Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
PHILIPPIANS 3:21KJVWhat does Philippians 3:21 mean?
Philippians 3:21 says that Jesus Christ will transform the bodies of believers, which are now weak and mortal, so that they will be like his own glorious, resurrected body. This change will happen through Christ’s power, which is strong enough to bring everything under his control.
Paul is writing to the Christians in Philippi, encouraging them to look forward to a future hope beyond their present struggles. He reminds them that their current bodies, described as "vile" (meaning humble or lowly), will one day be changed to match the glory of Christ’s resurrected body, showing the ultimate authority and ability of Jesus.
The Greek behind Philippians 3:21
- "μετασχηματίσει" (metaschēmatisei, "change"): This word means to transform or refashion. It highlights that the change is not just a minor improvement but a complete transformation of the body’s nature.
- "ταπείνωσις" (tapeinōsis, "vile"): Often understood as "lowly" or "humble," this word points to the frailty and mortality of the current human body, not moral vileness.
- "σύμμορφον" (symmorphon, "fashioned like unto"): This word means to be made similar in form. Paul is saying believers’ new bodies will truly share in the same kind of resurrection life as Christ’s.
- "ἐνέργειαν" (energeian, "working"): This refers to active, effective power. Paul emphasizes that this transformation is possible only because of Christ’s divine power, which is also able to bring all things under his rule.
Why Philippians 3:21 matters
- Philippians 3:21 clarifies that the "vile body" means a body that is weak and subject to decay, not morally corrupt, which can clear up a common misunderstanding.
- The verse connects the hope of resurrection directly to Christ’s own resurrection and power, showing that the Christian hope is grounded in what Jesus has already done.
- This promise is meant to encourage believers facing hardship, reminding them that their future is secure and glorious because of Christ’s authority over all things.