκ τ. πατρός, Jhn.6:65, al.; ἐκ τ. γῆς ἐστιν, λαλεῖ, Jhn.3:31; εκ καρδίας, Rom.6:17, cf. Mrk.12:30, 1Ti.1:5; ἐκ ψυχῆς, Eph.6:6, Col.3:23; ἐκ πίστεως, Rom.14:23; κρίνειν ἐκ, Luk.19:22, Rev.20:12. __3. Of the agent, after passive verbs: Mat.15:5, Mrk.7:11, 2Co.2:2, al.; frequently in Re after αδικεῖσθαι (2:11), etc. __4. Of cause, dependence, source of supply: τ. πόνου (των), Rev.16:10, 11; τ. φωνῶν, Rev.8:13; ἐκ τούτου, Jhn.6:66 19:12 (but see Meyer, in ll.); ἐκ θεοῦ λαλεῖν, 2Co.2:17; ἐκ τ. ἀληθείας, Jhn.18:37, 1Jn.3:19; ὁ ἐκ πίστεως, Rom.3:26 4:16; οἱ (ὄντες) ἐκ περιτομῆς, Act.11:2, Rom.4:12, Gal.2:12, Col.4:11; πίνειν ἐκ, Mat.26:29, Mrk.14:25, Jhn.4:13, al.; θερίζειν, Gal.6:8; μετέχειν ἐκ (= partit. genitive), 1Co.10:13; with inf., ἐκ τοῦ ἔχειν, 2Co.8:11. __5. Of material: Mat.27:29, Jhn.2:15 19:2, Rom.9:21, 1Co.11:12, Rev.18:12, al.; allied to which is its use of price (= cl. genitive): Mat.27:7, cf. ib. 20:2, Act.1:18. __IV. By attraction = ἐν (cl.): τὰ ἐκ τ. οἰκιας, Mat.24:17; τ. ἐξ αὐτοῦ δύναμιν, Mrk.5:30 (see Field, in l.); ὁ πατὴρ ὁ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, Luk.11:13. __V. Adverbial phrases: ἐξ ἀνάγκης, 2Co.9:7, Heb.7:12; ἐξ ἰσότητος, 2Co.8:13; ἐκ μέρους, 1Co.12:27 13:9-12; ἐκ μέτρου, Jhn.3:34; ἐκ συμφώνου, 1Co.7:5. __VI. in composition, ἐκ signifies, __1. procession, removal: ἐκβαίνω, ἐκβάλλω. __2. Opening out, unfolding: ἐκτείνω; metaphorically, ἐξαγγάλλω. __3. Origin: ἔκγονος. __4. Completeness: ἐξαπορέω (see M, Pr., 237), ἐκπληρόω, ἐκτελέω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 753 NT verses. KJV: after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; 3 John 1:11; 1 Peter 1:3.

γενους genos G1085 "family: descendant" Noun-GSN

This word refers to family, descendants, or a nation. In Acts 4:6 and 7:13, it describes a person's family or ancestry. It can also mean a specific group or kind of people.

Definition: γένος, -ους, τό (γίγνομαι), [in LXX for עַם, מִין, זֶרַע, etc. ;] __1. family: Act.4:6 7:13 13:26. __2. offspring: Act.17:28, 29 Rev.22:16. __3. race, nation; Mrk.7:28, Act.4:36 7:19 18:2, 24, 2Co.11:26, Php.3:5, Gal.1:14, 1Pe.2:9. __4. kind, sort, class: Mat.13:47 17:21, Rec., Mrk.9:29, 1Co.12:10, 28 14:10.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: born, country(-man), diversity, generation, kind(-red), nation, offspring, stock See also: 1 Corinthians 12:10; Acts 17:28; 1 Peter 2:9.

ισραηλ Israēl G2474 "Israel" Noun-PRI

Refers to Israel, the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants, as seen in Matthew 2:6 and Acts 7:42.

Definition: Ἰσραήλ (FlJ, Ἰσράηλος, -ου), ὁ indecl. (Heb. יִשְׂרָאֵל, Gen.32:28), Israel: ὁ οἶκος Ἰ., Act.7:42 (LXX), al.; λαός, Act.4:10; υὁοί, Act.5:21, al.; αἱ φυλαὶ τοῦ Ἰ., Mat.19:28, al. By meton., for the Israelites, Mat.2:6, Luk.1:54, Rom.11:2, al.; ὁ λαὸς Ἰ., Act.4:10; γῆ Ἰ., Mat.2:20-21; βασιλεὺς Ἰ., Mat.27:42, Jhn.1:50; ἡ ἐλπὶς τοῦ Ἰ., Act.28:20; ὁ Ἰ. τοῦ θεοῦ (of Christians), Gal.6:16; ὁ Ἰ. κατὰ σάρκα, 1Co.10:18 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 67 NT verses. KJV: Israel See also: 1 Corinthians 10:18; Luke 2:34; Hebrews 8:8.

