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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Philippians 1:9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/philippians/1-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/50_Php_01_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Philippians 1:9 - Thanksgiving and Prayer" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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<a href="/nkjv/philippians/1.htm">New King James Version</a> And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, <a href="/nasb_/philippians/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And this I pray, that your love may overflow still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, <a href="/nasb/philippians/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, <a href="/nasb77/philippians/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, <a href="/lsb/philippians/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in full knowledge and all discernment, <a href="/amp/philippians/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more [displaying itself in greater depth] in real knowledge and in practical insight, <a href="/csb/philippians/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, <a href="/hcsb/philippians/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, <a href="/asv/philippians/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; <a href="/cev/philippians/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I pray that your love will keep on growing and you will fully know and understand <a href="/erv/philippians/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; <a href="/gwt/philippians/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I pray that your love will keep on growing because of your knowledge and insight. <a href="/gnt/philippians/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> I pray that your love will keep on growing more and more, together with true knowledge and perfect judgment, <a href="/isv/philippians/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> And this is my prayer, that your love will keep on growing more and more with full knowledge and insight, <a href="/msb/philippians/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, <a href="/net/philippians/1.htm">NET Bible</a> And I pray this, that your love may abound even more and more in knowledge and every kind of insight <a href="/nheb/philippians/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; <a href="/wbt/philippians/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; <a href="/wey/philippians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And it is my prayer that your love may be more and more accompanied by clear knowledge and keen perception, for testing things that differ, <a href="/web/philippians/1.htm">World English Bible</a> This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/philippians/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in full knowledge, and all discernment, <a href="/blb/philippians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment, <a href="/ylt/philippians/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and this I pray, that your love yet more and more may abound in full knowledge, and all judgment, <a href="/slt/philippians/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And this I prey, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all intelligence;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/philippians/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And this I pray, that your charity may more and more abound in knowledge, and in all understanding: <a href="/cpdv/philippians/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And this I pray: that your charity may abound more and more, with knowledge and with all understanding, <a href="/nabre/philippians/1.htm">New American Bible</a> And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, <a href="/nrsvce/philippians/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/philippians/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And for this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all spiritual understanding: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philippians/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And I pray this, that your love may again increase and abound in knowledge and in all spiritual understanding,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/philippians/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> I also pray for this, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all understanding, <a href="/godbey/philippians/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And I pray this, that your divine love may yet more and more abound in perfect knowledge and all understanding; <a href="/haweis/philippians/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all understanding; <a href="/mace/philippians/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and the favour I ask of him is this, that your kindness to me may be crown'd with farther improvements in knowledge and all prudence; <a href="/wey/philippians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And it is my prayer that your love may be more and more accompanied by clear knowledge and keen perception, for testing things that differ, <a href="/worrell/philippians/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in full knowledge and all discernment; <a href="/worsley/philippians/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all discernment; <a href="/parallel/philippians/1-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mXomUhcrPbg?start=62" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/philippians/1.htm">Thanksgiving and Prayer</a> …8God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this is</a> <a href="/greek/4336.htm" title="4336: proseuchomai (V-PIM/P-1S) -- To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.">my prayer:</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">that</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/26.htm" title="26: agapē (N-NFS) -- From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.">love</a> <a href="/greek/4052.htm" title="4052: perisseuē (V-PSA-3S) -- From perissos; to superabound, be in excess, be superfluous; also to cause to superabound or excel.">may abound</a> <a href="/greek/2089.htm" title="2089: eti (Adv) -- (a) of time: still, yet, even now, (b) of degree: even, further, more, in addition. Perhaps akin to etos; yet, still."></a> <a href="/greek/3123.htm" title="3123: mallon (Adv) -- More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather.">more</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3123.htm" title="3123: mallon (Adv) -- More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather.">more</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/1922.htm" title="1922: epignōsei (N-DFS) -- From epiginosko; recognition, i.e. full discernment, acknowledgement.">knowledge</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasē (Adj-DFS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">depth</a> <a href="/greek/144.htm" title="144: aisthēsei (N-DFS) -- Perception, understanding, discernment. From aisthanomai; perception, i.e. discernment.">of insight,</a> 10so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">Colossians 1:9-10</a> For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, / so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, <a href="/ephesians/3-17.htm">Ephesians 3:17-19</a> so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love, / will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth / of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-12.htm">1 Thessalonians 3:12</a> And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone else, just as our love for you overflows, <a href="/1_corinthians/13-1.htm">1 Corinthians 13:1-13</a> If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. / If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. / If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing. ... <a href="/2_peter/1-5.htm">2 Peter 1:5-8</a> For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; / and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; / and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. ... <a href="/romans/5-5.htm">Romans 5:5</a> And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">1 John 4:7-8</a> Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. / Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. <a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Ephesians 1:17-18</a> that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. / I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, <a href="/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18</a> Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. <a href="/2_corinthians/8-7.htm">2 Corinthians 8:7</a> But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22</a> But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, <a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">1 Timothy 1:5</a> The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith. <a href="/hebrews/10-24.htm">Hebrews 10:24</a> And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. <a href="/john/15-12.htm">John 15:12-13</a> This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. / Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. <a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm">1 Peter 1:22</a> Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;this.