rwp Philippians:3:7-8
rwp@Philippians:3:7 @{Were gain to me} (\en moi kerd\). "Were gains (plural, see on ¯1:21|) to me (ethical dative)." Paul had natural pride in his Jewish attainments. He was the star of hope for Gamaliel and the Sanhedrin. {Have I counted} (\hgmai\). Perfect middle indicative, state of completion and still true. {Loss} (\zmian\). Old word for damage, loss. In N.T. only in Phil. and strkjv@Acts:27:10,21|. Debit side of the ledger, not credit.
rwp@Philippians:3:8 @{Yea, verily, and} (\alla men oun ge kai\). Five particles before Paul proceeds (yea, indeed, therefore, at least, even), showing the force and passion of his conviction. He repeats his affirmation with the present middle indicative (\hgoumai\), "I still count all things loss for the excellency of the knowledge (\to huperechon\, the surpassingness, neuter articular participle of \huperech\, strkjv@Phillipians:2:3|) of Christ Jesus my Lord." {Dung} (\skubala\). Late word of uncertain etymology, either connected with \skr\ (dung) or from \es kunas ball\, to fling to the dogs and so refuse of any kind. It occurs in the papyri. Here only in the N.T. {That I may gain Christ} (\hina Christon kerds\). First aorist active subjunctive of \kerda\, Ionic form for \kerdain\ with \hina\ in purpose clause. Paul was never satisfied with his knowledge of Christ and always craved more fellowship with him.
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