φυλης phulē G5443 "tribe" Noun-GSF

A tribe or clan, like the tribes of Israel in Matthew 19:28 and Romans 11:1.

Definition: φυλή, ῆς, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for; מַטֶּה, also for שֵׁבֶט, מִשְׁפָּחָה, etc. ;] a body of men united by kinship or habitation, a clan or tribe: of the tribes of Israel, Mat.19:28, Luk.2:36 22:30, Act.13:21, Rom.11:1, Php.3:5, Heb.7:13-14, Jas.1:1, Rev.5:5 7:4-8 21:12; of the tribes of the earth, the peoples and nations, Mat.24:30, Rev.1:7 5:9 7:9 11:9 13:7 14:6.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 23 NT verses. KJV: kindred, tribe See also: Acts 13:21; Revelation 5:9; Hebrews 7:13.

βενιαμιν Beniamin G958 "Benjamin" Noun-PRI

Benjamin was an Israelite, and this word refers to him or his tribe. It appears in Acts 13:21 and Romans 11:1, highlighting his significance in biblical history. The name is of Hebrew origin.

Definition: Βενιαμίν, (Rec. -μίν), ὁ, indecl. (Heb. בֶּנְיָמִין), Benjamin: Act.13:21, Rom.11:1, Php.3:5, Rev.7:8.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: Benjamin See also: Acts 13:21; Revelation 7:8; Romans 11:1.

εβραιος Hebraios G1445 "Hebrew" Adj-NSM

This term refers to a Hebrew or Jew, often used in the Old Testament to distinguish Israelites from other races. In the New Testament, it describes a Jew who has adopted Greek culture and language.

Definition: Ἑβραῖος (WH, Ἐβ-), -α, -ον (Aram, עִבְרַי), as subst., ὁ Ἑ., [in LXX for עֵבֶר, עִבְרִי ;] a Hebrew. __1. In OT, of Israelites in contrast with those of another race (Gen.14:13, Exo.1:15, Deu.15:12, al.). __2. In NT as the correlative of Ἑλληνιστής, a Jew who had adopted, in greater or less degree, Greek culture and Greek language. The distinction was not merely linguistic (DB, ii, 325); as far as it was so, Συριστής would be a more correct Greek term for the Jew of Semitic speech (see: Ἑβραΐς, and cf. Dalman, Words, 7): Act.6:1, 2Co.11:22, Php.3:5.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: Hebrew See also: 2 Corinthians 11:22; Acts 6:1; Philippians 3:5.

εξ ek G1537 "out from" Prep

The preposition 'out from' shows movement or origin, like in John 6:31 and Acts 9:3. It helps us understand where people or things come from or are going.

εβραιων Hebraios G1445 "Hebrew" Adj-GPM

This term refers to a Hebrew or Jew, often used in the Old Testament to distinguish Israelites from other races. In the New Testament, it describes a Jew who has adopted Greek culture and language.

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: Hebrew See also: 2 Corinthians 11:22; Acts 6:1; Philippians 3:5.

κατα kata G2596 "according to" Prep

According to means following or matching something. In the Bible, it's used to talk about things happening in line with God's plan or will, like in Matthew 8:32 and Mark 5:13.

