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Philippians 3:11

ESV that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
NIV and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
NASB if somehow I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
CSB assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.
NLT so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!
KJV If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
NKJV if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

What does Philippians 3:11 mean?

In addition to the three traits Paul gave in verse 10, he adds one additional area to conclude this passage. Paul has already noted one form of resurrection, as well as suffering and death. Here, we find a focus on obtaining resurrection. What did Paul have in mind? Many views have been given regarding what Paul means by this peculiar phrase. The most likely views include either the rapture (1 Corinthians 15:50–58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18), or that faithful believers will have a better resurrection in the future than other believers. While these are legitimate points, it is uncertain whether this is Paul's intended meaning in this verse.

The simplest view follows Paul's progression in the previous verse: 1) resurrection (new life in Christ), 2) sufferings, 3) death, 4) and resurrection from the dead (a future reference to the resurrection of the dead). Though this is consistent with the view of the rapture, Paul does not appear to be specific to the rapture itself in these words and speaks more generally about his future resurrection from the dead.
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