Philippians · Chapter 3 · Hope
Philippians 3:14 — Bible Verse Meaning & Context
Hope is the anchor that holds when feelings cannot.
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Both translations, side by side
WEB · World English Bible
"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
KJV · King James Version
"I press1377 toward2596 the mark4649 for1909 the prize1017 of the high507 calling2821 of God2316 in1722 Christ5547 Jesus2424."
How the translations differ: The WEB is a modern public-domain revision of the 1901 ASV; the KJV dates to 1611. The KJV uses mark, while the WEB renders these as goal. Both translate the same underlying Greek or Hebrew text — the differences are stylistic, not theological.
In context
Philippians 3:14 in Philippians 3
A Bible verse rarely stands alone. Here is Philippians 3:14 read with the verses immediately before and after — the surrounding flow of Philippians 3. Read the full chapter →
- v.12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
- v.13 Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before,
- v.14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
- v.15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you.
- v.16 Nevertheless, to the extent that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule. Let us be of the same mind.
Book background
About the Book of Philippians
- Testament
- New Testament
- Genre
- Pauline epistle
- Author
- Paul
- Date written
- c. 61–62 AD
- Audience
- The church at Philippi — Paul's most affectionate relationship
- Chapters
- 4
Philippians is Paul's joy-saturated thank-you letter from prison. It contains the great Christ-hymn (2:5-11) describing his self-emptying and exaltation, the call to rejoice always (4:4), the secret of contentment "in any and every situation" (4:11-13), and the assurance that "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion" (1:6).
Setting: Written from Roman imprisonment.
Key themes: joy · humility · partnership · contentment · Christ
Frequently asked
FAQ about Philippians 3:14
What does Philippians 3:14 say?
Philippians 3:14 reads: "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." — from the New Testament, Philippians (Pauline epistle). The full verse is shown above with both the World English Bible (WEB) and King James Version (KJV) translations side by side.
What book of the Bible is Philippians 3:14 in?
Philippians 3:14 is in the book of Philippians, traditionally attributed to Paul and written around c. 61–62 AD. Philippians is pauline epistle in the New Testament, originally addressed to The church at Philippi — Paul's most affectionate relationship. Best known for "I can do all things through Christ" and the Christ-hymn (2:5-11).
What is Philippians 3:14 about?
Philippians 3:14 is primarily a Bible verse about Hope. Within Philippians, Philippians is Paul's joy-saturated thank-you letter from prison. Read the full passage above with surrounding context.
What is the difference between Philippians 3:14 in WEB and KJV?
Philippians 3:14 in the World English Bible (WEB) reads: "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.". The King James Version (KJV) reads: "I press1377 toward2596 the mark4649 for1909 the prize1017 of the high507 calling2821 of God2316 in1722 Christ5547 Jesus2424.". The WEB is a modern public-domain translation that updates the KJV's 1611 English while keeping a similar formal-equivalence style. Both render the same underlying Greek or Hebrew text.
How long is Philippians 3:14?
Philippians 3:14 is 18 words in the WEB translation (84 characters), broken into 1 clause. It is short and well-suited to memorisation. Estimated reading time is about 5 seconds.
How can I memorise Philippians 3:14?
To memorise Philippians 3:14, split it into its 1 natural clause and learn one at a time. Repeat the full verse out loud five times, then write it from memory. Saving the verse as a photo wallpaper using our verse image studio helps daily review — the visual association with a memorable background dramatically improves recall.
Why does Philippians 3:14 matter in Philippians?
Philippians is Paul's joy-saturated thank-you letter from prison. It contains the great Christ-hymn (2:5-11) describing his self-emptying and exaltation, the call to rejoice always (4:4), the secret of contentment "in any and every situation" (4:11-13), and the assurance that "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion" (1:6). Philippians 3:14 sits within this larger story — Philippians as a whole emphasises joy, humility, partnership.
How can I apply Philippians 3:14 today?
Many readers use Philippians 3:14 as a daily reminder verse — saving it as a phone wallpaper, sharing it on Pinterest, or memorising it for prayer. The verse studio on this page lets you download Philippians 3:14 on 52 different backgrounds for free. Pair the verse with the surrounding chapter context shown above to understand its full meaning before applying it.
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10 verses to read next
A fresh set of verses every visit — each on its own photo background. Tap any card to open the full study page.
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Psalms 23:1
“A Psalm by David. Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
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John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
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Romans 8:28
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
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Psalms 23:4
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
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Isaiah 40:31
“But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and no…”
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Lamentations 3:22-23
“It is because of Yahweh's loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassion doesn't fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithf…”
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Psalm 23:1
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
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Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a latter end.”
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John 16:33
“I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.””
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1 Corinthians 13:13
“But now faith, hope, and love remain — these three. The greatest of these is love.”
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Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
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Philippians 4:6-7
“In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which sur…”
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Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”
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Philippians 1:6
“being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
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