Philippians 1:9-10
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 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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Paul has just expressed his deep thankfulness for the Philippians' partnership in the gospel and his loving affection for them. Now, he turns to what he continually prays for on their behalf, a prayer that will guide their spiritual growth and impact their lives. This prayer isn't for earthly riches, but for an increase in their capacity for intelligent, discerning love.
Understand the original words
agapē · Greek Noun
In a New Testament context, this is not merely sentiment but a sacrificial, willful commitment to the well-being of others, modeled after God’s love for the world. It is the primary characteristic of the Christian life.
epignōsis · Greek Noun
Refers to true, spiritual insight or practical wisdom gained through relationship with God. It involves the application of biblical truth to life situations to discern God's will.
aisthēsis · Greek Noun
The ability to distinguish between right and wrong, or truth and error, informed by God’s Word. It is a spiritual perception that enables the believer to walk in a way that pleases God.
eilikrinēs · Greek Adjective
vincentPhilippians 1:9: "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;"
Judgment (αἰσθήσει)Only here in the New Testament. Rev., better, discernment: sensitive moral perception. Used of the senses, as Xenophon: "perception of things sweet or pungent" ("Memorabilia," i., 4, 5). Of hearing: "It is possible to go so far away as not to afford a hearing" ("Anabasis," iv., 6, 13). The senses are called αἰσθήσεις. See Plato, "Theaetetus," 156. Plato uses i…
barnesPhilippians 1:9: "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;"
And this I pray - We pray for those whom we love, and whose welfare we seek. We desire their happiness; and there is no way more appropriate of expressing that desire than of going to God, and seeking it at his hand. Paul proceeds to enumerate the blessings which he sought for them; and it is worthy of observation that he did not ask riches, or worldly prosperity, but that his suppl…
Philippians 1:9-10 reads: "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ," — see the full explanation above for context and original-language notes.
Paul has just expressed his deep thankfulness for the Philippians' partnership in the gospel and his loving affection for them. Now, he turns to what he continually prays for on their behalf, a prayer that will guide their spiritual growth and impact their lives. This prayer isn't for earthly riches, but for an increase in their capacity for intelligent, discerning love.
Paul has just expressed his deep thankfulness for the Philippians' partnership in the gospel and his loving affection for them. Now, he turns to what he continually prays for on their behalf, a prayer that will guide their spiritual growth and impact their lives. This prayer isn't for earthly riches, but for an increase in their capacity for intelligent, discerning love.
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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.
"And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ," — see the full study above for original language, historical background, and cross-references.
