Philippians 3:13 (KJV)

What does Philippians 3:13 mean?

Philippians 3:13 shows Paul admitting that he has not yet reached his spiritual goal, but he is focused on moving forward—letting go of the past and striving toward what lies ahead. Paul’s main point is that he does not consider himself to have fully arrived or achieved perfection, but he is determined to keep pressing on.

Paul is writing to the believers in Philippi, encouraging them by sharing his own attitude toward spiritual growth. He uses the language of a race, picturing himself as a runner who refuses to be distracted by what is behind and instead stretches forward toward the finish line. This verse comes in the middle of Paul’s explanation that knowing Christ is his greatest aim, and everything else is secondary.

The Greek behind Philippians 3:13

• "Brethren" (ἀδελφοί, adelphoi): Paul addresses the readers as "brothers and sisters," showing warmth and a sense of shared journey.
• "Count" (λογίζομαι, logizomai): This word means to reckon or consider. Paul is saying he does not "reckon" himself to have fully grasped or achieved the goal.
• "Apprehended" (κατελάβον, katalabon): This word means to lay hold of or to seize. Paul is making clear that he has not fully "seized" or taken hold of the ultimate prize.
• "Forgetting" (ἐπιλανθανόμενος, epilanthanomenos): This word carries the sense of deliberately putting something out of mind. Paul is actively choosing not to dwell on the past.
• "Reaching forth" (ἐπεκτεινόμενος, epekteinomenos): This word pictures stretching out or straining forward, like a runner reaching for the finish line. It highlights Paul’s focused effort toward what lies ahead.

Why Philippians 3:13 matters

• This verse corrects the idea that even a mature believer like Paul saw himself as having "arrived" spiritually; instead, he models humility and ongoing pursuit of growth.
• Paul’s focus on "forgetting what is behind" emphasizes that past failures or successes should not hold someone back from pursuing Christ now.
• The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that the Christian life is a continual journey, not a one-time achievement, and encourages readers to keep moving forward with purpose.