Philippians 3:14
New International Version
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

New Living Translation
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

English Standard Version
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Berean Standard Bible
I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.

Berean Literal Bible
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus.

King James Bible
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

New King James Version
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

New American Standard Bible
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

NASB 1995
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

NASB 1977
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Legacy Standard Bible
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Amplified Bible
I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Christian Standard Bible
I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.

American Standard Version
I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Contemporary English Version
I run toward the goal, so I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done.

English Revised Version
I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God's heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus.

Good News Translation
So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above.

International Standard Version
I keep pursuing the goal to win the prize of God's heavenly call in the Messiah Jesus.

Majority Standard Bible
I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God?s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.

NET Bible
with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

New Heart English Bible
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Webster's Bible Translation
I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Weymouth New Testament
with my eyes fixed on the goal I push on to secure the prize of God's heavenward call in Christ Jesus.

World English Bible
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I pursue to the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Berean Literal Bible
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Young's Literal Translation
to the mark I pursue for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Smith's Literal Translation
I pursue toward the scope for the prize of combat of the calling above of God in Christ Jesus.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I press towards the mark, to the prize of the supernal vocation of God in Christ Jesus.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I pursue the destination, the prize of the heavenly calling of God in Christ Jesus.

New American Bible
I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.

New Revised Standard Version
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I press toward the goal to receive the prize of victory of God’s highest calling through Jesus Christ.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And I run toward the goal to take the victory of the calling of God from on high in Yeshua The Messiah.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
but one thing I do; forgetting the things which are behind, and reaching forward to those which are before, I press toward the goal, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Godbey New Testament
but there is one thing, indeed forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those which are before, I press toward the goal unto the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Haweis New Testament
I press towards the mark for the prize of the divine calling from on high in Christ Jesus.

Mace New Testament
I press towards the mark for the prize to which God has called me from above by Jesus Christ.

Weymouth New Testament
with my eyes fixed on the goal I push on to secure the prize of God's heavenward call in Christ Jesus.

Worrell New Testament
I am pressing on toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Worsley New Testament
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Pressing Toward the Goal
13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. 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.…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. / Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. / Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. ...

2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. / From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.

Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. / Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

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.

Colossians 3:1-2
Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. / Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

2 Corinthians 5:9-10
So we aspire to please Him, whether we are at home in this body or away from it. / For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.

Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Romans 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.

1 Peter 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, / and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,

Galatians 6:9
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

Revelation 3:11
I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

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.


Treasury of Scripture

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

press.

Luke 16:16
The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

2 Corinthians 4:17,18
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; …

2 Corinthians 5:1
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

the high.

Romans 8:28-30
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…

Romans 9:23,24
And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, …

1 Thessalonians 2:12
That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

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Christ Eyes Fixed Forward Goal God's Heavenward High Jesus Mark Press Prize Purpose Pursue Push Reward Secure Towards Upward Win
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Christ Eyes Fixed Forward Goal God's Heavenward High Jesus Mark Press Prize Purpose Pursue Push Reward Secure Towards Upward Win
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.














I press on
This phrase indicates a continuous, determined effort. The Apostle Paul uses athletic imagery, likening the Christian life to a race. The Greek word used here, "dioko," suggests a vigorous pursuit, emphasizing perseverance and dedication. This reflects Paul's personal commitment to his faith journey, despite the challenges he faced, including imprisonment and persecution.

toward the goal
The "goal" refers to the ultimate aim or purpose of the Christian life. In the context of a race, it is the finish line. For Paul, this goal is spiritual maturity and conformity to the image of Christ. This aligns with his earlier statements in Philippians about knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection (Philippians 3:10).

to win the prize
The "prize" is the reward for completing the race. In the Greco-Roman world, athletes competed for a perishable crown, but Paul speaks of an imperishable reward (1 Corinthians 9:25). This prize is not earned by human effort but is a gift of grace, symbolizing eternal life and fellowship with God.

of God’s heavenly calling
The "heavenly calling" signifies a divine invitation to eternal life and glory. It reflects the upward, spiritual nature of the Christian journey, contrasting with earthly pursuits. This calling is rooted in God's sovereign choice and purpose, as seen in Ephesians 1:18, where Paul prays for believers to know the hope of their calling.

in Christ Jesus
This phrase underscores the centrality of Christ in the believer's life. The calling, goal, and prize are all found "in Christ," highlighting the union between the believer and the Savior. It is through Christ's redemptive work that believers are empowered to pursue this heavenly calling. This echoes Paul's teaching in Philippians 1:21, where he declares, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Philippians, Paul is writing from prison, encouraging the believers in Philippi to remain steadfast in their faith and to pursue their heavenly calling.

2. Philippi
A city in Macedonia where Paul established a church. The Philippian church was known for its generosity and support of Paul's ministry.

3. Christ Jesus
Central to Paul's message, Jesus is the one who calls believers to a heavenly purpose and provides the strength to pursue it.
Teaching Points
The Pursuit of the Goal
Paul emphasizes the importance of having a clear spiritual goal. As Christians, our ultimate aim is to fulfill God's calling in our lives, which requires intentionality and perseverance.

The Prize of the Heavenly Calling
The "prize" Paul refers to is not earthly but heavenly. It is the fulfillment of God's purpose for us, culminating in eternal life with Christ. This perspective should shape our priorities and actions.

Pressing On with Perseverance
The Greek word for "press on" (di?k?) implies an active, determined pursuit. Christians are called to persist in their faith journey despite challenges, keeping their eyes on the eternal reward.

Christ-Centered Focus
Our motivation and strength come from Christ. By maintaining a Christ-centered focus, we align our lives with His will and purpose, ensuring that our efforts are not in vain.(14) The high calling of God.--Properly, the calling which is above--i.e. (much as in Colossians 3:12), "the heavenly calling,"--which is "of God," proceeding from His will, for "whom He predestinated, them He also called" (Romans 8:30); and is "in Christ Jesus" in virtue of the unity with Him, in which we are at once justified and sanctified.

Verse 14. - I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus; rather, with the best manuscripts, unto the prize. The first preposition, "towards," expresses the aim; the second, "unto," the end of the race. The high calling; the upward, heavenward calling. God is calling us all upward, heavenward, by the voice of the Lord Jesus, who is the Word of God. Comp. Hebrews 2:1, "Partakers of the heavenly calling." The words, "in Christ Jesus," are to be taken with "the high calling." It is God who calls: he calls us in the person of Christ, by the voice of Christ, "Come unto me." "It was his will that thou shouldst run the race below; he gives the crown above. Seest thou not that even here they crown the most honored of the athletes, not on the racecourse below, but the king calls them up, and crowns them there" (Chrysostom).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
I press on
διώκω (diōkō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1377: To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute.

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

[the] goal
σκοπὸν (skopon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4649: From skeptomai ('skeptic'); perhaps akin to skapto through the idea of concealment; compare skepasma); a watch, i.e. a goal.

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

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

prize
βραβεῖον (brabeion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1017: A prize. From brabeus; an award, i.e. a prize in the public games.

of
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

God’s
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

heavenly
ἄνω (anō)
Adverb
Strong's 507: Up, above, up to the top, up to the brim, things above, heaven, the heavenly region. Adverb from anti; upward or on the top.

calling
κλήσεως (klēseōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2821: A calling, invitation; in the NT, always of a divine call. From a shorter form of kaleo; an invitation.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Christ
Χριστῷ (Christō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

Jesus.
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.


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Philippians 3:13
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