Devine Scripture

Philippians 2:15

What does Philippians 2:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 2:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 2:15 means

The aim of a complaint-free, peaceable life is that believers become blameless and pure—God’s children without blemish—while living amid a corrupt and twisted generation. Christians are not removed from a dark world; they are placed within it to shine. Their character and unity make them visible lights, not by self-display but by contrast. This verse sets a high calling: innocence of evil, integrity in conduct, and a radiant witness that points to God. The church’s holiness is missional; a crooked world is more likely to notice Christ when His people embody a different, wholesome way of life together.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So that you may be holy and gentle, children of God without sin in a twisted and foolish generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God, unblemished in the midst of a generation crooked and perverse, among whom ye do appear as luminaries in the world,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That you may be blameless and sincere children of God, without reproof, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation: among whom you shine as lights in the world.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

that ye may be harmless and simple, irreproachable children ofGod in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation; among whom ye appear as lights in [the] world,

Context

Paul explains the purpose of doing all without grumbling (v. 14): to become blameless children who shine (v. 15). The image of lights underscores public witness. Verse 16 will add the means—holding forth the word of life—and tie their faithful perseverance to Paul’s joy in the day of Christ. The flow connects inner attitude, outward conduct, mission in the world, and apostolic accountability, showing that the Philippians’ way of life has both present impact and future evaluation.

v.14Do all things without murmurings and questionings:

v.15This passage

v.16holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain.

Cross references

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

  • Romans 16:19

    For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I rejoice therefore over you: but I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple unto that which is evil.

  • 1 Peter 1:14

    as children of obedience, not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts in the time of your ignorance:

  • 1 Corinthians 1:8

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

  • Matthew 5:14

    Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.

  • 1 Timothy 5:14

    I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling:

  • 1 John 3:1

    Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this cause the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

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