Definition: κατά (bef. a vowel κατ᾽, καθ᾽; on the frequently neglect of elision, see Tdf., Pr., 95; WH, App., 146a), prep. with genitive, accusative, down, downwards. __I. C. genitive (WM, §47, k; Bl., §42, 2). __1. C. genitive of thing(s), in local sense; __(a) down, down from: Mat.8:32, Mrk.5:13, Luk.8:33, 1Co.11:4; __(b) throughout (late usage; Bl, l.with): κ. ὅλης κ.τ.λ., Luk.4:14 23:5, Act.9:31 10:37; __(with) in a peculiar adjectival phrase: ἡ κ. βάθους, deep or extreme poverty, 2Co.8:2. __ __2. C. genitive of person(s), usually in hostile sense; __(a) against (in cl. only after verbs of speaking, witnessing, etc.): opposite to ὑπέρ, Mrk.9:40; μετά, Mat.12:30; after ἐπιθυμεῖν, Gal.5:17; λαλεῖν, Act.6:13; διδάσκειν, Act.21:28; ψεύδεσθαι, Jas.3:14; after verbs of accusing, etc., Mat.5:23, Luk.23:14, Rom.8:33, al.; verbs of fighting, prevailing, etc., Mat.10:35, Act.14:2, 1Co.4:6, al.; __(b) of swearing, by: όμνυμι κ. (BL, §34, 1), He 6:13,16, cf. Mat.26:63. __II. C. accusative (WM, §49d; BL, §42, 2). __1. Of motion or direction; __(a) through, throughout: Luk.8:39 9:6 10:4, Act.8:1, 36 al.; __(b) to, towards, over against: Luk.10:32 (Field, Notes, 62), Act.2:1o 16:7, Gal.2:11, Php.3:14, al.; __ __(with) in adverbial phrases, at, in, by, of: κατ᾽ οἶκον, at home, Act.2:46; κατ᾽ ἰδίαν (see: ἴδιος); καθ᾽ ἑαυτόν, Act.28:16, Rom.14:22, Jas.2:17; with pron. of person(s), Act.17:28 18:15, Rom.1:15, Eph.1:15, al. __2. Of time, at, during, about: Act.8:26 12:1 19:23, Rom.9:9 Heb.1:10, al. __3. Distributive; __(a) of place: κ. τόποὐς, Mat.24:7, al.; κ. πόλιν, Luk.8:1, 4 al.; κ. ἐκκλησίαν, Act.14:23. __(b) of time: κ. ἔτος, Luk.2:41; ἑορτήν, Mat.27:15, al.; __(with) of numbers, etc.: καθ᾽ ἕνα πάντες, 1Co.14:31 (on καθ᾽ εἷς, see: εἷς); κ. ἑκατόν, Mrk.6:40; κ. μέρος, Heb.9:5; κ. ὄνομα, Jhn.10:3. __4. Of fitness, reference, conformity, etc.; __(a) in relation to, concerning: Rom.1:3, 4 7:22 9:3, 5, 1Co.12:6 10:18, Php.1:12; κ. πάντα, Act.17:22, Col.3:20, 22 Heb.2:17 4:15; __(b) according to, after, like: Mrk.7:5, Luk.2:27, 29 Jhn.7:24 Rom.8:4 14:15, Eph.2:2, Col.2:8, Jas.2:8, al. __III. In composition, κ. denotes, __1. down, down from (καταβαίνω), etc.), hence, metaphorically; __(a) victory or rule over (καταδουλόω, -κυριεύω, etc.); __(b) "perfective" action (M, Pr., 111ff.). __2. under (κατακαλύπτω), etc.). __3. in succession (καθεξῆς). __4. after, behind (καταλείπω). __5. Hostility, against (καταλαλέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 435 NT verses. KJV: about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Acts 10:37; 1 Peter 1:2.

νομον nomos G3551 "law" Noun-ASM

The Greek word for law, referring to a set of rules or regulations, such as Moses' law or the law of Christ in Galatians 6:2.

Definition: νόμος, -ου, ὁ (νέμω, to deal out, distribute), [in LXX chiefly for תּוֹרָה, also for חֻקָּה, etc. ;] that which is assigned, hence, usage, custom, then law; in NT (only in Mt, Jo, Ja, and the Lucan and Pauline bks.); __1. of law in general: Rom.3:27 5:13b; pl., of divine laws, Heb.8:10 10:16; ὁ ν. τ. Χριστοῦ, Gal.6:2; (τ.) ἐλευθερίας, Jas.1:25 2:12; βασιλικιός (Hort., in l.; Deiss., LAE, 267:3), Jas.2:8. __2. Of a force or influence impelling to action: Rom.7:21, 23a, 25 8:2. __3. Of the Mosaic law: Mat.5:18, Luk.2:27, Jhn.1:17, Act.6:13, Rom.2:15, 1Co.9:8, 1Ti.1:8, Heb.7:19; al.; Μωυσέως, Luk.2:22, Jhn.7:23, Act.15:5, al.; κυρίου, Luk.2:39; κατὰ τὸν ν., Act.22:12, Heb.7:5 9:22. __4. As printed, Abbott-Smith mistakenly numbers this as 3.Anarthrous (Bl, §46, 8; ICC on Rom.2:12, 13), νόμος, __(a) of law in general: Rom.2:12, 14b 3:20, 21 4:15, al.; __(b) of the Mosaic law in its quality as law: Rom.2:14a 5:20 10:4, Gal.2:19, al.; οἱ ἐκ ν., Rom.4:14; ὑπὸ νόμον, 1Co.9:20, Gal.4:5; ν. πράσσειν (πληροῦν), Rom.2:25 13:8. __5. Of Christian teaching: ν. πίστεως, Rom.3:27; τ. Χριστοῦ, Gal.6:2. __6. By meton., of the books which contain the law; __(a) of the Pentateuch: Mat.12:5, Jhn.1:45, al.; ὁ ν. καὶ οἱ προφῆται, Mat.5:17, Luk.16:16, al.; ὁ ν. καὶ προφῆται κ. ψαλμοί, Luk.24:44. __(b) of the OT Scriptures in general (as Heb. תּוֹרָה): Jhn.10:34 12:34 15:25, 1Co.14:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 157 NT verses. KJV: law See also: 1 Corinthians 7:39; John 7:51; Hebrews 7:5.

