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

PHILIPPIANS 1:9KJV
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Philippians 1:9 (KJV)

What does Philippians 1:9 mean?

Philippians 1:9 describes Paul’s prayer that the love of the believers in Philippi would keep growing, especially in knowledge and in all judgment (discernment). Paul wants their love to become deeper and wiser, not just bigger, so that it is guided by understanding and good sense.

Paul is writing this letter from prison to the Christians in the city of Philippi, encouraging them in their faith. Here, Paul is not just asking for more love in general, but for a love that is shaped by real insight and the ability to make wise choices. This sets the stage for the rest of his letter, which focuses on how believers should live and relate to each other.

The Greek behind Philippians 1:9

  • ἀγάπη (agapē, “love”): This word means a self-giving, active love, not just a feeling. Paul is praying for this kind of love to overflow among the believers.
  • ἐπίγνωσις (epignōsis, “knowledge”): This is a word for deep, personal understanding, not just facts. Paul is asking for a love that is informed by real spiritual insight.
  • αἴσθησις (aisthēsis, “judgment”): This word is often understood as discernment or the ability to sense what is best. Paul wants their love to be paired with the ability to make wise, thoughtful decisions.

Why Philippians 1:9 matters

  • Philippians 1:9 clears up the idea that Christian love is only about feelings or kindness; Paul ties love closely to wisdom and real understanding.
  • The verse shows that Paul values growth in both the heart and the mind, suggesting that true Christian maturity involves both love and discernment.
  • This prayer introduces a major theme of the letter: living wisely and lovingly in community, which Paul will develop in the verses that follow.

Where else these words appear

“knowledge” Greek G1922 · used in 20 verses

  • Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
  • Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
  • Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

“abound” Greek G4052 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 6:13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

“more” Greek G3123 · used in 81 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?
  • Acts 5:14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
  • 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

“pray” Greek G4336 · used in 82 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 5:16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
  • Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.