Philippians 3:15-17 towards the mark

After putting the "works" that he had done "against" Christ behind him, Paul talks about moving forward, as usual, with double-meanings.

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. [kjv]

3:15 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. [kjv]

3:16 Nevertheless, where to we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. [kjv]

The Greek for "prize" is the word for the prize at the Olympics.

The only running in Philippians is in 2:16.

Philippians 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. [kjv]

λογον ζωης επεχοντες εις καυχημα εμοι εις ημεραν χριστου οτι ουκ εις κενον εδραμον ουδε εις κενον εκοπιασα [gnt]

In ancient times, the Corinth games were second only to the Olympic games. Paul uses the running a race analogy.

1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. [kjv]

ουκ οιδατε οτι οι εν σταδιω τρεχοντες παντες μεν τρεχουσιν εις δε λαμβανει το βραβειον ουτως τρεχετε ινα καταλαβητε [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "τρέχω" ≈ "run" as in a race and the English word "trek" and as the name of the bicycle company "Trek" or the "trek" in "Star Trek". This word is related to "δρόμος" ≈ "run" and is part of the English words "palindrome", "syndrome" and "dromedary" as in a "camel".

More: Philippians 2:16-18 rejoicing

Philippians 2:16

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KJV: Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Greek: λογον ζωης επεχοντες εις καυχημα εμοι εις ημεραν χριστου οτι ουκ εις κενον εδραμον ουδε εις κενον εκοπιασα

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. [kjv]

κατα σκοπον διωκω εις το βραβειον της ανω κλησεως του θεου εν χριστω ιησου [gnt]

The KJV (King James Version) translates as "press" the ancient Greek word "διώκω" ≈ "pursue" in the sense of "going after" or, in context, "persecuting".

Saying: One person's "terrorist" is another person's "freedom fighter".
Analogy: Star Wars and Luke Skywalker.

Could Paul be hinting that he is now "persecuting" the "bishops", as false teachers, by pointing out the "truth" for the "high calling" of "Christ"?

Philippians 3:6

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KJV: Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Greek: κατα ζηλον ζηλος διωκων την εκκλησιαν κατα δικαιοσυνην την εν νομω γενομενος αμεμπτος

The ancient Greek word "διώκω" ≈ "pursue" in the sense of "going after" or, in context, "persecuting". The Greek word "blameless" is "without spots".

Philippians 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. [kjv]

κατα ζηλος διωκων την εκκλησιαν κατα δικαιοσυνην την εν νομω γενομενος αμεμπτος [gnt]

Paul was "pursuing" in the wrong direction in a "physical" way according to man's "righteousness". The Greek for "zeal" is that of "competing with others for the same goal".

Paul is now "pursuing" (same word) in the right direction in a "non-physical" way.

3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. [kjv]

κατα σκοπον διωκω εις το βραβειον της ανω κλησεως του θεου εν χριστω ιησου [gnt]

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. [kjv]

κατα σκοπον διωκω εις το βραβειον της ανω κλησεως του θεου εν χριστω ιησου [gnt]

The Greek for "mark" is that of "scope" and is used by Paul to make allusions to the bishops whose title includes the word "scope".

The ancient Greek word "ἐπίσκοπος" ≈ "oversee, visit" and become the Christian "bishop". A "bishop" as a "sheep dog" can be contrasted with a "wolf dog".

Thus a "bishop" is someone whose "purpose" or "objective" is "over" something - such as a church or group of churches. The "Episcopal" church from 1752 is governed by bishops.

Progression: "e-pi-sko-pos" to "pi-sko-pos" to "bi-skop" to "bi-shop" .

German pun: Refer to the "Bischof" as a "Biss Schaf" (sheep that bites)

More: Sheep dogs and wolf dogs

More: 1 Timothy 3:1 Desire to reach out to be a bishop

The ancient Greek word "ἐπίσκοπος" ≈ "oversee, visit" and become the Christian "bishop".

The ancient Greek word "επι" ≈ "on, over" as in the English word "epicenter".
The ancient Greek word "σκοπός" ≈ "watcher, target" and is the source of the English word "scope".

Paul uses the Greek word for "scope" (and related words) often in the book of Philippians where he takes the "bishops" (church leadership) to task.

More: Philippians

More: Sheep dogs and wolf dogs

More: 1 Timothy 3:1 Desire to reach out to be a bishop

The root «βραβει» as prize appears to have some connection to the prizes that were awarded for athletic performances such as the Olympic games - originated and popular in ancient Greece. It appears to have the sense of "elevated" is in elevating the event winners.

Since the word appears to be pre-Greek in origin, some thing the Olympics were an event before the Greeks.

Keep your eyes on the prize.

