Definition: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, [of] the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Philippians 3:5. It's a really interesting and somewhat complex verse that’s been interpreted in different ways throughout history. Here’s my explanation, aiming for clarity and understanding: The Basic Idea: This verse is about focusing on true faith – not just outward observance of rules or traditions – and prioritizing the spirit of being a true believer. Let's unpack it word by word: “Circumcised the eighth day…” : This refers to the circumcision ritual practiced as a sign of Jewish membership in the covenant with God. It was a physical act performed on boys at birth, signifying they were part of that group. “…of the stock of Israel…” : This means focusing on the lineage of the Israelites – their history, traditions, and connection to God. It’s about acknowledging their heritage. “…of the tribe of Benjamin…” : This is crucial . It specifically designates a particular tribe within the larger group of Israel. The tribe of Benjamin was known for its leadership roles and influence in the Old Testament. “…an Hebrew of the Hebrews;” : This clarifies that this focus is on an individual who is a Hebrew , meaning someone descended from the Jewish people. “as touching the law, a Pharisee” : This is where it gets more nuanced. The verse says that this individual was too focused on following the rules of the law (the laws established by God). It’s suggesting they were worried about doing things correctly according to those rules and were perhaps becoming obsessed with them, rather than truly believing in God's law. “Pharisee” is a term used historically to describe individuals who were overly concerned with legalistic observance – stressing outward rituals over inward faith. Putting it all together: The verse is saying that this person was prioritizing the external aspects of Jewish life (the laws, the tradition) over genuine and heartfelt belief in God. They were so focused on following rules and demonstrating piety that they became obsessed with them, losing sight of what truly mattered – a relationship with God through faith and love. Why is this important? This verse speaks to a potential danger of legalism – the idea that adhering strictly to rules and traditions can be more important than genuine spiritual understanding or connection with God. It’s about finding balance between following principles and trusting in God’s grace. --- Disclaimer: I've provided this explanation based on common interpretations of biblical passages. Different scholars and theologians have different perspectives, so there isn’t a single universally accepted meaning. Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore how this concept relates to other parts of the Bible?