Philippians 1:10

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

εἰς That G1519
εἰς That
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 1 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 2 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοκιμάζειν may approve G1381
δοκιμάζειν may approve
Strong's: G1381
Word #: 3 of 14
to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve
ὑμᾶς ye G5209
ὑμᾶς ye
Strong's: G5209
Word #: 4 of 14
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
τὰ G3588
τὰ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διαφέροντα things that are excellent G1308
διαφέροντα things that are excellent
Strong's: G1308
Word #: 6 of 14
to bear through, i.e., (literally) transport; usually to bear apart, i.e., (objectively) to toss about (figuratively, report); subjectively, to "diffe
ἵνα that G2443
ἵνα that
Strong's: G2443
Word #: 7 of 14
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
ἦτε ye may be G5600
ἦτε ye may be
Strong's: G5600
Word #: 8 of 14
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
εἰλικρινεῖς sincere G1506
εἰλικρινεῖς sincere
Strong's: G1506
Word #: 9 of 14
judged by sunlight, i.e., tested as genuine (figuratively)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 10 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπρόσκοποι without offence G677
ἀπρόσκοποι without offence
Strong's: G677
Word #: 11 of 14
actively, inoffensive, i.e., not leading into sin; passively, faultless, i.e., not led into sin
εἰς That G1519
εἰς That
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 12 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἡμέραν the day G2250
ἡμέραν the day
Strong's: G2250
Word #: 13 of 14
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
Χριστοῦ of Christ G5547
Χριστοῦ of Christ
Strong's: G5547
Word #: 14 of 14
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Analysis & 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.

Historical 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.

Questions for Reflection