Philippians 2:15 kjv
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Philippians 2:15 nkjv
that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Philippians 2:15 niv
so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky
Philippians 2:15 esv
that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Philippians 2:15 nlt
so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
Philippians 2 15 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| John 1:16 | ...and from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. | Grace through Christ's fullness. |
| Rom 8:29-30 | For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son... | Predestined to Christlikeness. |
| 1 Cor 1:30 | By his doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption. | Sanctification in Christ. |
| Eph 1:4 | ...even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. | Chosen to be holy and blameless. |
| Eph 5:27 | ...to present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. | Christ presenting a spotless church. |
| Phil 1:10 | ...so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. | Approval of excellence, purity. |
| Col 1:22 | Yet now he has reconciled you in his body of his flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him. | Reconciliation leading to holy state. |
| Titus 2:14 | ...who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. | Christ's redemption and purification. |
| Heb 12:10-11 | For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. | God's discipline for holiness. |
| 1 Pet 1:15-16 | but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, because I am holy." | Exhortation to be holy. |
| 1 John 1:7 | but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. | Cleansing through Christ's blood. |
| Deut 32:5 | They have corrupted themselves; they are not his children, but a crooked and twisted generation. | Contrast with corrupted generation. |
| Jer 4:14 | Wash the evil from your heart, O Jerusalem, that you may be saved! How long will your vain thoughts lodge within you? | Call to purification. |
| Acts 2:40 | And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation." | Salvation from a crooked generation. |
| Isa 58:7-8 | Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the chains of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is not this to share your bread with the hungry and to bring the into your house when you see the naked... Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. | Connection of righteousness to shining light. |
| Ps 145:2 | I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. | Blessing God's name. |
| Prov 4:18 | But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light, that shines more and more until full daylight. | Path of the righteous is like light. |
| Matt 5:16 | In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father who is in heaven. | Let your light shine. |
| John 8:12 | Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." | Jesus is the light of the world. |
| 2 Cor 3:18 | And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. This comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. | Transformed into God's image. |
| Eph 5:8 | ...for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light... | Walking as children of light. |
Philippians 2 verses
Philippians 2 15 Meaning
Christians are to be blameless and pure, like God's perfect children, living brightly in a dark world. This is achieved through Christ's saving work, making them able to shine without fault.
Philippians 2 15 Context
Philippians 2:15 is part of Paul's exhortation to the Philippian believers to live in unity and humility, following the example of Christ. The preceding verses (Philippians 2:12-13) emphasize working out salvation with fear and trembling, acknowledging God's role in empowering them. This verse then provides the reason and standard for that endeavor: to be blameless and pure, shining like lights in a perverse and crooked generation, so that God might be glorified. The surrounding chapters discuss perseverance in faith, unity amidst division, and joy in the Lord, all framed by Paul's imprisonment but driven by the gospel.
Philippians 2 15 Word Analysis
- Phōsteres (G4544 - shining lights, stars, lamps): Refers to a source of illumination. In the context of a perverse generation, it highlights the distinctiveness and guiding nature expected of believers.
- Asteres (G792 - stars): Specifically 'stars'. Stars in ancient times were significant for navigation and were seen as celestial, constant bodies.
- En gloria (G1391 - in glory, in radiance): This phrase indicates the manner or state in which they are to shine – with a divine, glorious brilliance.
- Amomoi (G299 - blameless, spotless, without fault): Points to an ethical and spiritual integrity. It implies freedom from moral stain or imperfection.
- Akiles (G247 - pure, unblemished, clean): Similar to 'blameless,' it emphasizes purity from corruption, sin, or admixture. It suggests an unalloyed character.
- Mēmos (G3470 - blemish, fault, spot): Often used for physical imperfections in sacrificial animals, extended metaphorically to spiritual or moral flaws.
- En mesō (G3319 - in the midst of, in the middle of): Positions believers as being present and active within the darkness.
- Genea (G1085 - generation, race, lineage): Refers to the specific generation of people to whom the believers belong, characterized by particular negative traits.
- Skolia (G4646 - crooked, perverted, twisted): Describes the generation's moral and spiritual deviation from what is right or straight. It suggests a bent or warped nature.
- Geneas (G1085 - generation's): Genitive case, showing possession or relation.
Words-group by words-group analysis
- "to shine as lights": This powerful metaphor drawn from creation (Gen 1:14-18; Isa 60:1) signifies believers are meant to be distinct, radiant sources of truth, hope, and goodness in a world darkened by sin and ignorance. It implies a passive source (God's light shining through them) and an active role (their deeds reflecting light).
- "blameless and pure": These terms together paint a picture of complete ethical and spiritual integrity. 'Blameless' addresses outward conduct, while 'pure' addresses inward motives and disposition. They are the internal and external manifestations of Christ's work in them.
- "in the midst of a crooked generation": This emphasizes the context and contrast. Believers are not to be withdrawn from the world but present within it, surrounded by people whose thinking, values, and actions are perverted and turned away from God's truth. Their distinctiveness is to be evident against this backdrop.
Philippians 2 15 Bonus Section
The Greek word translated as "pure" (akile") carries the nuance of being unadulterated. In the ancient world, metals or substances could be mixed with lesser ones. Something "akile" was free from such adulteration, indicating genuine, unalloyed character. This aligns with the Old Testament concept of Israel being a chosen people meant to be set apart and pure from surrounding pagan practices. The idea of a "crooked generation" (skolia genea) echoes warnings in the Old Testament (Deut 32:5, Phil 2:15 itself) about Israel's tendency towards spiritual and moral perversion, emphasizing the need for believers to resist assimilation into ungodly patterns of thought and behavior. The call to be blameless and pure is an outworking of their new identity in Christ, reflecting the spotless nature of the Lamb of God (1 Pet 1:19).
Philippians 2 15 Commentary
Paul uses vivid imagery to call believers to a high standard of conduct. Because God has saved them and made them pure through Christ, they are to reflect His light brightly in a sinful world. This purity and blamelessness are not self-achieved but a result of God's work within them, empowered by the Holy Spirit (Phil 2:13). Their shining should be evident to all, marking them as distinct. This distinctiveness is achieved by living in a way that is morally upright and free from the perversions characteristic of the surrounding ungodly society. Their radiant conduct serves to glorify God by showcasing the transforming power of the gospel. It is a call to reflect the light of Christ who is the true Light of the world (John 8:12), proving the reality of their faith through consistent, God-honoring actions.
Practical Usage Example: A believer consistently speaking truth, acting with integrity in their workplace, and demonstrating love and forgiveness even when others are deceitful or hostile, is shining as a light.