{Yea, verily, and} (alla men oun ge kai). Five particles
before Paul proceeds (yea, indeed, therefore, at least, even),
showing the force and passion of his conviction. He repeats his
affirmation with the present middle indicative (h(8867)oumai), "I
still count all things loss for the excellency of the knowledge
(	o huperechon, the surpassingness, neuter articular participle
of huperech(935c),  Php 2:3 ) of Christ Jesus my Lord." {Dung}
(skubala). Late word of uncertain etymology, either connected
with sk(9372) (dung) or from es kunas ball(935c), to fling to the dogs
and so refuse of any kind. It occurs in the papyri. Here only in
the N.T. {That I may gain Christ} (hina Christon kerd(8873)(935c)).
First aorist active subjunctive of kerda(935c), Ionic form for
kerdain(935c) with hina in purpose clause. Paul was never
satisfied with his knowledge of Christ and always craved more
fellowship with him.