φαρισαιος Pharisaios G5330 "Pharisee" Noun-NSM

A Pharisee was a member of a Jewish sect that followed strict religious rules, often mentioned in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 23:26 and Philippians 3:5.

Definition: Φαρισαῖος, -ου, ὁ (Aram. פְּרִישָׁא; see Dalman, Gr., 157.n, Words, 2.n), a Pharisee: Mat.23:26, Php.3:5; usually in pl., Mat.9:11, Mrk.2:18, al.; Φ. κ. γραμματεῖς, Mat.5:20, Mrk.2:16, Luk.5:21, al.; Φ. κ. Σαδδυκαῖοι, Mat.16:1, Act.23:6, 7 al.; ἀρχιερεῖς, Mat.21:45, Jhn.7:32, al. (see DB, iii, 826b). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 96 NT verses. KJV: Pharisee See also: Acts 5:34; Luke 16:14; Philippians 3:5.

Study Notes — Philippians 3:5

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Adam Clarke's Commentary on Philippians 3:5
Cambridge Bible on Philippians 3:5
Barnes' Notes on Philippians 3:5
Whedon's Commentary on Philippians 3:5
Sermons on Philippians 3:5

Context — Righteousness through Faith in Christ

3For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more:

5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;

6as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless. 7But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Corinthians 11:22	Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.
2	Romans 11:1	I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.
3	Acts 23:6	Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”
4	Acts 26:4–5	Surely all the Jews know how I have lived from the earliest days of my youth, among my own people and in Jerusalem. They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion.
5	Acts 22:3	“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I am just as zealous for God as any of you here today.
6	Genesis 17:12	Generation after generation, every male must be circumcised when he is eight days old, including those born in your household and those purchased from a foreigner—even those who are not your offspring.
7	John 7:21–24	Jesus answered them, “I did one miracle, and you are all amazed. But because Moses gave you circumcision, you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath (not that it is from Moses, but from the patriarchs.) If a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses will not be broken, why are you angry with Me for making the whole man well on the Sabbath? Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.”
8	Luke 2:21	When the eight days until His circumcision had passed, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He had been conceived.
9	Luke 1:59	On the eighth day, when they came to circumcise the child, they were going to name him after his father Zechariah.
10	Jonah 1:9	“I am a Hebrew,” replied Jonah. “I worship the LORD, the God of the heavens, who made the sea and the dry land.”

Philippians 3:5 Summary

In Philippians 3:5, the Apostle Paul is listing his impressive credentials as a Jew and a Pharisee, including being circumcised on the eighth day and being a 'Hebrew of Hebrews'. However, as he explains in the next verses, these earthly accomplishments mean nothing compared to knowing Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:7-8). This verse reminds us that our true identity and worth come from our relationship with God, not from our heritage or achievements (see also Romans 3:28 and Galatians 2:20). As we reflect on Paul's words, we can ask ourselves what things we are relying on for our sense of identity and worth, and how we can learn to trust in Christ alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of being circumcised on the eighth day?

In the Bible, circumcision on the eighth day was a sign of God's covenant with the Israelites, as seen in Genesis 17:12 and Leviticus 12:3, and it symbolized a person's belonging to God's people.

What does it mean to be a 'Hebrew of Hebrews'?

To be a 'Hebrew of Hebrews' means to be a true and pure descendant of the Hebrew people, with a strong cultural and religious heritage, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11:22 where the Apostle Paul also claims this heritage.

What was a Pharisee in the context of the New Testament?