1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. [kjv]

ουκ οιδατε οτι οι εν σταδιω τρεχοντες παντες μεν τρεχουσιν εις δε λαμβανει το βραβειον ουτως τρεχετε ινα καταλαβητε [gnt]

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. [kjv]

κατα σκοπον διωκω εις το βραβειον της ανω κλησεως του θεου εν χριστω ιησου [gnt]

1 Corinthians 9:24

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KJV: Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Greek: ουκ οιδατε οτι οι εν σταδιω τρεχοντες παντες μεν τρεχουσιν εις δε λαμβανει το βραβειον ουτως τρεχετε ινα καταλαβητε

Latin: nescitis quod hii qui in stadio currunt omnes quidem currunt sed unus accipit bravium sic currite ut conprehendatis

*G1017 *2 βραβεῖον (brab-i'-on) : from brabeus (an umpire of uncertain derivation); an award (of arbitration), i.e. (specially) a prize in the public games:--prize.

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βραβειον *2

1 Corinthians 9:24 ... but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling ...

*G1018 *1 βραβεύω (brab-yoo'-o) : from the same as G1017 βραβεῖον; to arbitrate, i.e. (genitive case) to govern (figuratively, prevail):--rule.

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βραβευετω

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your ...

Words: βραβειον=2 βραβευετω

Determine the goal and the cost.

The modern Greek word "τρέχω" (TREH-kho) ≈ "run" is similar to the ancient word and from which we get the English concept of "trek" as in the bicycle brand of "Trek bikes".
The modern Greek word "βραβείο" (vra-VEE-o) ≈ "prize" is the same as in ancient times. Through Latin and then Italian, this becomes "bravo", give that person a prize. Some claim the word comes from the concept of "bravery" as in the word "bravado".
The Latin Vulgate word corresponding to the Greek «βραβειον» is "bravium" ≈ "prize" as in the winner's prize. This Latin word appears to go through French to become the English word "brave" meaning "having courage".

It appears that Plutarch used the Greek term for prizes for military rather than athletic achievement. From this would come the idea of "bravery".

The root «βραβει» appears three times in the Bible. Once above. Once in the following verse.

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. [kjv]

κατα σκοπον διωκω εις το βραβειον της ανω κλησεως του θεου εν χριστω ιησου [gnt]

The modern Greek word "σκοπός" (sko-POS) ≈ "purpose, objective, aim, scope" from which comes the English word "scope".
The corresponding word in the Latin Vulgate is "destinatio" ≈ "destination".

The remaining Bible verse with the root «βραβει» is as follows.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. [kjv]

και η ειρηνη του χριστου βραβευετω εν ταις καρδιαις υμων εις ην και εκληθητε εν ενι σωματι και ευχαριστοι γινεσθε [gnt]

Here, the Greek word «βραβευετω» is translated as "rule" in the KJV.

The Latin Vulgate word for the Greek «βραβεθετω» is "exultet" ≈ "exalt" as in raise or elevate and from which we get the English word "exalt".

Might the KJV phrase "rule in your hearts" be better translated as "be elevated in your hearts" on as "be prized in your hearts"?

Colossians 3:15

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KJV: And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Greek: και η ειρηνη του θεου χριστου βραβευετω εν ταις καρδιαις υμων εις ην και εκληθητε εν ενι σωματι και ευχαριστοι γινεσθε

Latin: et pax Christi exultet in cordibus vestris in qua et vocati estis in uno corpore et grati estote

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. [kjv]

κατα σκοπον διωκω εις το βραβειον της ανω κλησεως του θεου εν χριστω ιησου [gnt]

The Greek for "calling" is related to the English word "clergy". That is, those who are called by God rather than calling themselves for their own benefit (belly).

Philippians 3:14

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KJV: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Greek: κατα σκοπον διωκω επι εις το βραβειον της ανω κλησεως του θεου εν χριστω ιησου

Latin: ad destinatum persequor ad bravium supernae vocationis Dei in Christo Iesu

*G1377 *44 διώκω (dee-o'-ko) : a prolonged (and causative) form of a primary verb dio (to flee; compare the base of G1169 and G1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute:--ensue, follow (after), given to, (suffer) persecute(-ion), press forward.

Usage

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διωκεις *6

Acts 9:4 ... Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Acts 9:5 ... Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick ...
Acts 22:7 ... Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Acts 22:8 ... of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
Acts 26:14 ... Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee ...
Acts 26:15 ... Jesus whom thou persecutest.

εδιωξαν *3

Matthew 5:12 ... heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
John 15:20 ... lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute ...
Acts 7:52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain ...

εδιωκον *3

John 5:16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and ...
Acts 26:11 ... exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
Galatians 1:13 ... the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and ...

