Philippians 3:8 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Yea, doubtless, х alla (G235) menoun (G3304) (A adds: ge (G1065)) kai (G2532)] - 'nay more.' Not only 'have I counted' those things 'loss for Christ's sake, but, moreover, I even DO count ALL things but loss,' etc.

For the excellency, х dia (G1223) to (G3588) huperechon (G5242)] - 'on account of the super-excellency (above them all, including the law) of the knowledge of Christ Jesus.'

My Lord - believing and loving appropriation (Psalms 63:1; John 20:28).

For (the sake of) whom I have suffered the loss. Not merely have I "counted" them "loss," but "have" actually 'lost them.'

All things, х ta (G3588) panta (G3956)] - 'them all.' The Greek has the article, referring to the preceding "all things."

Dung, х skubala (G4657), from kusi balein] - 'refuse (excrements, dregs) cast to the dogs,' as the derivation expresses. A "loss" is of something having value; but 'refuse' is thrown away as a nuisance.

Win - "gain," as Philippians 3:7; 1 Timothy 6:6; A man cannot make other things his "gain," and also 'gain Christ.' He who loses all, and even himself, on account of Christ, gains Christ: Christ is His, and He is Christ's (Song of Solomon 2:16; Song of Solomon 6:3; Luke 9:23-24; 1 Corinthians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 3:23).

Philippians 3:8

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,