Philippians 3:11
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
If by any means I might attain to the resurrection of the dead.
American King James Version (AKJV)
If by any means I might attain to the resurrection of the dead.
American Standard Version (ASV)
if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
If in any way I may have the reward of life from the dead.
Webster's Revision
If by any means I may attain to the resurrection of the dead.
World English Bible
if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
English Revised Version (ERV)
if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead.
Clarke's Philippians 3:11 Bible Commentary
The resurrection of the dead - That is, the resurrection of those who, having died in the Lord, rise to glory and honor; and hence St. Paul uses a peculiar word which occurs no where else in the New Testament, εξαναστασις. The words, as they stand in the best MSS., are as follow: εις την εξαναστασιν την εκ νεκρων, to that resurrection which is of the dead. This glorious resurrection, and perhaps peculiarly glorious in the case of martyrs, is that to which St. Paul aspired. The word αναστασις signifies the resurrection in general, both of the just and unjust; εξαναστασις may signify that of the blessed only.
Barnes's Philippians 3:11 Bible Commentary
If by any means - Implying, that he meant to make use of the most strenuous exertions to obtain the object.
I might attain unto - I may come to, or may secure this object.
The resurrection of the dead - Paul believed that all the dead would be raised Acts 24:15; Acts 26:6-8; and in this respect he would certainly attain to the resurrection of the dead, in common with all mankind. But the phrase, "the resurrection of the dead," also might be used, in a more limited sense, to denote the resurrection of the righteous as a most desirable object; and this might be secured by effort. It was this which Paul sought - this for which he strove - this that was so bright an object in his eye that it was to be secured at any sacrifice. To rise with the saints; to enter with them into the blessedness of the heavenly inheritance, was an object that the apostle thought was worth every effort which could he made. The doctrine of the resurrection was, in his view, that which distinguished the true religion, and which made it of such inestimable value Acts 26:6-7; Acts 23:6; 1 Corinthians 15; and he sought to participate in the full honor and glory of such a resurrection.
Wesley's Philippians 3:11 Bible Commentary
3:11 The resurrection of the dead - That is, the resurrection to glory.