so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Philippians 1:10
What does Philippians 1:10 mean?
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Philippians 1:10
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Paul prays that believers would not just be good, but that their love would sharpen their discernment, allowing them to "approve what is excellent"—not just distinguish right from wrong, but actively choose the best. This keen discernment is the pathway to being truly pure and blameless, shining brightly for Christ's return, not just enduring until it.
so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is praying that the Philippian believers’ love for God and each other will grow deeper and more discerning, enabling them to distinguish between what is truly valuable and what is not. He desires for them to live lives that are not only pure in God's sight but also irreproachable before others, so that they remain steadfast and unblemished as they await Christ's return. This prayer flows from his deep affection for them and his confidence in God's faithfulness to complete the good work He began in them.
Ever feel overwhelmed by choices, unsure what truly matters? Paul prays for believers to go beyond just 'good' and actively approve what's best.
The Greek word for 'approve' here (dokimazein) is like a goldsmith testing metal with fire. It's not just passive agreement; it's an active, rigorous examination to discern true value.
What does it mean to be truly 'sincere' and 'blameless' before God? It's not just about avoiding sin, but about a deep, tested purity that holds up under scrutiny.
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The qualities Paul prays for – sincerity (eilikrineis) and blamelessness (aproiskopoi) – are not superficial. They describe a deep, resilient inner character.
Understand the original words
eilikrinēs · Greek Adjective
Refers to being tested and found genuine, or morally upright and without hypocrisy in the sight of God. It describes a life that is unmixed with sin and consistent with the gospel.
aproskopos · Greek Adjective
Characterized by the absence of fault or charge; it refers to the status of a believer who is sanctified and walking in holiness, not because of personal perfection, but because of the work of Christ.
This passage discusses not causing offense to others, whether they are Jewish or Gentile, which directly relates to being 'without offense' in Philippians 1:10.
Romans 2:18This verse speaks about discerning and approving God's will, paralleling the idea in Philippians 1:10 of approving 'what is excellent' through spiritual discernment.
1 John 1:7This verse highlights walking in the light to maintain fellowship, connecting to the idea of being 'pure and blameless' for Christ's day found in Philippians 1:10.
2 Peter 3:1Peter mentions stirring up believers by way of remembrance, so they may be mindful of the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and of the commandment of the Lord and Savior, through your apostles, which echoes the desire for sound judgment and purity in Philippians 1:10.
Matthew 5:8The Beatitude 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God' directly aligns with the call to be 'pure and blameless' in Philippians 1:10.
vincentPhilippians 1:10: "That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;"
Approve (δοκιμάζειν)Sanction on test. See on 1 Peter 1:7.Things which are excellent (τὰ διαφέροντα)Unnecessary difficulty has been made in the explanation of this phrase. Love displays itself in knowledge and discernment. In proportion as it abounds it sharpens the moral perceptions for the discernment of what is best. The passage is on the line of 1 Corinthia…
barnesPhilippians 1:10: "That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;"
That ye may approve things - Margin, "Or, try." The word used here denotes the kind of trial to which metals are exposed in order to test their nature; and the sense here is, that the apostle wished them so to try the things that were of real value, as to discern that which was true and genuine. That are excellent - Margin: Or, "differ." The margin here more corr…
Paul prays that believers would not just be good, but that their love would sharpen their discernment, allowing them to "approve what is excellent"—not just distinguish right from wrong, but actively choose the best. This keen discernment is the pathway to being truly pure and blameless, shining brightly for Christ's return, not just enduring until it.
Paul is praying that the Philippian believers’ love for God and each other will grow deeper and more discerning, enabling them to distinguish between what is truly valuable and what is not. He desires for them to live lives that are not only pure in God's sight but also irreproachable before others, so that they remain steadfast and unblemished as they await Christ's return. This prayer flows from his deep affection for them and his confidence in God's faithfulness to complete the good work He began in them.
Paul is praying that the Philippian believers’ love for God and each other will grow deeper and more discerning, enabling them to distinguish between what is truly valuable and what is not. He desires for them to live lives that are not only pure in God's sight but also irreproachable before others, so that they remain steadfast and unblemished as they await Christ's return. This prayer flows from his deep affection for them and his confidence in God's faithfulness to complete the good work He began in them.
"so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ," — Paul prays that believers would not just be good, but that their love would sharpen their discernment, allowing them to "approve what is excellent"—not just distinguish right from wrong, but active…
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Last reviewed October 2026