Philippians 1 10

Philippians 1:10 kjv

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.

Philippians 1:10 nkjv

that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,

Philippians 1:10 niv

so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

Philippians 1:10 esv

so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

Philippians 1:10 nlt

For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return.

Philippians 1 verses

Philippians 1 10 Meaning

This verse encapsulates the vital outcomes Paul desires for the Philippian believers, flowing from the abounding love mentioned in the preceding verse. It highlights the importance of spiritual discernment and ethical integrity as believers navigate the complexities of life. The core idea is for Christians to accurately recognize, choose, and embrace what is morally excellent and truly valuable according to God's standards. This refined perception should lead to a life marked by inner purity of heart and external blamelessness in conduct, all pursued with the ultimate accountability of the Day of Christ in view.

Philippians 1 10 Context

Philippians 1:10 is an integral part of Paul's prayer for the Philippian believers, spanning verses 9-11. This specific verse elaborates on the desired outcome of the "abounding love with knowledge and all discernment" that Paul prays for them in verse 9. It functions as a purpose clause, specifying why their love needs to be coupled with spiritual intelligence. The immediate context of verse 9 establishes love as the foundation, but a love that is informed and intelligent, not sentimental or blind. Verse 10 then details the direct consequences of such enlightened love: the ability to discern excellence, leading to purity and blamelessness. The ultimate aim of this spiritual development is tied to "the Day of Christ," emphasizing an eschatological perspective that grounds daily conduct in eternal accountability. The letter of Philippians generally encourages Christian living, unity, and perseverance in the face of external opposition and internal challenges, all rooted in the joy and fellowship of Christ. This verse highlights the practical outworking of living worthy of the gospel in a pagan, Roman-influenced world.

Philippians 1 10 Word analysis

• so that (ἵνα - hina): This Greek conjunction introduces a purpose clause. It indicates that the previous thought – Paul's prayer for their love to abound in knowledge and discernment (Phil 1:9) – has a direct, intentional goal or result. It's not just a casual wish but a targeted objective for their spiritual growth.
• you may approve/discern (δοκιμάζειν - dokimazein): From dokimazo. This verb means "to test," "to examine," "to prove," and, crucially, "to approve" or "to discern after testing." It carries the connotation of a rigorous process, like a goldsmith testing the purity of metal in a fire (Ps 17:3; Prov 17:3). It implies a discerning judgment that distinguishes between different options, not just right or wrong, but also good, better, and best. The goal is to acknowledge, endorse, and make good choices based on informed evaluation.
• what is excellent/the things that differ (τὰ διαφέροντα - ta diapheronta): From diapherō, which literally means "to carry through" or "to differ." In this context, it functions substantively, referring either to "the things that excel," "the things that are superior," or "the things that are qualitatively different" (implying one is better than another). The dominant scholarly interpretation, supported by context, leans towards "what is excellent" or "what is of surpassing worth." This is about discerning values, prioritizing that which is truly superior in God's eyes over lesser goods or even apparent evils. It calls for practical wisdom in Christian living, not merely theoretical knowledge.
• and so be pure (εἰλικρινεῖς - eilikrineis): This adjective comes from eilikrinēs. It literally means "judged by sunlight" (εἵλη heile = warmth/sunlight; κρίνω krinō = to judge/discern). It refers to that which is transparent, unmixed, unsullied, and sincere. It speaks of internal purity and integrity of motive, free from duplicity or hidden agendas. It's about genuine inner character that stands up to divine scrutiny.
• and blameless (ἀπροσκόπους - aproskopous): From aproskopos. This term means "not stumbling" (oneself) and "not causing others to stumble/offend." It encompasses both an internal and external aspect of conduct. Internally, it refers to not giving in to temptation or committing sin. Externally, it means living in a way that does not cause others to sin or to take offense at the gospel message because of a believer's conduct. It points to a walk that is above reproach and exhibits moral consistency.
• for the day of Christ (εἰς ἡμέραν Χριστοῦ - eis hēmeran Christou): This is an eschatological phrase referring to the future return of Christ, also known as "the Day of the Lord" or "the Day of Judgment" in other scriptures. This future event serves as the ultimate motivation and anchor for the believer's pursuit of discernment, purity, and blamelessness. It reminds them that their present conduct has eternal significance and that they will ultimately stand before Christ.Words-group by words-group analysis:
• so that you may approve what is excellent: This phrase emphasizes the practical outcome of spiritual knowledge and love. It's not passive understanding but active, critical evaluation (approve/discern) leading to embracing superior moral and spiritual values. It contrasts with merely following societal norms or emotional impulses, urging believers to align their choices with God's perfect will.
• and so be pure and blameless: These two qualities define the character resulting from spiritual discernment. "Pure" signifies internal sincerity, unadulterated motives, and moral integrity of heart, reflecting true spiritual health. "Blameless" denotes external conduct that is above reproach, not causing others to stumble or impugn the reputation of Christ, reflecting effective testimony. The pairing highlights a holistic expectation for the believer – integrity within and without.
• for the day of Christ: This final phrase provides the ultimate impetus for seeking purity and blamelessness. It grounds Christian ethics in eschatology. The impending return of Christ and the accountability that accompanies it should motivate believers to live lives of genuine holiness. It sets a definite, future perspective that influences and guides all present decisions and behaviors.

Philippians 1 10 Bonus section

The concept of "discernment" in Philippians 1:10 is not a passive reception of truth but an active, continuous testing and evaluation process. It's about cultivated moral judgment, similar to how an athlete trains to excel. This dynamic quality implies that discernment grows as believers mature in their faith. The connection between "knowledge and all discernment" (v. 9) and "approving what is excellent" (v. 10) indicates that true spiritual love isn't blind but sees clearly and makes wise choices. This verse provides a powerful counter-narrative to antinomianism, which suggests that grace permits a lax lifestyle, and to legalism, which relies on human effort for righteousness. Instead, it places moral excellence within the framework of a Spirit-led, Christ-centered life motivated by an eternal perspective. The "Day of Christ" emphasizes personal accountability not as fear-driven but as the hopeful anticipation of standing before a beloved Savior.

Philippians 1 10 Commentary

Philippians 1:10 distills the essence of Christian maturity, flowing from a love informed by knowledge and spiritual discernment. Paul's prayer is not for sentimental affection but for a love that intelligently apprehends God's standards and priorities. This enabled discernment, "to approve what is excellent," is crucial for navigating life's choices; it means not merely distinguishing right from wrong, but actively recognizing and embracing the highest spiritual good. This process of moral discrimination is intrinsically linked to the development of character, leading to an inner purity (sincerity of motive, unmixed devotion to God) and an outward blamelessness (living without reproach, not causing offense to others or hindering the gospel). These virtues are not ends in themselves, but are lived out "for the Day of Christ," anticipating His return and our accountability before Him. This eschatological horizon provides the ultimate motivation for sanctified living, ensuring that believers are prepared to stand faultless before their Lord. The verse thus describes a progression from discerning truth, to internal transformation, to blameless outward conduct, all anchored in Christ's final advent.

Examples:

• Approving what is excellent: Choosing to spend free time in Bible study and prayer over constant entertainment, because you discern spiritual growth as the higher good.
• Pure: Serving in the church genuinely to glorify God, rather than for personal recognition or praise.
• Blameless: Avoiding situations or activities that, though perhaps not inherently sinful for you, might cause a weaker brother or sister to stumble, demonstrating care for their conscience.