Dictionary of Biblical Words:
The mark on the flesh of the Israelite who had submitted to the outward rite, but had never been circumcised in heart. It is an expression of the utmost contempt for empty formalism (Phil. 3:2).
Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(cutting of). A sarcastic use by Paul of the word circumcision (Phil. 3:2).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
This is a “cutting, mutilation,” κατατομή, in contrast to the true circumcision, which is a cutting off. It is a term of contempt for the Judaizing teachers (Phil. 3:2).
Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:
Transliteration:
katatome
Meaning:
from a compound of 2596 and τέμνω (to cut); a cutting down (off), i.e. mutilation (ironically)
From Anstey’s Doctrinal Definitions:
A term which the Apostle Paul used to describe those who receive the mark of circumcision in their bodies, but are opposed to what it involves practically (Phil. 3:2). The word literally means “against cutting off.” (“Con” means “against,” and “Cision” means “to cut off.”) It is a cutting at the flesh, but not going so far as to cut off the flesh in a practical and spiritual sense. It stands in contrast to “circumcision,” which is a complete cutting off of the flesh. Hence, “the concision” were Judaizing teachers who were against the cutting off of the flesh in practise. These teachers had infiltrated the Christian ranks in Paul’s day and have been a plague to true Christianity ever since. (See Circumcision.)