Philippians 3:5
New International Version
circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;

New Living Translation
I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law.

English Standard Version
circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;

Berean Standard Bible
circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;

Berean Literal Bible
circumcision on the eighth day; of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; according to the Law, a Pharisee;

King James Bible
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;

New King James Version
circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;

New American Standard Bible
circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee;

NASB 1995
circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee;

NASB 1977
circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee;

Legacy Standard Bible
circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee;

Amplified Bible
circumcised when I was eight days old, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews [an exemplary Hebrew]; as to the [observance of the] Law, a Pharisee;

Christian Standard Bible
circumcised the eighth day; of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; regarding the law, a Pharisee;

Holman Christian Standard Bible
circumcised the eighth day; of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; regarding the law, a Pharisee;

American Standard Version
circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

Contemporary English Version
I was circumcised when I was eight days old, and I am from the nation of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin. I am a true Hebrew. As a Pharisee, I strictly obeyed the Law of Moses.

English Revised Version
circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I was circumcised on the eighth day. I'm a descendant of Israel. I'm from the tribe of Benjamin. I'm a pure-blooded Hebrew. When it comes to living up to standards, I was a Pharisee.

Good News Translation
I was circumcised when I was a week old. I am an Israelite by birth, of the tribe of Benjamin, a pure-blooded Hebrew. As far as keeping the Jewish Law is concerned, I was a Pharisee,

International Standard Version
Having been circumcised on the eighth day, I am of the nation of Israel, from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. As far as the Law is concerned, I was a Pharisee.

Majority Standard Bible
circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;

NET Bible
I was circumcised on the eighth day, from the people of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. I lived according to the law as a Pharisee.

New Heart English Bible
circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;

Webster's Bible Translation
Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; with respect to the law, a Pharisee;

Weymouth New Testament
circumcised, as I was, on the eighth day, a member of the race of Israel and of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew sprung from Hebrews; as to the Law a Pharisee;

World English Bible
circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
circumcision on the eighth day! Of the race of Israel! Of the tribe of Benjamin! A Hebrew of Hebrews! According to law—a Pharisee!

Berean Literal Bible
circumcision on the eighth day; of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; according to the Law, a Pharisee;

Young's Literal Translation
circumcision on the eighth day! of the race of Israel! of the tribe of Benjamin! a Hebrew of Hebrews! according to law a Pharisee!

Smith's Literal Translation
Circumcision done the eighth day, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Being circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; according to the law, a Pharisee:

Catholic Public Domain Version
For I was circumcised on the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew among Hebrews. According to the law, I was a Pharisee;

New American Bible
Circumcised on the eighth day, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrew parentage, in observance of the law a Pharisee,

New Revised Standard Version
circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Because I was circumcised when I was eight days old, being an Israelite by race, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew son of Hebrews, and according to the law a Pharisee;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Circumcised on the eighth day, of the family of Israel, from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew, son of a Hebrew, in the Law, a Pharisee;
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
circumcised the eighth day, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; as it respects law, a Pharisee;

Godbey New Testament
in circumcision the eighth day, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

Haweis New Testament
circumcised the eighth day, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews;

Mace New Testament
being circumcised the eighth day, of the family of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew by descent, by sect a Pharisee.

Weymouth New Testament
circumcised, as I was, on the eighth day, a member of the race of Israel and of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew sprung from Hebrews; as to the Law a Pharisee;

Worrell New Testament
circumcised the eighth day, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;

Worsley New Testament
having been circumcised on the eighth day, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of Hebrews, with respect to the law a pharisee,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Righteousness through Faith
4though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless.…

Cross References
Genesis 17:10-14
This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. / You are to circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and this will be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. / Generation after generation, every male must be circumcised when he is eight days old, including those born in your household and those purchased from a foreigner—even those who are not your offspring. ...

Romans 11:1
I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.

2 Corinthians 11:22
Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.

Acts 22:3
“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.

Galatians 1:14
I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

Romans 9:4-5
the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises. / Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them proceeds the human descent of Christ, who is God over all, forever worthy of praise! Amen.

Acts 23:6
Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”

Acts 26:5
They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion.

Deuteronomy 10:16
Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more.