διωκων *3

Romans 9:31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath ...
Galatians 1:23 ... only, That he which persecuted us in times past now ...
Philippians 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness ...

διωκετε *3

1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but ...
1 Thessalonians 5:15 ... unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among ...
Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, ...

διωξουσιν *2

Luke 21:12 ... on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to ...
John 15:20 ... lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute ...

εδιωξα *2

Acts 22:4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, ...
1 Corinthians 15:9 ... to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

διωκομενοι *2

1 Corinthians 4:12 ... hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
2 Corinthians 4:9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but ...

διωκω *2

Philippians 3:12 ... already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend ...
Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the ...

διωκε *2

1 Timothy 6:11 ... flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, ...
2 Timothy 2:22 ... youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, ...

δεδιωγμενοι

Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for ...

διωξωσιν

Matthew 5:11 ... men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of ...

διωκοντων

Matthew 5:44 ... them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

διωκωσιν

Matthew 10:23 But when they persecute you in this ...

διωξετε

Matthew 23:34 ... your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:

διωξητε

Luke 17:23 ... not after them, nor follow them.

διωκοντα

Romans 9:30 ... That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to ...

διωκοντες

Romans 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

διωκοντας

Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

διωκομεν

Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and ...

εδιωκεν

Galatians 4:29 ... was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, ...

διωκομαι

Galatians 5:11 ... circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is ...

διωκονται

Galatians 6:12 ... to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

διωχθησονται

2 Timothy 3:12 ... in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

διωξατω

1 Peter 3:11 ... let him seek peace, and ensue it.

εδιωξεν

Revelation 12:13 ... he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

Words: δεδιωγμενοι διωκε=2 διωκεις=6 διωκετε=3 διωκομαι διωκομεν διωκομενοι=2 διωκοντα διωκονται διωκοντας διωκοντες διωκοντων διωκω=2 διωκων=3 διωκωσιν διωξατω διωξετε διωξητε διωξουσιν=2 διωξωσιν διωχθησονται εδιωκεν εδιωκον=3 εδιωξα=2 εδιωξαν=3 εδιωξεν

Philippians 3:15 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. [kjv]

οσοι ουν τελειοι τουτο φρονωμεν και ει τι ετερως φρονειτε και τουτο ο θεος υμιν αποκαλυψει [gnt]

The Greek for "perfect" is that of "having a purpose" as the final goal.

The Greek for "minded" is that of "gut feeling" where trade-offs need to be made. This is in contrast to "wisdom" or "head knowledge".

The Greek for "reveal" is that of "taking away the cover" and is the word used for the book of "Revelation".

Philippians 3:15 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. [kjv]

οσοι ουν τελειοι τουτο φρονωμεν και ει τι ετερως φρονειτε και τουτο ο θεος υμιν αποκαλυψει [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "τοῦτο" ≈ "this" in a grammatically "neuter" sense. Interestingly, Aristotle reports that the "neuter" is often used, as a Solecism, where the "masculine" would otherwise be used.

Could the "this" being revealed by a "person" by way of a solecism?

The ancient Greek word "ἕτερος" ≈ "one or other of two" and could be "one after the other". From this, comes the ancient Greek word "ἑτέρως" ≈ "differently, otherwise".

More: Solecisms

More: Other similar differences

Philippians 3:15

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KJV: 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.

Greek: οσοι ουν τελειοι τουτο φρονωμεν και ει τι ετερως φρονειτε και τουτο ο θεος υμιν αποκαλυψει

Philippians 3:16 Nevertheless, where to we have already attained, let us walk …. [kjv]

πλην εις ο εφθασαμεν τω αυτω στοιχειν [gnt]

The Greek for "nevertheless" is that of "but", as almost always translated elsewhere, and serves to separate two different aspects of what is being said.

The KJV uses "walk" but that is inferred in the Greek from the Greek word for "element" that means "one distinct thing in a series of the same distinct things". In some cases, this means taking similar and indivisible items "step by step", "in order", from start to finish, as in a "walk".

Jesus provides one such sequence: "ask", "seek", "knock".

Philippians 3:16

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KJV: Nevertheless, where to we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

Greek: πλην εις ο εφθασαμεν τω αυτω στοιχειν κανονι το αυτο φρονειν

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. [kjv]

3:15 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. [kjv]

3:16 Nevertheless, where to we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. [kjv]

14. (as in the past I did to the true believers Christ) I now pursue (persecute) towards the mark (bishops) for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15. Therefore, as many as that have true purpose, be such-minded. If any are otherwise minded (such as the bishops), God will reveal this to you.
16. But (on the other side) where we have achieved the true purpose, let us take each element in sequence.