OET interlinear PHP 3:15

3:15

In Greek this verse connects to the previous one with a conjunction, oun, that can be translated “so” or “therefore.” It indicates that Paul wanted his readers to do something because of what he had just said. The BSB leaves this connection implicit as do many other English versions (GNT, RSV, NCV, CEV, NLT, REB, GW). You should use whatever connection is most natural in your language.

3:15a

mature: The Greek word is teleios, which means “perfect, mature, fully developed or initiated.” This has two main interpretations here:

1. Those who are spiritually mature. Paul was referring to spiritual growth and strength. He was referring to people whose faith was strong and fully developed. (BSB, RSV, NIV, GNT, NJB, NCV, CEV, NLT, GW, REB)

2. Those who thought they were perfect. Paul was being sarcastic. (NET)

The first meaning is recommended (1).

should embrace this point of view: This means thinking in a certain way about something. The way Paul wanted the Philippians to think was explained in 3:12–14. You could translate this as:

should have that attitude

should think like that

3:15b

if you think differently about some issue: It is not clear whether this implies that some of the Philippians were actually thinking differently than Paul or if it is something that Paul just thought might happen. One way to translate this is:

if any of you have an attitude that is different from what I have been talking about….

3:15c

God will reveal this to you as well: What Paul had said in 3:12–14 described the right attitude for a Christian to have. So if anyone disagreed God would make clear to him that what Paul had said was correct.