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

PHILIPPIANS 1:10KJV
Know the Bible

Philippians 1:10 (KJV)

What does Philippians 1:10 mean?

Philippians 1:10 says that Paul wants the believers to be able to recognize and choose what is truly best, so that they can live with sincerity and without causing offense until Jesus returns. The verse focuses on discernment and genuine living as ongoing goals for Christians.

Paul is writing this letter to the church in Philippi, encouraging them to grow in wisdom and character as they wait for Christ’s return. He is praying that their love will lead to clear judgment, so they can approve what is excellent and live in a way that is pure and blameless.

The Greek behind Philippians 1:10

  • δοκιμάζω (dokimazō, "approve"): This word means to test, examine, or recognize as genuine after examination. Paul is not just talking about agreeing with what is good, but about thoughtfully discerning and choosing what is truly worthwhile.
  • διαφέρω (diapherō, "excellent"): This word often means "to differ" or "to carry through," but here it is used for things that stand out as better or more valuable. Paul wants the Philippians to focus on what really matters, not just what is acceptable.
  • εἰλικρινής (eilikrinēs, "sincere"): This word carries the sense of being pure, unmixed, or genuine. Paul is urging the believers to live with honest motives and integrity, not just outward correctness.
  • ἀπρόσκοπος (aproskopos, "without offence"): This word means not causing others to stumble or not being blameworthy. Paul is highlighting a life that does not lead others into trouble or accusation.

Why Philippians 1:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Christian living is not just about following rules but about growing in discernment to choose what is truly best, not just what is allowed.
  • Paul’s emphasis on sincerity and being without offense shows that motives and the effect of one’s life on others are just as important as actions themselves.
  • The verse connects to Paul’s larger prayer for the Philippians (verses 9–11), showing that love, knowledge, and discernment all work together to shape a mature and blameless life as believers look forward to Christ’s return.

Where else these words appear

“sincere” Greek G1506 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Peter 3:1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:

“offence” Greek G677 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 24:16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

“excellent” Greek G1308 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
  • Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
  • Romans 2:18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;

“approve” Greek G1381 · used in 21 verses

  • Luke 12:56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
  • 1 Corinthians 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
  • Ephesians 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.