Genesis 49:10
The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.

2 Kings 18:4
He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also demolished the bronze snake called Nehushtan that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it.

Jeremiah 9:25-26
“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh— / Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab, and all the inhabitants of the desert who clip the hair of their temples. For all these nations are uncircumcised, and the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.”

Galatians 5:3
Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.

Colossians 2:11
In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands.

Romans 2:28-29
A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. / No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.


Treasury of Scripture

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;

Circumcised.

Genesis 17:12
And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.

Luke 2:21
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

John 7:21-24
Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel…

of the stock.

Acts 22:3
I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

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.

of the tribe.

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.

an.

Genesis 14:13
And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.

Genesis 40:15
For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.

Genesis 41:12
And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.

Pharisee.

Acts 23:6
But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

Acts 26:4,5
My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; …

Jump to Previous
Benjamin Born Circumcised Circumcision Eighth Hebrew Hebrews Israel Law Member Nation Pharisee Race Received Regard Relation Respect Sprung Stock Touching Tribe
Jump to Next
Benjamin Born Circumcised Circumcision Eighth Hebrew Hebrews Israel Law Member Nation Pharisee Race Received Regard Relation Respect Sprung Stock Touching Tribe
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.














circumcised on the eighth day
This phrase highlights the adherence to the Jewish law as prescribed in Genesis 17:12, where God commands Abraham that every male child should be circumcised on the eighth day. This practice was a sign of the covenant between God and His people, Israel. The eighth day circumcision signifies Paul's legitimate Jewish heritage and his family's commitment to the Mosaic Law from birth. It underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the deep-rooted traditions that shaped Paul's early life.

of the people of Israel
This phrase emphasizes Paul's identity as a member of God's chosen people, Israel. The Israelites were descendants of Jacob, whom God renamed Israel, and they were recipients of God's promises and covenants. This identity was central to Jewish self-understanding and pride. Paul’s assertion of being "of the people of Israel" affirms his belonging to the covenant community, which was set apart by God for His purposes.

of the tribe of Benjamin
The tribe of Benjamin holds a significant place in Israel's history. Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and the tribe produced Israel's first king, Saul. The tribe of Benjamin was also one of the two tribes that remained loyal to the house of David during the division of the kingdom. By identifying with the tribe of Benjamin, Paul connects himself to a lineage known for its loyalty and valor, further establishing his credentials as a true Israelite.

a Hebrew of Hebrews
This phrase indicates Paul's pure Hebrew lineage and cultural heritage. It suggests that Paul was not only ethnically Hebrew but also culturally and religiously immersed in Hebrew traditions. The term "Hebrew of Hebrews" implies a deep commitment to the customs, language, and religious practices of the Jewish people. It highlights Paul's authenticity and dedication to his heritage, which he later contrasts with his commitment to Christ.

in regard to the law, a Pharisee
The Pharisees were a Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions. By identifying himself as a Pharisee, Paul underscores his former zeal for the Jewish law and his rigorous observance of its commandments. The Pharisees were respected for their piety and knowledge of the Scriptures, and Paul’s association with them indicates his deep understanding of the law. This background provided Paul with a profound grasp of the Scriptures, which he later used to articulate the gospel of Christ.

(5, 6) The comparison with the celebrated passage in 2Corinthians 11:18-23 is striking, in respect not only of similarity of substance, but of the change of tone from the indignant and impassioned abruptness of the earlier Epistle to the calm impressiveness of this. The first belongs to the crisis of the struggle, the other to its close. We have also a parallel, though less complete, in Romans 11:1, "I also am an Israelite, of the stock of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin."

(5) Circumcised the eighth day--i.e., a Jew born, not a proselyte.

Of the stock of Israel--i.e., emphatically, a true scion of the covenanted stock, the royal race of the "Prince of God."

Of the tribe of Benjamin--i.e., the tribe of the first king, whose name the Apostle bore; the tribe to whom belonged the holy city; the one tribe faithful to the house of Judah in the apostasy of the rest.