A Pharisee was a member of a strict Jewish sect that adhered closely to the law of Moses and the traditions of the elders, as mentioned in Matthew 23:1-36, where Jesus teaches about the Pharisees' emphasis on outward righteousness.

How does the Apostle Paul's background relate to his message in Philippians 3:5?

The Apostle Paul's background as a Pharisee and a Hebrew of Hebrews shows that he had a strong foundation in the Jewish law and traditions, but he is now emphasizing his new identity in Christ, as seen in Galatians 2:20 where he says 'I have been crucified with Christ'.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I, like the Apostle Paul, may be relying on my own heritage or accomplishments for my sense of identity and worth?
How can I, like Paul, learn to count my earthly accomplishments as 'loss' for the sake of knowing Christ, as mentioned in Philippians 3:7?
What does it mean for me to be 'in Christ' and how does that change my understanding of my own identity and purpose?
In what ways can I, like Paul, use my own background and experiences to share the message of the Gospel with others, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23?

Gill's Exposition on Philippians 3:5

Circumcised the eighth day,.... Circumcision was an appointment of God to Abraham, and his male issue; to him and them God gave the covenant of circumcision: this to Abraham personally was a sign and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Philippians 3:5

Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; In three particulars he 'might have confidence in the flesh:'

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Philippians 3:5

Circumcised the eighth day; or, there was, or I had, the eighth day circumcision; so it may by a usual supply of the verb be read, (as also what follows), without a metonymy. He begins with his birth privilege, intimating that he was not proselyted, but born within the pale of the church, and dedicated to God under the seal of the covenant at the day of God’ s appointment, . Of the stock of Israel; not sprung from ethnic parents, not an Ishmaelite, or Edomite, but a genuine Israelite, . Of the tribe of Benjamin; of that more honest division where the temple stood, , of the tribe of Benjamin, the son of beloved Rachel, and his father’ s darling, ; under God’ s special protection, , forward in the reformation, . An Hebrew of the Hebrews; a true descendant by Jacob from Abraham the father of the faithful, called an Hebrew, (Eber joined not in building Babel), ,25 14:13 ; signifying that he was of the truly ancient lineage which retained the Hebrew tongue, ,39 Acts 22:2 . As touching the law, a Pharisee; by religion and stricter observation of the law, according to the prescript most in vogue, of that sect which for learning, knowledge of the Scripture, and reputation for holiness, was the most eminent, ; yea, and his father was of this order before him, .

Trapp's Commentary on Philippians 3:5

5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Ver. 5. A Hebrew of the Hebrews] That is, by both father’ s and mother’ s side. Some think that hereby he argueth the ancientness of his stock and lineage, as being continued from Abraham, called the Hebrew; or from Eber. (Dr Airay.) Sed genus et proavos, &c. Of some ancient families it may be said as of some books, that they are adorandae rubiginis, of more antiquity than authority or respect.

Ellicott's Commentary on Philippians 3:5

(5, 6) The comparison with the celebrated passage in 2 Corinthians 11:18-23 is striking, in respect not only of similarity of substance, but of the change of tone from the indignant and impassioned abruptness of the earlier Epistle to the calm impressiveness of this. The first belongs to the crisis of the struggle, the other to its close. We have also a parallel, though less complete, in Romans 11:1, “I also am an Israelite, of the stock of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Philippians 3:5

Verse 5. Circumcised the eighth day] This was the time that the law required the males to be circumcised; and we find, from Genesis 17:14, both in the Samaritan Pentateuch and in the Septuagint, though the clause is now lost out of the common Hebrew text, that the male child, which is not circumcised the eighth day, shall be cut off from among his people: this precept was literally observed in the case of St. Paul. Of the stock of Israel] Regularly descended from the patriarch Jacob. Of the tribe of Benjamin] The most favourite son of that patriarch and a tribe that did not revolt with Jeroboam, 1 Kings 12:21, nor pollute the worship of God by idolatry. A Hebrew of the Hebrews] Though born in a heathen country, Tarsus, yet both my parents were Hebrews; nor has there ever been any strange blood mixed with that of our family. Touching the law, a Pharisee] One that not only received the law and the prophets as coming from God; but belonged to that sect which, of all others, was most scrupulously attached to it.

