Philippians 3:4

His own experience as a converted Pharisee: Justification by Faith: its spiritual and eternal issues

4. Though Imight also&c. The Greek seems to assert that he not only might have, but has, such confidence. But the whole context, and St Paul's whole presentation of the Gospel, alike assure us that this is but a "way of speaking." What he means is to assert, in the most concrete form, his claim, if any one could have such a claim, to rely on privilege and observance for his acceptance. Render accordingly with R.V., Though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. So the Latin versions; Quanquam ego habeam&c.

thinketh R.V. margin, "seemeth." But A.V., and text R.V., are certainly right. The "seeming" or "appearing" is to the man's self; he thinksit to be so. Cp. for this (frequent) use of the Greek verb (dokeîn) e.g. Luke 24:37; Acts 12:9. And see esp. Matthew 3:9, "Do not think (seem) to say in yourselves&c."; where common sense gives the paraphrase, "Do not thinkthat you may say." So here, " thinketh that he may have confidence &c."

I more "I, from his point of view, think that I may have it more." Cp. 2 Corinthians 11:21-22, a passage closely akin to this.