Timothy Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U. S. Army

As I read it, the Greek word (anglicized as "tapeinoseos") that is translated as "vile" in the KJV of the verse cited in the question does not necessarily carry the same negative connotation that might be associated with the word "vile" in English. Other translations (viewable at https://biblehub.com/philippians/3-21.htm) render the same word through terms such as lowly, mortal, unassuming, humble, earthly, poor, and weak.

Even with these more moderate meanings, the clear intent is to contrast our bodies in this present life with the immortal, glorified body that Jesus possessed following His resurrection (as described in the gospels and in Revelation), and that believers will also receive after their own resurrection at the close of the present age.

October 03 2025 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

An interesting query, Paul speaks in various ways and does show that he has the Holy Spirit when he speaks. My opinion is as follows:

Philippians 3:21 promises that Jesus Christ will transform believers' current, flawed bodies into glorified, imperishable bodies like His own resurrected body, using His supreme power to accomplish this at His return. This transformation, known as the resurrection, will remove all weakness, disease, and the sting of sin, creating a new body that is no longer subject to death or corruption, but rather filled with immortality and holiness. 

And Christ's resurrected body serves as the blueprint for our future glorified body, meaning we will be conformed to His likeness in a transformed, spiritual state. At Christ's return, believers will receive resurrected, glorified bodies that are no longer subject to sin, decay, or death.

Paul here refers to the transformation that anointed Christians must undergo in order to live in the spirit realm as joint heirs with the Lord Jesus Christ. They must first die as humans. Then God, at his appointed time, will bring them back to life in entirely new bodies. (2Co 5:1, 2) They will receive spirit bodies that are incorruptible, having immortality. (1Co 15:42-44, 53; see study note on 1Co 15:38.) In that way, their humble, imperfect human body will be replaced with one that is “like” (lit., “conformed to”) Christ’s glorious spirit body.​—Ro 8:14-18; 1Jo 3:2.

Philippians 3:21 also emphasizes that this incredible transformation is achieved by Christ's own mighty power. It is the same power he uses to "subject all things to himself". This shows that the hope of a glorified body is not a matter of human effort but a certainty based on God's omnipotence.

October 03 2025 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Pastor K Supporter

In addition to the answer already given, here are my thoughts:

1 Thess 5.23
We are a three-part being. 

At the point of salvation, our spirit is glorified. Completely and instantly transformed by the Spirit of God, you might say in the twinkling of an eye. We are a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). Romans 8 speaks on this. We are justified and glorified and called to be conformed to the image of Christ (which is a soul transformation).

Our soul is experiencing an ongoing sanctification and transformation. When we are filled with His Spirit, we get a taste of what is to come. Glory. As long as we stay in fellowship with and yielded to the Holy Spirit, our soul is undergoing spiritual glorification. (Romans 12:1-2 & Eph. 4)

The body has a future hope of being changed or glorified. In a moment we will be changed and we will meet Christ in the air along with those who died in Christ before us.

So from the point of salvation or the new birth, a transformation in our life started and will continue. Hebrews says he is continually sanctifying those who have been made perfect.

We are moving every day into Christ-likeness, spirit, soul, and body.

October 04 2025 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

I agree with Tim Maas about this (KJV or King James Version Translation). -- What does it mean that he shall change our vile bodies to be like his glorious body? Philippians 3:21, KJV:

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

I have always been a fan of Ray Stedman in my Christian life of 60 years now. His book, Body Life, is good. Stedman worked in Montana, including a stint as a Brahman bull rider in rodeos.

He said this about Ph 3:21, "The Greeks regarded the body as coarse and unworthy of redemption, and they therefore mistreated it. They beat their bodies, tortured and tormented them. You find this philosophy widespread in the Orient today, this idea that the body must be subdued by physical torment or suffering, but you never find this in the New Testament nor in true Christian faith. Oh, I know there is that verse in Philippians which in the King James' Version speaks of looking for 'the coming of the Lord Jesus who shall change our vile body' (Philippians 3:21), but all you can say about that is that it is a very vile translation! The word does not mean vile at all; it means 'a body of lowliness, of humiliation' that is not yet glorified. It has not yet entered into the ultimate state that God has designed for it. But Paul is not saying there is anything wrong with the body."

October 05 2025 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report