Philippians 1:9
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγάπη
love
G26
ἀγάπη
love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
6 of 17
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περισσεύῃ
may abound
G4052
περισσεύῃ
may abound
Strong's:
G4052
Word #:
12 of 17
to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel
ἐπιγνώσει
knowledge
G1922
ἐπιγνώσει
knowledge
Strong's:
G1922
Word #:
14 of 17
recognition, i.e., (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 3:12And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:Colossians 1:9For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;Philemon 1:6That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.Colossians 3:10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:2 Corinthians 8:7Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:1 Corinthians 14:20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.2 Thessalonians 1:3We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.Hebrews 5:14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Historical Context
First-century philosophical schools debated the relationship between virtue and knowledge. Stoics emphasized rational knowledge; mystery religions stressed ecstatic experience. Paul's prayer synthesizes: love (Christian distinctiveness) must overflow in knowledge and discernment (avoiding gnostic error or sentimental Christianity). The Philippian church faced false teachers (3:2), making discerning love essential.
Questions for Reflection
- How can your love 'abound more and more' without becoming undiscerning or doctrinally indifferent?
- What is the difference between knowledge (epignōsis) that informs love versus knowledge that puffs up (1 Cor 8:1)?
- In what areas do you need greater 'perception' (aisthēsis) to distinguish between good and excellent?
Analysis & Commentary
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment (καὶ τοῦτο προσεύχομαι, ἵνα ἡ ἀγάπη ὑμῶν ἔτι μᾶλλον καὶ μᾶλλον περισσεύῃ ἐν ἐπιγνώσει καὶ πάσῃ αἰσθήσει, kai touto proseuchomai, hina hē agapē hymōn eti mallon kai mallon perisseuē en epignōsei kai pasē aisthēsei)—Paul prays for superabundant love (perisseuē, "overflow, abound"), but qualified love: in (or "by means of") epignōsis ("full knowledge, discernment") and aisthēsis ("perception, moral insight").
This checks sentimental love divorced from truth. Knowledge (epignōsis, intensified form of gnōsis) implies experiential, relational knowing, not mere information. Judgment (aisthēsis) means moral discernment—the ability to distinguish good from evil, wise from foolish. Paul's prayer balances heart and head: love must be informed (knowledge) and discerning (judgment), not naive or doctrinally indifferent.