The Verse in Focus (Philippians 3:3)
ἡμεῖς γάρ ἐσμεν ἡ περιτομή, οἱ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ λατρεύοντες καὶ καυχώμενοι ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ καὶ οὐκ ἐν σαρκὶ πεποιθότες
ἡμεῖς γάρ ἐσμεν ἡ περιτομή: Redefining Covenant Identity
The sentence opens emphatically with ἡμεῖς — “we,” clearly distinguishing Paul and his audience from those he criticizes in the previous verse (the so-called “mutilators of the flesh,” v.2). The verb ἐσμεν (present indicative of εἰμί, “to be”) follows, linking the subject to its surprising predicate: ἡ περιτομή — “the circumcision.”
This bold declaration reframes Jewish covenant identity in spiritual, not physical, terms. It’s not the external sign but the internal transformation that matters. The definite article ἡ makes this a title — “the circumcision” — a collective, redefined people of God.
Three Defining Participles: λατρεύοντες, καυχώμενοι, πεποιθότες
Paul now defines this new identity using three substantival participles, all modifying the implied subject ἡμεῖς and all masculine plural nominative. This literary move elegantly outlines what it means to be the true covenant people:
1. οἱ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ λατρεύοντες
λατρεύοντες is the present active participle of λατρεύω — “to serve,” especially in a religious or cultic sense. The dative Πνεύματι Θεοῦ — “by the Spirit of God” — indicates the means or agency by which this worship or service is performed. This phrase asserts a shift from ritualistic worship to Spirit-empowered service.
2. καὶ καυχώμενοι ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ
καυχώμενοι is another present middle/passive participle from καυχάομαι, “to boast” or “to exult.” The prepositional phrase ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ shows the sphere or ground of boasting. Instead of pride in heritage, law, or achievements, the believer boasts in Messiah Jesus — a radical redirection of confidence and honor.
3. καὶ οὐκ ἐν σαρκὶ πεποιθότες
πεποιθότες is the perfect active participle of πείθω, “to trust” or “to be confident.” The perfect tense emphasizes a settled state of trust or persuasion. The prepositional phrase ἐν σαρκὶ — “in flesh” — refers to human credentials, especially circumcision and ancestral lineage. By negating this final participle with οὐκ, Paul denies confidence in external, fleshly markers.
Not of the Knife, But of the Spirit
Paul’s syntax in this verse is as sharp as his message. He takes an identity marker — ἡ περιτομή — and redefines it through three participles that describe worship in the Spirit, boasting in Christ, and rejecting confidence in the flesh. Each grammatical move dismantles physical pride and builds up spiritual truth. To be “the circumcision” is not to carry a mark in the body, but to live a life shaped by divine worship and Messiah-centered trust.
