Philippians 3:11

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Philippians 3:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead.
Philippians 3:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Philippians 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
11if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“If by any means I, might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.] Not in a figurative sense, the resurrection from the death of sin to a life of grace, of which Christ is the efficient cause, for this the apostle had attained to; unless the consummation of that spiritual life, in perfect holiness, should be intended, than which nothing was more desirable by him; nor in a representative sense, for this also he enjoyed in Christ his head, being risen with him, and in him, when he rose from the dead; but in a literal sense and designs not the general resurrection of the just and unjust, which he believed; for he knew that everyone must, and will attain to this, even Pharaoh, Judas, and the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“If by any means--not implying uncertainty of the issue, but the earnestness of the struggle of faith (Co1 9:26-27), and the urgent need of jealous self-watchfulness (Co1 10:12). attain unto the resurrection of the dead--The oldest manuscripts read, "the resurrection from (out of) the dead," namely, the first resurrection; that of believers at Christ's coming (Co1 15:23; Th1 4:15; Rev 20:5-6). The Greek word occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. "The power of Christ's resurrection" (Rom 1:4), ensures the believer's attainment of the "resurrection from the (rest of the) dead" (compare Phi 3:20-21). Compare "accounted worthy to obtain the resurrection from the dead" (Luk 20:35). "The…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“If by any means - Implying, that he meant to make use of the most strenuous exertions to obtain the object. I might attain unto - I may come to, or may secure this object. The resurrection of the dead - Paul believed that all the dead would be raised Acts 24:15; Acts 26:6-8; and in this respect he would certainly attain to the resurrection of the dead, in common with all mankind. But the phrase, “the resurrection of the dead,” also might be used, in a more limited sense, to denote the resurrection of the righteous as a most desirable object; and this might be secured by effort. It was this which Paul sought - this for which he strove - this that was so bright an object in his eye that it was…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The resurrection of the dead - That is, the resurrection to glory. Philippians 3:12”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:11 To experience the resurrection from the dead is to be saved from judgment and receive eternal life (see Rev 20:4-6). Paul was aware of God’s holiness and the severity of the final judgment (Rev 20:11-15); he knew he must persevere in his pursuit of Christ and salvation (cp. Gal 5:5).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“by: Psa 49:7; Act 27:12; Rom 11:14; Co1 9:22, Co1 9:27; Co2 11:3; Th1 3:5; Th2 2:3 attain: Luk 14:14, Luk 20:35, Luk 20:36; Joh 11:24; Act 23:6, Act 26:7; Heb 11:35 Philippians 3:12”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification