Phili 3:12 | RWP | e4.org | Not that ( ουχ οτ ). To guard against a misunderstanding as in ; ; ; , . I have already obtained ( ηδη ελαβον ). Rather, "I did already obtain," constative second aorist active indicative of λαμβανω , summing up all his previous experiences as a single event. Or am already made perfect ( η ηδη τετελειωμα ). Perfect passive indicative (state of completion) of τελειοω , old verb from τελειος and that from τελος (end). Paul pointedly denies that he has reached a spiritual impasse of non- development. Certainly he knew nothing of so-called sudden absolute perfection by any single experience. Paul has made great progress in Christlikeness, but the goal is still before him, not behind him. But I press on ( διωκω δε ). He is not discouraged, but encouraged. He keeps up the chase (real idea in διωκω , as in ; ; ). If so be that ( ε κα ). "I follow after." The condition (third class, ει--καταλαβω , second aorist active subjunctive of καταλαμβανω ) is really a sort of purpose clause or aim. There are plenty of examples in the Koine of the use of ε and the subjunctive as here (Robertson, Grammar , p. 1017), "if I also may lay hold of that for which ( εφ' ω , purpose expressed by επ ) I was laid hold of ( κατελημφθην , first aorist passive of the same verb καταλαμβανω ) by Christ Jesus." His conversion was the beginning, not the end of the chase.

‏ Philippians 3:12

Not that ( ουχ οτ ). To guard against a misunderstanding as in Joh 6:26; 12:6; 2Co 1:24; Php 4:11, 17.

I have already obtained ( ηδη ελαβον ). Rather, "I did already obtain," constative second aorist active indicative of λαμβανω, summing up all his previous experiences as a single event.

Or am already made perfect ( η ηδη τετελειωμα ). Perfect passive indicative (state of completion) of τελειοω, old verb from τελειος and that from τελος (end). Paul pointedly denies that he has reached a spiritual impasse of non- development. Certainly he knew nothing of so-called sudden absolute perfection by any single experience. Paul has made great progress in Christlikeness, but the goal is still before him, not behind him.

But I press on ( διωκω δε ). He is not discouraged, but encouraged. He keeps up the chase (real idea in διωκω, as in 1Co 14:1; Ro 9:30; 1Ti 6:11).

If so be that ( ε κα ). "I follow after." The condition (third class, ει--καταλαβω, second aorist active subjunctive of καταλαμβανω ) is really a sort of purpose clause or aim. There are plenty of examples in the Koine of the use of ε and the subjunctive as here (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1017), "if I also may lay hold of that for which ( εφ' ω, purpose expressed by επ ) I was laid hold of ( κατελημφθην, first aorist passive of the same verb καταλαμβανω ) by Christ Jesus." His conversion was the beginning, not the end of the chase.