Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

PHILIPPIANS 3:2KJV
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Philippians 3:2 (KJV)

What does Philippians 3:2 mean?

Philippians 3:2 is a warning from Paul to the believers in Philippi to be on guard against certain people who could harm their faith. Paul uses strong language, calling these people "dogs," "evil workers," and "the concision," to stress the seriousness of the threat they pose.

Paul is writing to a church he cares about, warning them against those who insist on religious practices like circumcision as necessary for being right with God. By calling these people "dogs" and "evil workers," Paul flips common insults used by some Jews against Gentiles, showing that those pushing these requirements are actually the ones causing harm. The term "concision" is a play on words, mocking the idea that physical ritual alone has value.

The Greek behind Philippians 3:2

  • "Beware" (βλέπετε, blepete): This word means "look out for" or "watch out." Paul repeats it three times, showing how urgent and important this warning is.
  • "Dogs" (κύνες, kynes): In the ancient world, "dogs" was a harsh insult, often used to describe those considered unclean or outsiders. Paul uses it here to shock and grab attention, turning the insult back on those who threaten the church.
  • "Evil" (κακός, kakos) and "workers" (ἐργάτης, ergates): Together, these words describe people whose actions are harmful, not helpful. Paul is saying these individuals are not serving God, but doing real damage.
  • "Concision" (κατατομή, katatomē): This word means "mutilation" or "cutting." Paul uses it instead of the usual word for circumcision to make a point that the physical act, without faith, is empty and even harmful.

Why Philippians 3:2 matters

  • Philippians 3:2 helps clear up that Paul is not just warning against outsiders, but against those inside the religious community who add requirements to faith in Jesus.
  • The verse highlights Paul’s deep concern for the spiritual safety of the Philippians, showing that not all religious teachers are to be trusted.
  • This warning connects to the larger theme in Philippians 3, where Paul contrasts outward rituals with true faith and spiritual transformation.

Where else these words appear

“dogs” Greek G2965 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
  • Luke 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
  • 2 Peter 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

“workers” Greek G2040 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
  • Matthew 20:2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
  • Acts 19:25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.

“evil” Greek G2556 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 21:41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
  • Romans 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
  • Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

“Beware” Greek G991 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
  • Luke 10:23 And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:
  • 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.