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 3:21KJV
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Philippians 3:21 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“unto” Greek G4832 · used in 2 verses

  • Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

“vile” Greek G5014 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 1:48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
  • Acts 8:33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
  • James 1:10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

“change” Greek G3345 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

“working” Greek G1753 · used in 8 verses

  • Ephesians 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
  • Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
  • Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.