An Hebrew of the Hebrews.--Properly, a Hebrew descended from Hebrews. The Hebrew Jew, who retained, wherever born, the old tongue, education, and customs of his fathers, held himself superior to the Grecian or Hellenist, who had to assimilate himself, as to the language, so to the thoughts and habits, of the heathen around him. St. Paul united the advantages both of the true Hebrew, brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, and of the Hellenist of Tarsus, familiar with Greek language, literature, and thought. Compare his own words to his countrymen from the steps of the Temple as illustrating the whole passage: "I verily am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous before God . . . and I persecuted this way unto the death" (Acts 22:3-4).

As touching the law, a Pharisee.--Comp. Acts 23:6, "I am a Pharisee, and the son of Pharisees;" and Acts 26:5, "according to the straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee." In these words St. Paul passes from his inherited Judaic privileges, to the intense Judaism of his own personal life. . . .

Verse 5. - Circumcised the eighth day; literally, at circumcision eight days old. The apostle was not a proselyte, circumcised at his reception into the Jewish Church; nor an Ishmaelite, circumcised, like Ishmael, at the age of thirteen. Of the stock of Israel Neither were his parents proselytes; he was by descent an Israelite. He uses here the highest title of God's ancient people, the title which implied the inheritance of the covenant made with Jacob. Other nations were descended from Abraham and Isaac; the Israelites alone could claim Jacob for their ancestor; they only could glory in the covenant name given to him when he wrestled all night long with the angel, and proved himself a prince with God (comp. Trench, 'Synonyms of the New Testament,' sect. 39.). Of the tribe of Benjamin. His family had preserved their genealogy; he came from the tribe which gave the first king to Israel; which never swerved in its allegiance to the house of David; which, after the Captivity, united with Judah and the Levites to go up and build the house of the Lord (Ezra 1:5); the tribe of Esther and Mordecai; the tribe within whose boundary stood the holy city. A Hebrew of the Hebrews; rather, of Hebrews; omit the article. His father and mother were not only Israelites, but also they retained, though living at Tarsus, the Hebrew language and customs. St. Paul was not a Hellenist; he was brought up at Jerusalem under the great Rabban Gamaliel; he spoke Hebrew (Acts 21:40), and uses the Hebrew Scriptures as well as the Septuagint translation. All the descendants of Jacob were Israelites; those were called Hebrews distinctively who adhered to the use of the sacred language (Acts 6:1). As touching the Law, a Pharisee. He was by birth an Israelite, by education a Hebrew; he became by choice a Pharisee (Acts 23:6); he embraced the straitest sect "as regards Law," the sect which took the strictest view of the Law of Moses.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
circumcised
περιτομῇ (peritomē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4061: Circumcision. From peritemno; circumcision.

on [the] eighth day,
ὀκταήμερος (oktaēmeros)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3637: Of or belonging to the eighth day, eight days old. From oktos and hemera; an eight-day old person or act.

of
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

[the] people
γένους (genous)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 1085: Offspring, family, race, nation, kind. From ginomai; 'kin'.

of Israel,
Ἰσραήλ (Israēl)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2474: Of Hebrew origin; Israel, the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants.

of [the] tribe
φυλῆς (phylēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5443: A tribe or race of people. From phuo; an offshoot, i.e. Race or clan.

of Benjamin;
Βενιαμίν (Beniamin)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 958: Benjamin, youngest son of Jacob, founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Of Hebrew origin; Benjamin, an Israelite.

a Hebrew
Ἑβραῖος (Hebraios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1445: A Hebrew, particularly one who speaks Hebrew (Aramaic). From Eber; a Hebrew or Jew.

of
ἐξ (ex)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

Hebrews;
Ἑβραίων (Hebraiōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 1445: A Hebrew, particularly one who speaks Hebrew (Aramaic). From Eber; a Hebrew or Jew.

as to
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

[the] Law,
νόμον (nomon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.

a Pharisee;
Φαρισαῖος (Pharisaios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5330: Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.


Links
Philippians 3:5 NIV
Philippians 3:5 NLT
Philippians 3:5 ESV
Philippians 3:5 NASB
Philippians 3:5 KJV

Philippians 3:5 BibleApps.com
Philippians 3:5 Biblia Paralela
Philippians 3:5 Chinese Bible
Philippians 3:5 French Bible
Philippians 3:5 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: Philippians 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day of the stock (Philipp. Phil. Php.)
Philippians 3:4
Top of Page
Top of Page