Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

PHILIPPIANS 3:4KJV
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Philippians 3:4 (KJV)

What does Philippians 3:4 mean?

Philippians 3:4 describes Paul saying that if anyone thinks they have grounds to be confident in their own achievements or background (“the flesh”), he has even more reason to do so. Paul is setting up a comparison to show that, by human standards, he had impressive qualifications.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Philippi, explaining his own background and how it measures up to what others might boast about. He is about to list his credentials, but his point is to show that even though he could rely on these things, he chooses not to. This sets the stage for Paul to contrast human accomplishments with what truly matters in following Christ.

The Greek behind Philippians 3:4

  • σάρξ (sarx, “flesh”): This word is often understood as referring to human effort, heritage, or achievements—anything someone might trust in apart from God. Here, Paul uses it to mean his own background and accomplishments.
  • πεποιθησιν (pepoithēsin, “confidence”): The Greek here carries the sense of having trust or assurance. Paul is highlighting the idea of putting trust in human qualifications.
  • πείθω (peithō, “trust”): This verb means to be persuaded or to have confidence in something. Paul uses it to challenge the idea of relying on one’s own merits.

Why Philippians 3:4 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Paul was lacking in credentials or background; he actually had more than most, which makes his later rejection of them more striking.
  • Paul’s emphasis on “confidence in the flesh” helps the reader see the difference between trusting in human achievements and trusting in Christ.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage where Paul will explain that all his impressive background is worthless compared to knowing Christ, sharpening the message about what truly matters in the Christian life.

Where else these words appear

“Though” Greek G2539 · used in 6 verses

  • Hebrews 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
  • Hebrews 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
  • 2 Peter 1:12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

“confidence” Greek G4006 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 1:15 And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;
  • 2 Corinthians 3:4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
  • 2 Corinthians 10:2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

“trust” Greek G3982 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 27:20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
  • Acts 21:14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
  • Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

“thinketh” Greek G1380 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 19:11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.