(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

PHILIPPIANS 3:18KJV
Know the Bible

Philippians 3:18 (KJV)

What does Philippians 3:18 mean?

Philippians 3:18 describes how Paul, with deep sadness, warns the Philippian believers that many people live in a way that makes them enemies of the cross of Christ. Paul says he has told them about these people before, and now he repeats the warning with tears.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Philippi, explaining that not everyone who claims to follow Christ truly does so. He is personally grieved (“even weeping”) as he points out that some people’s actions and choices actually oppose what Jesus accomplished on the cross. This warning comes in the middle of Paul urging the Philippians to follow his example and avoid those who lead others away from the truth about Jesus.

The Greek behind Philippians 3:18

  • "walk" (περιπατοῦσιν, peripatousin): This Greek word often means "to live" or "to conduct oneself." Paul is not just talking about physical walking, but about the way people live their daily lives.
  • "enemies" (ἐχθροί, echthroi): The word means active opposition, not just passive disagreement. Paul is describing people whose lives are in direct conflict with the meaning and purpose of Jesus’s death on the cross.
  • "cross" (σταυρός, stauros): This word refers to the cross as the central symbol of Christ’s sacrifice. Being an enemy of the cross means rejecting or undermining the message of Jesus’s self-giving love and redemption.
  • "weeping" (κλαίων, klaion): Paul uses a word that means genuine, heartfelt crying. His warning is not harsh or angry, but comes from real sorrow over those who turn away from Christ.

Why Philippians 3:18 matters

  • Paul’s tears show that warning others about spiritual danger can come from a place of love and grief, not judgment or superiority.
  • The verse clarifies that being an “enemy of the cross” is about how someone lives, not just what they say or believe.
  • This warning connects to the wider passage, where Paul urges believers to follow good examples and be alert to those who might lead them away from the true message of Jesus.

Where else these words appear

“often” Greek G4178 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 17:15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
  • Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you,(but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
  • 2 Timothy 1:16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

“cross” Greek G4716 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
  • Mark 15:32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

“enemies” Greek G2190 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • Luke 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
  • Romans 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

“weeping” Greek G2799 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Luke 8:52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
  • Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.