Philippians 2:15
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;
Original Language Analysis
γένησθε
ye may be
G1096
γένησθε
ye may be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
2 of 21
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
γενεᾶς
nation
G1074
γενεᾶς
nation
Strong's:
G1074
Word #:
11 of 21
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διεστραμμένης
perverse
G1294
διεστραμμένης
perverse
Strong's:
G1294
Word #:
14 of 21
to distort, i.e., (figuratively) misinterpret, or (morally) corrupt
οἷς
whom
G3739
οἷς
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
16 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
φαίνεσθε
ye shine
G5316
φαίνεσθε
ye shine
Strong's:
G5316
Word #:
17 of 21
to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
18 of 21
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Cross References
1 Peter 2:12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.Matthew 5:45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.Isaiah 60:1Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.Deuteronomy 32:5They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation.2 Peter 3:14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.1 Thessalonians 5:23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.1 Corinthians 1:8Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.Titus 2:10Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.Matthew 5:48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Historical Context
Deuteronomy 32:5's application to Greco-Roman culture (not just Israel) universalizes moral corruption. Ancient paganism involved sexual immorality, violence, injustice—Christians' ethical rigor was conspicuous. 'Lights in the world' echoes Jesus's teaching (Matt 5:14-16). Second-century apologists (Justin Martyr, Athenagoras) defended Christians by pointing to their ethical transformation—lights in darkness.
Questions for Reflection
- How are you 'blameless and harmless' in a morally 'crooked and perverse' culture?
- What does it mean to 'shine as lights' (phōstēres)—and how is your light visible to others?
- How does being 'children of God' (tekna theou) motivate ethical distinctiveness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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 (ἵνα γένησθε ἄμεμπτοι καὶ ἀκέραιοι, τέκνα θεοῦ ἄμωμα μέσον γενεᾶς σκολιᾶς καὶ διεστραμμένης, ἐν οἷς φαίνεσθε ὡς φωστῆρες ἐν κόσμῳ, hina genēsthe amemptoi kai akeraioi, tekna theou amōma meson geneas skolias kai diestrammenēs, en hois phainesthe hōs phōstēres en kosmō)—Hina genēsthe ("that you may become") states purpose. Amemptoi ("blameless") means beyond reproach; akeraioi ("harmless, innocent, pure") combines a- ("without") + kerannymi ("mix")—unmixed, unadulterated. Amōma ("without blemish") is sacrificial language (Lev 1:3).
Children of God (τέκνα θεοῦ, tekna theou) identifies believers' status. Context: in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation (μέσον γενεᾶς σκολιᾶς καὶ διεστραμμένης, meson geneas skolias kai diestrammenēs)—quotes Deut 32:5 (Moses's description of Israel). Skolias ("crooked") and diestrammenēs ("twisted, perverted") describe moral corruption. Believers are countercultural. Shine as lights (φαίνεσθε ὡς φωστῆρες, phainesthe hōs phōstēres)—phōstēres ("luminaries") usually means heavenly bodies (Gen 1:14 LXX). Christians are cosmic lights in moral darkness.