1:8 1:8

Philippians 1:9

1:10 1:10

Bible Versions

¶ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgment;
And {G2532} this {G5124} I pray {G4336}, that {G2443} your {G5216} love {G26} may abound {G4052} yet {G2089} more {G3123} and {G2532} more {G3123} in {G1722} knowledge {G1922} and {G2532} in all {G3956} judgment {G144};
And this is my prayer: that your love may more and more overflow in fullness of knowledge and depth of discernment,
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;

Philippians 1:9 is a pivotal verse from the Apostle Paul’s prayer for the believers in Philippi, expressing his profound desire for their spiritual growth. It highlights a balanced approach to Christian maturity, where love is not merely emotional but deeply rooted in understanding and discernment.

Context of Philippians 1:9

This verse comes from the opening section of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, a deeply affectionate epistle written while he was imprisoned for the gospel. Unlike many of his other letters, Philippians contains little rebuke and much encouragement and gratitude. Paul begins by expressing his thankfulness for their partnership in the gospel and then immediately transitions into a heartfelt prayer for them, setting the tone for the entire letter. This prayer is not just for their well-being but specifically for their spiritual development.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Abundant and Growing Love: Paul's primary petition is that their "love may abound yet more and more." This isn't a stagnant love, but one that is dynamic, increasing, and overflowing. It speaks to the continuous nature of Christian growth, urging believers to deepen their love for God and one another. This love is often understood as agape, a self-sacrificial, divine love that is active and intentional.
  • Love Guided by Knowledge: The phrase "in knowledge" (Greek: epignosis) refers to a deep, precise, and experiential understanding. It’s not just intellectual assent but a practical knowledge of God’s will, truth, and character. Paul prays that their love would not be blind or sentimental but informed by a clear comprehension of spiritual realities, allowing them to love wisely and effectively. This echoes Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:17 for a spirit of wisdom and revelation.
  • Love Exercised with Discernment (Judgment): The KJV word "judgment" translates the Greek aisthesis, which means perception, discernment, or moral insight. It implies the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil, and even between varying degrees of good. This discerning love enables believers to make wise choices, approve excellent things, and apply their love appropriately in complex situations. It’s the ability to discern what is truly beneficial and pleasing to God, as also encouraged in Romans 12:2.

Linguistic Insights

The original Greek words provide depth:

  • Epignosis (knowledge): More than simple information (gnosis), epignosis denotes a full, precise, and practical knowledge, often gained through experience or divine revelation. It suggests an intimate acquaintance with spiritual truth.
  • Aisthesis (judgment): This term implies sensory perception or the ability to discern with moral sensitivity. It's about having spiritual senses trained to distinguish between things that differ, leading to sound moral and practical decisions.

Practical Application

Philippians 1:9 challenges believers today to pursue a holistic spiritual growth that integrates emotion, intellect, and moral discernment. It reminds us that:

  • Love is not enough on its own; it must be informed. Uninformed love can be misguided or even harmful. True Christian love requires an understanding of God’s word and His character.
  • Discernment is crucial for effective love. In a complex world, believers need to exercise spiritual judgment to apply love wisely, know when to speak, when to be silent, when to act, and when to refrain. This enables us to "prove all things" and "hold fast that which is good".
  • Growth is continuous. Paul prays for love to "abound yet more and more," indicating that spiritual maturity is an ongoing journey, not a destination.

This prayer encourages us to seek a love that is intelligent, perceptive, and ever-increasing, allowing us to live lives that truly honor God and bless others.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:12

    And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all [men], even as we [do] toward you:

  • Colossians 1:9

    ¶ For 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;

  • 2 Peter 1:5

    ¶ And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

  • 2 Peter 1:6

    And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

  • Philemon 1:6

    That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

  • Colossians 3:10

    And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

  • 1 Peter 1:22

    Seeing 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:
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