The words translated in Phil. 3: 11, "the resurrection of the dead", are found

nowhere else in exactly the same form. This fact has its place in exposition. We have

discovered, however, that among quite a number of Christians with whom we have

spoken on the matter, there exists an impression that ek is never elsewhere used with

anastasis, and that, in consequence, doctrine that is quite untenable has been entertained.

We have in earlier volumes drawn attention to these facts, but the importance of them and

the claims of new readers make it imperative that they be reiterated and made as plain as

The Received Text of Phi. 3: 11 reads, eis ten exanastasin ton nekron. The Revised

Text, upon which there is practical unanimity among the Editors, reads, eis ten

exanastasin ten ek nekron.

As it may be of service to other readers similarly placed, we mention the following

incident. Upon remarking that while Phil. 3: 11 was unique, but by no means the only

occasion where ek is used with anastasis, one friend replied, "But Young's concordance

gives but one occurrence, that of Phil. 3: 11". The entry in Young's is as follows:--

We must remember that while Young's is an analytical concordance, it is, after all, a

concordance of the A.V., and if the A.V. does not translate ek by some word like "out of"

it will not be recorded by Young. A concordance is an excellent servant, but if one's

knowledge of Greek is limited to the concordance rather than a patient investigation of

the original N.T., extreme care must be exercised lest a little knowledge should prove a

dangerous thing. While great importance attaches to the little words ek and ex in

Phil. 3: 11, we must not allow their presence to upset our balance. One word in the

passage remains unchanged, the word anastasis, and it always means resurrection, never

translation, or change. Phil. 3: may speak of an "out-resurrection", but while due heed

must be given to the qualification conveyed in the prefix "out", we must also remember

that the fact referred to is still that of a resurrection. It may take place individually, it

may anticipate, by a brief period, the hope of the whole church, it may have many

peculiarities, but they will all be peculiarities of resurrection. Had the Holy Spirit wished

to speak of a translation there was a suitable word available, as Col. 1: shows.

But let us begin at the beginning, and approach the supreme revelation of Phil. 3: 11

step by step. We shall then be fortified with scriptural usage.