Devine Scripture

Philippians 1:9

What does Philippians 1:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 1:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 1:9 means

Paul prays that their love would overflow more and more, shaped by true knowledge and all discernment. Love is not blind sentiment; it grows in clarity about God, people, and situations. Such love can distinguish what helps or harms, what builds up or merely flatters. By asking for both knowledge and discernment, Paul seeks a love that is informed by the gospel and able to apply it wisely. This prayer recognizes that Christian maturity is not just zeal but skillful, Christlike care for others. As love deepens in wisdom, the church becomes more unified, effective, and resilient under pressure.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And my prayer is that you may be increased more and more in knowledge and experience;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and this I pray, that your love yet more and more may abound in full knowledge, and all judgment,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And this I pray: That your charity may more and more abound in knowledge and in all understanding:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in full knowledge and all intelligence,

Context

Having declared his affection, Paul now states the specific request he brings to God for them. This prayer introduces a sequence: love guided by knowledge (verse 9) leads to right judgment and integrity (verse 10), and results in lives filled with righteous fruit through Jesus Christ (verse 11). These petitions prepare the way for Paul’s later exhortations to live worthily of the gospel and stand firm together amid opposition (verses 27–30).

v.8For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.

v.9This passage

v.10so that ye may approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and void of offence unto the day of Christ;

Cross references

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

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:3

    We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another aboundeth;

  • Proverbs 4:18

    But the path of the righteous is as the dawning light, That shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

  • Matthew 13:31

    Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

  • Colossians 3:10

    and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him:

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:9

    But concerning love of the brethren ye have no need that one write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another;

  • 2 Corinthians 8:7

    But as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

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