Philippians 3:13 Meaning: Forgetting the Past, Reaching Forward
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,
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Brethren, I count not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before,
brethren, I do not reckon myself to have laid hold; and one thing--the things behind indeed forgetting, and to the things before stretching forth--
Brethren, I do not count to have got possession myself; but one thing — forgetting the things behind, and stretching out to the things before,
Meaning in one sentence
Paul's honest confession that he hasn't arrived, and his single-minded focus: forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what lies ahead.
Context
Paul writes these words from chains, to a church he loves deeply. He has just listed everything he could boast in, Jewish credentials, zealous achievements, and called it all rubbish (3:8). His great prize now is knowing Christ and sharing in His sufferings and resurrection. But he is careful to say he hasn't reached the finish line. Some teachers in Philippi claimed to have already arrived at perfection. Paul pushes back softly but firmly: he does not count himself to have taken hold. This confession becomes his invitation to join him in the one thing that matters, keeping the goal in sight.
Key Words
Two Greek words in this verse capture the whole Christian journey. The first is epilanthanomenos, "forgetting." This isn't a fuzzy memory. It means to actively let go, to stop letting something have a grip on your heart. Paul had plenty to forget: his successes and his failures, his reputation, his past sins, even his religious credentials that could have made him proud. The second word is epekteinomenos, "reaching forward" or "stretching out." It describes a runner leaning so far forward that every muscle strains toward the tape. Not a casual glance ahead, but an intense, whole-bodied reach for what God has promised. Together they paint the Christian life as a constant motion of release and pursuit.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions read this verse as a call to humble progress. Reformed teachers like Calvin and the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary see Paul affirming that he has not yet reached the goal, pressing on with single focus, not doubting his salvation but refusing to settle. Wesleyan scholars, such as Adam Clarke, emphasize that Paul's confession of not having apprehended points to the ongoing work of sanctification that even the most mature believer needs. The Geneva Bible notes the same theme of pressing forward. Anglican commentators, like the Cambridge Bible, see Paul gently correcting those who think they have already arrived. All agree: the Christian race requires continual forward motion, not standing still.
A common misunderstanding
A common misunderstanding is that "forgetting what is behind" means erasing your memory or pretending your past didn't happen. In fact, the Greek word epilanthanomenos carries the sense of "neglecting" or "no longer caring for." Paul is not saying he forgets his past sins or achievements as a mental act; he is saying he refuses to let them dictate his present. He lets them go, like a runner who ignores the ground already covered and keeps his eyes ahead.
Living This Out
This verse asks you to sit with two questions this week. First: what is one thing behind you that still has a hold on your heart? It might be a failure you keep replaying, a success you keep reliving, or a wound you keep nursing. The word Paul uses for forgetting means you can choose to stop letting that thing occupy your attention. Second: what is one thing ahead that you can stretch toward? Pick one concrete expression of knowing Christ better, a verse to memorize, a person to serve, a habit to build. The key is "one thing." Not everything at once. Just the next step toward the goal.
Main takeaway: Paul refuses to let the past define him, pressing on with single focus toward the prize of knowing Christ fully.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Imagine you are racing toward a tree. If you keep looking back, you might fall. Paul says forget what is behind and run toward Jesus. Jesus is at the finish line and wants you to come to Him.
For ages 9, 12
Paul compares following Jesus to running a race. He says he hasn't reached the finish yet, but he doesn't look back. Forgetting doesn't mean pretending your past didn't happen. It means you don't let it control you. Paul's secret is "one thing": he focuses on knowing Jesus more. This week, you could pick one thing to do for Jesus. Read a Bible verse, help someone, or say sorry. Don't worry about yesterday. When you mess up, He gives you grace to get back up and keep going. Just keep running toward Jesus today.
Questions People Ask
What does it mean when Paul says he forgets what is behind?
Paul uses a Greek word that means to actively let go or no longer care for something. He's not saying we should erase our memories. He's saying we should refuse to let past failures, successes, or regrets dictate our present direction. Like a runner, he keeps his eyes on the road ahead, not the ground already covered.
Was Paul unsure of his salvation when he said he hadn't apprehended?
No. Commentators across traditions agree Paul is not doubting his salvation. He had previously stated his confidence in Christ. Here he is pushing back against false teachers who claimed to have already reached spiritual perfection. Paul admits he hasn't arrived at the full goal of his calling. But he presses on with hope, not uncertainty.
What is the 'prize' Paul is pressing toward?
Paul describes it as 'the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus' (verse 14). In the surrounding verses, he mentions the resurrection from the dead and knowing Christ deeply, the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. The prize is nothing less than being fully united with Christ forever.
What does 'this one thing I do' mean?
Paul states that he has a single aim, not distracted by many things. Commentators like Barnes note that Paul owed his extraordinary progress to this singleness of purpose. He didn't try to mix worldly goals with the pursuit of Christ. The phrase 'one thing' echoes Psalm 27:4, where David says the one thing he seeks is to dwell in God's house.
How can I practically forget the past and press forward?
Start by naming what holds you back, a past sin, a failure, a grudge. Ask God to help you release its grip on your heart. Then choose one concrete step toward knowing Christ better this week. It could be reading a passage, serving someone, or simply setting aside time to pray. Paul's word for 'reaching forward' suggests active effort, like a runner straining every muscle toward the finish.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study