Philippians 3:16
New International Version
Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

New Living Translation
But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.

English Standard Version
Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

Berean Standard Bible
Nevertheless, we must live up to what we have already attained.

Berean Literal Bible
Nevertheless, to that which we have attained, we are to walk by the same.

King James Bible
Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

New King James Version
Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

New American Standard Bible
however, let’s keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

NASB 1995
however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

NASB 1977
however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

Legacy Standard Bible
However, let us keep walking in step with the same standard to which we have attained.

Amplified Bible
Only let us stay true to what we have already attained.

Christian Standard Bible
In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained.

American Standard Version
only, whereunto we have attained, by that same rule let us walk.

Contemporary English Version
But we must keep going in the direction that we are now headed.

English Revised Version
only, whereunto we have already attained, by that same rule let us walk.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
However, we should be guided by what we have learned so far.

Good News Translation
However that may be, let us go forward according to the same rules we have followed until now.

International Standard Version
However, we should live up to what we have achieved so far.

Majority Standard Bible
Nevertheless, we must live up to the standard we have already attained, being of the same mind.

NET Bible
Nevertheless, let us live up to the standard that we have already attained.

New Heart English Bible
Nevertheless, to what we have attained, let us walk by the same rule, being of the same mind.

Webster's Bible Translation
Nevertheless, to what we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

Weymouth New Testament
But whatever be the point that we have already reached, let us persevere in the same course.

World English Bible
Nevertheless, to the extent that we have already attained, let’s walk by the same rule. Let’s be of the same mind.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but to what we have attained—walk by the same rule, think the same thing;

Berean Literal Bible
Nevertheless, to that which we have attained, we are to walk by the same.

Young's Literal Translation
but to what we have come -- by the same rule walk, the same thing think;

Smith's Literal Translation
But, at what we before arrived, to walk by the same rule, to think the same.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Nevertheless whereunto we are come, that we be of the same mind, let us also continue in the same rule.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet truly, whatever point we reach, let us be of the same mind, and let us remain in the same rule.

New American Bible
Only, with regard to what we have attained, continue on the same course.

New Revised Standard Version
Only let us hold fast to what we have attained.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same path and with one accord.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
However, that we may arrive at this, let us follow in one path and with one accord.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But as far as we have attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us have the same mind.

Godbey New Testament
only, whereunto we have already attained, to walk by the same rule.

Haweis New Testament
Nevertheless, so far as we have advanced, be it our care to walk by the same rule, to mind the same thing.

Mace New Testament
in the mean while, as we are already advanc'd so far, pursue your course, and keep it still in view:

Weymouth New Testament
But whatever be the point that we have already reached, let us persevere in the same course.

Worrell New Testament
nevertheless, whereunto we advanced, by the same rule let us walk.

Worsley New Testament
But in what we have attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Pressing Toward the Goal
15All of us who are mature should embrace this point of view. And if you think differently about some issue, God will reveal this to you as well. 16Nevertheless, we must live up to what we have already attained. 17Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you.…

Cross References
Galatians 6:16
Peace and mercy to all who walk by this rule, even to the Israel of God.

Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.

Ephesians 4:1-3
As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: / with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, / and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction.

Colossians 2:6
Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him,

1 John 2:6
Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.

1 Thessalonians 4:1
Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more.

2 Peter 1:12
Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you now have.

Romans 15:5-6
Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus, / so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Hebrews 12:14
Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.

Psalm 133:1
A song of ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!

Proverbs 4:25-27
Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. / Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. / Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil.

Isaiah 35:8
And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it—only those who walk in the Way—and fools will not stray onto it.


Treasury of Scripture

Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

whereto.

Galatians 5:7
Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

Hebrews 10:38,39
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him…

2 Peter 2:10-20
But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities…

let us walk.

Romans 12:16
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Romans 15:5
Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

Galatians 6:16
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

let us mind.

Philippians 1:27
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Philippians 2:2
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Philippians 4:2
I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

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Already Attained Course Extent Far Guided Hold However Live Mind Nevertheless Persevere Point Reached Rule Standard Steps Think True. Walk Whatever Whereto Whereunto
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Philippians 3
1. He warns them to beware of the false teachers;
4. showing that himself has greater cause than they to trust in the righteousness of the law;
7. which he counts as loss, to gain Christ and his righteousness;
12. acknowledging his own imperfection and pressing on toward the goal;
15. He exhorts them to be thus minded;
17. and to imitate him,
18. and to decline carnal ways.














Nevertheless
This word serves as a transition, indicating a shift or continuation of thought. In the Greek, it is "plēn," which often means "however" or "but." It suggests a contrast or an exception to what has been previously stated. In the context of Philippians 3, Paul has been discussing the pursuit of spiritual maturity and the goal of knowing Christ fully. "Nevertheless" implies that despite the challenges and the ongoing journey, there is a foundational truth or principle that must be adhered to.

we must live up to
The phrase "live up to" is translated from the Greek word "stoicheō," which means to walk in line or to follow a standard. It conveys the idea of maintaining a consistent and disciplined lifestyle that aligns with certain principles or truths. In the Christian context, it emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. This is not merely about external conformity but an internal commitment to spiritual growth and integrity.

what we have already attained
The word "attained" comes from the Greek "phthanō," which means to arrive at or to reach a certain point. This suggests that believers have already reached a certain level of understanding or spiritual maturity. Paul is encouraging the Philippians to hold on to the progress they have made in their faith journey. Historically, this reflects the early Christian community's struggle to maintain their newfound faith amidst external pressures and internal challenges. The phrase underscores the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in the Christian walk.

(16) Let us walk . . .--In this verse the last words appear to be an explanatory gloss. The original runs thus: Nevertheless--as to that to which we did attain--let us walk by the same. The word "walk" is always used of pursuing a course deliberately chosen. (See Acts 21:24; Romans 4:12; Galatians 5:25.) The nearest parallel (from which the gloss is partly taken) is Galatians 6:16, "As many as walk by this rule, peace be upon them." In this passage there seems to be the same double reference which has pervaded all St. Paul's practical teaching. He is anxious for two things--that they should keep on in one course, and that all should keep on together. In both senses he addresses the "perfect;" he will have them understand that they have attained only one thing--to be in the right path, and that it is for them to continue in it; he also bids them refrain from setting themselves up above "the imperfect;" for the very fact of division would mark them as still "carnal," mere "babes in Christ" (1Corinthians 3:1-4).

Verse 16. - Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Omit, with the best manuscripts, the words from "rule" to "thing," and translate, R.V., only, whereunto we have already attained, by that same (rule) let us walk; or, more literally, only, what we arrived at, by that same walk. Let there be no falling back; let us, at each point in our Christian course, maintain and walk according to that degree of grace at which we arrived. This explanation seems more probable than the other view, which understands the words, "by the same," of the rule of faith as opposed to the works of the Law.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Nevertheless,
πλὴν (plēn)
Conjunction
Strong's 4133: However, nevertheless, but, except that, yet. From pleion; moreover, i.e. Albeit, save that, rather, yet.

we must live up
στοιχεῖν (stoichein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 4748: To walk in, walk by. From a derivative of steicho; to march in rank, i.e. to conform to virtue and piety.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

what
(ho)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

we have already attained.
ἐφθάσαμεν (ephthasamen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 5348: Apparently a primary verb; to be beforehand, i.e. Anticipate or precede; by extension, to have arrived at.


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NT Letters: Philippians 3:16 Nevertheless to the extent that we have (Philipp. Phil. Php.)
Philippians 3:15
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