Philippians 3:10 (KJV)

What does Philippians 3:10 mean?

Philippians 3:10 expresses Paul’s deep desire to personally know Christ, to experience the power that raised Jesus from the dead, and to share in Christ’s sufferings, even to the point of becoming like Him in His death. Paul is describing a longing for a close, transformative relationship with Jesus that involves both resurrection power and suffering.

Paul is writing this letter to the Christians in Philippi, sharing his own spiritual goals and what he values most. He is not just talking about knowing facts about Jesus, but about a lived, personal experience with Him. Paul’s words come in the context of explaining that all his past achievements are worthless compared to truly knowing Christ and being united with Him, even if that means hardship.

The Greek behind Philippians 3:10

• "know" (γινώσκω, ginōskō): This Greek word often means more than just intellectual knowledge; it can refer to a deep, personal, and experiential knowing. Paul is aiming for a relationship, not just information.
• "power" (δύναμις, dynamis): This word refers to strength or miraculous power. Paul wants to experience the same power that brought Jesus back to life, not just hear about it.
• "fellowship" (κοινωνία, koinōnia): This word means sharing or partnership. Paul is talking about sharing in Christ’s sufferings, not just observing them from a distance.
• "conformable" (συμμορφίζω, symmorphizō): This word means to be made similar or to share the same form. Paul is saying he wants his life to be shaped by the pattern of Jesus’ death, showing a willingness to follow Jesus even in suffering.

Why Philippians 3:10 matters

• Philippians 3:10 clears up the idea that knowing Christ is just about beliefs or traditions; Paul is describing a relationship that changes a person’s life from the inside out.
• The verse highlights that following Jesus involves both joy and hardship—Paul does not separate the power of resurrection from the reality of suffering.
• This verse connects to the wider passage where Paul explains that everything else is loss compared to knowing Christ, showing the depth of his commitment and the central place of Christ in his life.