Philippians 1:10

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

εἰς

G1519

That

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ

G3588

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

δοκιμάζειν

G1381

may approve

to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

τὰ

G3588

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

διαφέροντα

G1308

things that are excellent

to bear through, i.e., (literally) transport; usually to bear apart, i.e., (objectively) to toss about (figuratively, report); subjectively, to "diffe

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἦτε

G5600

ye may be

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

εἰλικρινεῖς

G1506

sincere

judged by sunlight, i.e., tested as genuine (figuratively)

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#11

ἀπρόσκοποι

G677

without offence

actively, inoffensive, i.e., not leading into sin; passively, faultless, i.e., not led into sin

#12

εἰς

G1519

That

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#13

ἡμέραν

G2250

the day

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

#14

Χριστοῦ

G5547

of Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Philippians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Philippians chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Peace