King James Version

What Does Philippians 1:9 Mean?

Philippians 1:9 in the King James Version says “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; judgment: or, sense” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Philippians 1:9 · KJV

PrayerLove

Context

7

Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. I have: or, ye have me in your heart of my: or, with me of grace

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.

Read Philippians 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment (καὶ τοῦτο προσεύχομαι, ἵνα ἡ ἀγάπη ὑμῶν ἔτι μᾶλλον καὶ μᾶλλον περισσεύῃ ἐν ἐπιγνώσει καὶ πάσῃ αἰσθήσει, kai touto proseuchomai, hina hē agapē hymōn eti mallon kai mallon perisseuē en epignōsei kai pasē aisthēsei)—Paul prays for superabundant love (perisseuē, "overflow, abound"), but qualified love: in (or "by means of") epignōsis ("full knowledge, discernment") and aisthēsis ("perception, moral insight").

This checks sentimental love divorced from truth. Knowledge (epignōsis, intensified form of gnōsis) implies experiential, relational knowing, not mere information. Judgment (aisthēsis) means moral discernment—the ability to distinguish good from evil, wise from foolish. Paul's prayer balances heart and head: love must be informed (knowledge) and discerning (judgment), not naive or doctrinally indifferent.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century philosophical schools debated the relationship between virtue and knowledge. Stoics emphasized rational knowledge; mystery religions stressed ecstatic experience. Paul's prayer synthesizes: love (Christian distinctiveness) must overflow in knowledge and discernment (avoiding gnostic error or sentimental Christianity). The Philippian church faced false teachers (3:2), making discerning love essential.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can your love 'abound more and more' without becoming undiscerning or doctrinally indifferent?
  2. What is the difference between knowledge (epignōsis) that informs love versus knowledge that puffs up (1 Cor 8:1)?
  3. In what areas do you need greater 'perception' (aisthēsis) to distinguish between good and excellent?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

τοῦτο2 of 17

“this”

G5124

that thing

προσεύχομαι3 of 17

“I pray”

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

ἵνα4 of 17

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἡ5 of 17
G3588

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

ἀγάπη6 of 17

“love”

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

ὑμῶν7 of 17

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἔτι8 of 17

“yet”

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

μᾶλλον9 of 17

“more”

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

καὶ10 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

μᾶλλον11 of 17

“more”

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

περισσεύῃ12 of 17

“may abound”

G4052

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel

ἐν13 of 17

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐπιγνώσει14 of 17

“knowledge”

G1922

recognition, i.e., (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement

καὶ15 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

πάσῃ16 of 17

“in all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

αἰσθήσει17 of 17

“judgment”

G144

perception, i.e., (figuratively) discernment

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 1:9 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 1:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 3:12Colossians 1:92 Peter 1:5-6Philemon 1:6Colossians 3:101 Peter 1:22

Test Your Knowledge

Philippians 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPhilippians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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