King James Version

What Does Philippians 1:10 Mean?

Philippians 1:10 in the King James Version says “That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; approv... — study this verse from Philippians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; approve: or, try are: or, differ

Philippians 1:10 · KJV


Context

8

For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

9

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; judgment: or, sense

10

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; approve: or, try are: or, differ

11

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

12

But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ (εἰς τὸ δοκιμάζειν ὑμᾶς τὰ διαφέροντα, eis to dokimazein hymas ta diapheronta)—Dokimazein ("to test, approve after examination") is metallurgical language—testing ore for purity. Ta diapheronta can mean "things that differ" (distinguishing between options) or "things that excel" (choosing the best). Likely both: discerning differences and choosing what's superior, not merely permissible.

Sincere (εἰλικρινεῖς, eilikrineis) may derive from heilē ("sunlight") + krinō ("judge")—"judged in sunlight," tested by full exposure, free from hidden flaws. Without offence (ἀπρόσκοποι, aproskopoi) means not causing others to stumble or oneself remaining unstumbled. Till the day of Christ (εἰς ἡμέραν Χριστοῦ, eis hēmeran Christou) again orients toward eschatological accountability—moral integrity maintained until Christ's return.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The metaphor of testing metals by sunlight or fire was common in ancient commerce and philosophy. Plato used eilikrinēs for philosophical purity. Paul applies it to ethical living under Christ's coming scrutiny. 'Day of Christ' language pervades Philippians (1:6, 10; 2:16), reflecting early Christian eschatological urgency and accountability to the returning Judge.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you test decisions to 'approve things that are excellent' rather than merely acceptable?
  2. What areas of your life might not survive scrutiny 'in the sunlight' of full exposure?
  3. How does living toward 'the day of Christ' change your ethical calculus in daily decisions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
εἰς1 of 14

That

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ2 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δοκιμάζειν3 of 14

may approve

G1381

to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve

ὑμᾶς4 of 14

ye

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

τὰ5 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διαφέροντα6 of 14

things that are excellent

G1308

to bear through, i.e., (literally) transport; usually to bear apart, i.e., (objectively) to toss about (figuratively, report); subjectively, to "diffe

ἵνα7 of 14

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἦτε8 of 14

ye may be

G5600

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

εἰλικρινεῖς9 of 14

sincere

G1506

judged by sunlight, i.e., tested as genuine (figuratively)

καὶ10 of 14

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπρόσκοποι11 of 14

without offence

G677

actively, inoffensive, i.e., not leading into sin; passively, faultless, i.e., not led into sin

εἰς12 of 14

That

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἡμέραν13 of 14

the day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

Χριστοῦ14 of 14

of Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Philippians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Philippians 1:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Philippians 1:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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