Cambridge Bible on Philippians 3:5

5. Circumcised &c.] Quite lit., “as to circumcision, eight days old.” See Genesis 17:12; Luke 2:21. He was neither a proselyte, circumcised as an adult, nor an Ishmaelite, circumcised (as Josephus tells us, Antiquities, xii. i. § 2; see Genesis 17:25) at thirteen, but a member of the covenant from infancy.Israel] The name may refer here either to the original and individual Israel, Jacob (Genesis 32:28 &c.), or to the collective Israel, the chosen nation. The former is more likely, in view of the next clause, and would besides be the more vivid and emphatic reference; “one of the race descended from God’s Prince.”The words Israel, Israelite, indicate specially the sacred privileges and dignity of the Covenant People as such; see Trench, N.T. Synonyms, § xxxix., and Lightfoot, on Galatians 6:16. Cp. Romans 9:4; Romans 11:1; 2 Corinthians 11:22; Ephesians 2:12; and see John 1:47; John 1:49.Benjamin] So he had previously said, Romans 11:1. See Acts 13:21 for another mention by St Paul of his tribe, though in another connexion. He names his tribe, not only to emphasize his nationality, but no doubt because the Benjamites, descendants of the last and much loved son of Jacob, had given the nation its first lawful king (whose name the Apostle bore), and had with Judah remained “faithful among the faithless” at the great Disruption (1 Kings 12:21). Ehud early in O.T. history (Judges 3), and Mordecai late (Esther 2:5), were Benjamites. It is interesting to trace in St Paul’s character some of the characteristics of this small but remarkable tribe; stern courage and persistent fidelity. But certainly it was something better than Benjamite “obstinacy and persistency” (Smith’s Bible Dict., s.v. Benjamin) which made him resist the entreaties of the disciples and avow himself ready to die for the Lord (Acts 21:12-13).—See further, Conybeare and Howson, Life &c. of St Paul, ch. 2.a Hebrew of the Hebrews] With R.V., omit “the.” Cp. again 2 Corinthians 11:22. The words mean that he was a Hebrew and of Hebrew lineage.—What is a “Hebrew” in N.T. phraseology? In O.T. the word is the distinctive national term, as against other national terms, as Egyptian, Philistine &c.; and is thus the term by which a heathen would designate an Israelite. By the N.T. era its bearing had changed, and in the N.T. (not in later Christian writers, or in Jewish and pagan writers,) it designates the Jew who retained, more or less fully, his national language and manners, as against the “Hellenist” who habitually spoke Greek and largely conformed to Gentile customs. See Acts 6:1. The “Hebrew” would thus naturally regard himself as one of the élite of his race, from the historical and traditional point of view. See further, Trench, as quoted just above on “Israel,” and Conybeare and Howson, ch. 2.the law] Lit., “law”; but here, as often, the article is omitted because not needed before a word defined by use or context. Obviously the Mosaic ordinances are mainly intended.a Pharisee] So he declares himself Acts 23:6; Acts 26:5. And see Acts 22:3; Galatians 1:14.

Barnes' Notes on Philippians 3:5

Circumcised the eighth day - That is, he was circumcised in exact compliance with the law. If there was any ground confidence from such compliance with the law, he had it.

Whedon's Commentary on Philippians 3:5

5. Circumcised the eighth day—So a born Jew, and not a proselyte circumcised in adult years, or, like Ishmael, after the age of thirteen. Stock of Israel—Of the true theocratic race, and no son of proselytes.

Sermons on Philippians 3:5

	Sermon	Description
	Scars That Speak by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on two verses from Galatians chapter 6, specifically verses 14 and 17. The speaker emphasizes that Paul saw that God had done everything in Jesu
	The Priesthood of Melchizedek by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the spiritual application of Old Testament events to grasp New Testament truths better. It delves into the significance of Je
	The Need of the Hour - Specific Ministry by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the urgent need for men of vision and courage within the Church, highlighting that true vision comes from divine illumination by the Holy Spirit regardi
	The Making of a Minister by Eli Brayley	Eli Brayley preaches about the true qualifications of a minister of the gospel, emphasizing that it is not based on human achievements or outward appearances, but on being chosen a
	Being More Exceedingly Zealous of the Traditions of My Fathers. by Martin Luther	Martin Luther speaks about his past life as a zealous follower of the Mosaic Law and the papistical laws and traditions of the fathers, striving to uphold them with great fervor an
	How Do I Find the Strength of Christ? by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing a powerful and clean movie that can be enjoyed by families without any discomfort. He emphasizes the importance of supporting filmm
	Fame, or Rejection and Persecution by Miki Hardy	Miki Hardy preaches about the challenges and opposition faced by those who preach the true message of the Gospel, emphasizing the need for Christians to embrace the message of the