Devine Scripture

Philippians 1:10

What does Philippians 1:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 1:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 1:10 means

Paul asks that the Philippians would approve what is truly excellent—choosing what best reflects Christ—and be sincere and without stumbling until the day of Christ. The aim of discerning love is not mere correctness but integrity and purity. “Sincere” suggests lives tested by light, free from hidden agendas; “without offence” points to not leading others into sin or being entangled in it. The time horizon is Christ’s day, when He will consummate His work. Such a future focus purifies present choices. Paul wants them to live transparently, making decisions that honor Christ and edify others, as those who await their Lord’s appearing.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

so that ye may approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and void of offence unto the day of Christ;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

so that ye may approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and void of offence unto the day of Christ;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So that you may give your approval to the best things; that you may be true and without wrongdoing till the day of Christ;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for your proving the things that differ, that ye may be pure and offenceless--to a day of Christ,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That you may approve the better things: that you may be sincere and without offence unto the day of Christ:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

that ye may judge of and approve the things that are more excellent, in order that ye may be pure and without offence for Christ's day,

Context

Continuing his prayer, Paul connects wise love (verse 9) to moral clarity and blameless living. The eschatological focus—the day of Christ—echoes verse 6 and anticipates later calls to conduct worthy of the gospel. Verse 11 will complete the prayer by identifying the source of such a life (through Jesus Christ) and its ultimate purpose (God’s glory and praise). Then, in verse 12, Paul will pivot to report how his imprisonment has advanced the gospel.

v.9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;

v.10This passage

v.11being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:32

    Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God:

  • Romans 12:9

    Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

  • Romans 14:20

    Overthrow not for meat’s sake the work of God. All things indeed are clean; howbeit it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:8

    who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye be unreproveable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • 1 John 4:1

    Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

  • Romans 7:16

    But if what I would not, that I do, I consent unto the law that it is good.

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