Philippians 3:2

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Watch out for the “dogs!” [Note: “Dogs” were viewed with disgust by the ancient Jews (Deut. 23:18; II Kings 8:13; Rev. 22:15) , so the term is used here derogatorily for Jewish Christians who were trying to impose on the church the requirements of the Law of Moses]. Watch out for the evil workers! Watch out for those who mutilate the body meaninglessly! [Note: Paul here alludes, in a derogatory wordplay, to the Jewish practice of circumcision].

Cross References

2 Corinthians 11:13

For such men are false apostles; they are deceitful workers, who disguise themselves as [true] apostles of Christ.

Titus 1:16

These people claim to know God [as Savior], but they deny Him by their actions, so they are detestable and disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

Revelation 22:15

On the outside [of the city] are the dogs [Note: This probably refers to people who practiced sexual perversions. See Deut. 23:17] and the sorcerers, and the sexually immoral people, and the murderers, and the idolaters and every person who loves and practices falsehood.

Galatians 5:15

But if you [unlovingly] bite and eat one another [i.e., figuratively], be careful that you do not totally consume one another.

Philippians 3:19

Their [ultimate] end is [spiritual] destruction; their god is their appetite; they boast of what they ought to be ashamed of, and they [constantly] think about worldly things.

Galatians 5:6

For in [our relationship with] Christ neither the practice of circumcision nor refraining from its practice matters in any way; but [all that really matters is having a genuine] faith [in Christ] that causes us to work [for Him] out of a genuine love [for Him and others].

Matthew 7:15

“Look out for deceiving prophets, who approach you wearing sheep’s clothing, but who are [actually] starving wolves in their hearts.

Revelation 21:8

But the place for cowards, and unbelievers, and disgusting people [i.e., because of their terrible sins], and murderers, and sexually immoral people, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, will be the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.”

Revelation 3:9

Look at those who belong to the synagogue of Satan [See 2:9]; they claim to be Jews, yet they are not, but are lying. Watch, I will make them come and bow down at your feet [in respect] and [they will] know that I have loved you.

Jude 1:4

For certain men have secretly infiltrated [your ranks]; they are men who had been written about long ago that they should be judged [and condemned] for perverting the unearned favor of our God into [a license for] living unrestrained, indecent lives, and who deny [the identity and work of] our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 1:19

holding on to [your] faith and a good conscience. Some people have rejected these things, resulting in the “shipwreck” of their faith [i.e., their spiritual life was ruined].

Philippians 3:3

For we [Christians] are the [true] circumcision [i.e., the real “Jews” in God’s eyes. See Rom. 2:28-29]. We worship by means of God’s Holy Spirit [i.e., are empowered and motivated by the Holy Spirit], and boast in [the person and work of] Christ Jesus, and [we] place no confidence in the flesh [i.e., in any outward ritual or status for salvation].

Galatians 5:13

For you brothers were called [by God] to enjoy your freedom; but do not use this freedom as an excuse for living a sinful life; instead, use it to render loving service to each other.

Romans 2:28

For that person is not a Jew who is one [merely] on the outside. And circumcision is not [merely] an outward physical ordinance.

Matthew 7:6

“Do not offer sacred things to dogs, and do not throw your pearls in front of [wild] pigs [i.e., to those who will not appreciate them], because they will probably trample on them with their feet and then turn around and attack you.

Revelation 2:9

I know [about] your suffering and your poverty (but you are [really] rich), and the slander of those who say they are Jews, though they [really] are not, but are a synagogue of Satan [i.e., they claimed to be an assembly of God’s people, but in reality were serving Satan].

2 Peter 2:22

It has happened to them like the true proverb [Prov. 26:11 says], “The dog [throws up, and then] goes back and eats its own vomit,” and “The hog that was all cleaned up [goes back] to wallowing in the mud.”

Matthew 24:10

And then many people will fall away [from God] and they will turn one another over [i.e., to the authorities for punishment], and they will hate one another.