Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

PHILIPPIANS 3:5KJV
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Philippians 3:5 (KJV)

What does Philippians 3:5 mean?

Philippians 3:5 lists the apostle Paul’s credentials as a Jew: he was circumcised on the eighth day, belonged to the people of Israel, specifically the tribe of Benjamin, was a Hebrew born of Hebrews, and followed the law as a Pharisee. Paul is explaining his background to show he had every reason to be confident in his Jewish heritage and religious observance.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Philippi, describing his past to contrast it with his faith in Christ. He is responding to those who put their trust in religious rituals or ancestry. By listing these details, Paul shows he met every traditional standard of Jewish identity and law-keeping, making his later statements about faith in Jesus even more striking.

The Greek behind Philippians 3:5

  • "Circumcised" (περιτομή, peritomē, G4061): This word refers to the Jewish ritual performed on male infants. Mentioning it emphasizes Paul’s full participation in Jewish tradition from birth.
  • "Tribe" (φυλή, phylē, G5443) and "Benjamin" (Βενιαμίν, Beniamín, G958): Naming the tribe of Benjamin highlights Paul’s specific lineage, which was respected among Jews since Benjamin was one of the two tribes loyal to the house of David.
  • "Pharisee" (Φαρισαῖος, Pharisaios, G5330): This word identifies Paul as a member of a strict Jewish group known for careful observance of the law. It shows his serious commitment to religious life.

Why Philippians 3:5 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Paul was an outsider to Jewish tradition; he had every possible credential.
  • The details emphasize that Paul’s later rejection of confidence in these things is not from ignorance or lack of status, but from deep personal experience.
  • In the wider passage, this sets up Paul’s argument that true righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not through heritage or law-keeping.

Where else these words appear

“Benjamin” Greek G958 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 13:21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.
  • Romans 11:1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
  • Revelation 7:8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

“Hebrew” Greek G1445 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:22 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.
  • Hebrews 13:25 Grace be with you all. Amen. Written to the Hebrews from Italy, by Timothy.

“stock” Greek G1085 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 13:47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
  • Acts 7:13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

“tribe” Greek G5443 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
  • Hebrews 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
  • Revelation 7:6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.