Philippians 1:9

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

τοῦτο

G5124

this

that thing

προσεύχομαι

G4336

I pray

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἡ

G3588

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

ἀγάπη

G26

love

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

ἔτι

G2089

yet

"yet," still (of time or degree)

μᾶλλον

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

#10

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#11

μᾶλλον

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

#12

περισσεύῃ

G4052

may abound

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel

#13

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#14

ἐπιγνώσει

G1922

knowledge

recognition, i.e., (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement

#15

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#16

πάσῃ

G3956

in all

all, any, every, the whole

#17

αἰσθήσει

G144

judgment

perception, i.e., (figuratively) discernment

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 love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of love differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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Topics

Peace