<a href="/philippians/1-4.htm">Philippians 1:4</a> Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,your.<a href="/philippians/3-15.htm">Philippians 3:15,16</a> Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you… <a href="/job/17-9.htm">Job 17:9</a> The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.<a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Proverbs 4:18</a> But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.in knowledge.<a href="/1_corinthians/14-20.htm">1 Corinthians 14:20</a> Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.<a href="/ephesians/5-17.htm">Ephesians 5:17</a> Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.<a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">Colossians 1:9</a> 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;judgment.<a href="/hebrews/5-14.htm">Hebrews 5:14</a> But 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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/1-8.htm">Abound</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-12.htm">Accompanied</a> <a href="/philippians/1-7.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-18.htm">Depth</a> <a href="/galatians/4-1.htm">Differ</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-19.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-10.htm">Experience</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm">Full</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-15.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-4.htm">Insight</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-4.htm">Intelligence</a> <a href="/galatians/5-10.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/acts/13-7.htm">Keen</a> <a href="/philippians/1-8.htm">Love</a> <a href="/philippians/1-4.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/galatians/6-12.htm">Real</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-10.htm">Testing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philippians/1-26.htm">Abound</a> <a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">Accompanied</a> <a href="/philippians/1-12.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/genesis/7-20.htm">Depth</a> <a href="/philippians/1-10.htm">Differ</a> <a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">Experience</a> <a href="/philippians/1-11.htm">Full</a> <a href="/philippians/1-26.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-7.htm">Insight</a> <a href="/revelation/13-18.htm">Intelligence</a> <a href="/colossians/2-16.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/isaiah/27-1.htm">Keen</a> <a href="/philippians/2-1.htm">Love</a> <a href="/philippians/1-19.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-3.htm">Real</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-8.htm">Testing</a><div class="vheading2">Philippians 1</div>1. <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Paul testifies his thankfulness to God, and his love toward the Philippians,</a> 9. <a href="/philippians/1-9.htm">daily praying for their increase in grace;</a> 12. <a href="/philippians/1-12.htm">he shows what good the faith of Christ had received by his troubles at Rome;</a> 21. <a href="/philippians/1-21.htm">and how ready he is to glorify Christ either by his life or death;</a> 27. <a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">exhorting them to unity;</a> 28. <a href="/philippians/1-28.htm">and to fortitude in persecution.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philippians/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philippians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/philippians/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And this is my prayer: Paul begins this section with a personal and heartfelt prayer for the Philippian believers. This reflects the intimate relationship he shares with them, as well as his pastoral concern for their spiritual growth. The act of prayer itself is a central theme in Paul's letters, emphasizing the importance of intercession and communication with God. In the context of Philippians, Paul is writing from prison, yet his focus remains on the spiritual well-being of others, demonstrating the power of prayer even in difficult circumstances.that your love may abound more and more: Paul's desire is for the Philippians' love to increase continually. This love is not limited to affection but encompasses a selfless, Christ-like love that seeks the best for others. The concept of love abounding is reminiscent of Jesus' teachings in the Gospels, where love is the greatest commandment (<a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-39</a>). The idea of love growing "more and more" suggests an ongoing process, indicating that spiritual maturity involves an ever-expanding capacity to love.in knowledge and depth of insight: Paul links love with knowledge and insight, suggesting that true Christian love is informed and discerning. Knowledge here refers to an understanding of God's will and character, which is gained through Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Depth of insight implies a practical application of this knowledge in everyday life. This combination of love and discernment is crucial for making wise decisions and living a life that honors God. The connection between love and knowledge is also seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/8.htm">1 Corinthians 8:1</a>, where Paul warns that knowledge without love can lead to pride.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Philippians, writing from prison, expressing his deep affection and spiritual concern for the believers in Philippi. 2. <a href="/topical/p/philippians.htm">Philippians</a> The recipients of the letter, a Christian community in the city of Philippi, known for their generosity and partnership in the gospel. 3. <a href="/topical/p/philippi.htm">Philippi</a> A Roman colony in Macedonia, significant for being the first European city where Paul established a church.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/abounding_love.htm">Abounding Love</a> Paul emphasizes that love should not be static but should continually grow. This growth is not just emotional but is deeply connected to knowledge and discernment. <a href="/topical/k/knowledge_and_insight.htm">Knowledge and Insight</a> The Greek word for "knowledge" (epignosis) implies a full, experiential understanding. Christians are called to deepen their understanding of God's truth, which informs and shapes their love. <a href="/topical/p/practical_love.htm">Practical Love</a> Love that abounds in knowledge and insight leads to practical, wise decisions in everyday life. It is not blind but is guided by a deep understanding of God's will. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_maturity.htm">Spiritual Maturity</a> The prayer reflects a desire for spiritual maturity, where believers' love is informed by a growing understanding of God's word and His purposes. <a href="/topical/p/prayer_as_a_tool_for_growth.htm">Prayer as a Tool for Growth</a> Paul's prayer itself is a model for how believers can pray for one another, focusing on spiritual growth and maturity.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_philippians_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Philippians 1</a> <a href="/q/growing_in_faith_and_christ's_knowledge.htm">Are you growing in faith and knowledge of Christ?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_discernment.htm">What does the Bible teach about discernment?</a> <a href="/q/eugene_peterson's_bio_and_legacy.htm">What is Eugene Peterson's biography and legacy?</a> <a href="/q/why_isn't_god's_guidance_clearer.htm">Why does God not give clear, undeniable guidance on important life decisions?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/philippians/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9, 10) If we study carefully the opening thanksgivings and prayers of St. Paul's Epistles, we may note that he always thanks God for what is strong in the Church to which he writes, and prays God for the supply of that in which it is weak. Here he thanks God for the characteristic enthusiasm and large-heartedness of the Philippians; he prays for their advance in knowledge, perception, judgment--the more intellectual and thoughtful side of the Christian character--in which they, and perhaps the Macedonian Churches generally, were less conspicuous. In the opposite case of the Corinthian Church (see <a href="/context/1_corinthians/1-4.htm" title="I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;">1Corinthians 1:4-10</a>), he thanks God for their richness in all utterance and all knowledge, but he bids them "wait" for Him who shall "establish them as blameless," and exhorts them to unity and humility.(9-11) In this sentence, the original shows that there is not the three-fold parallelism which our version would suggest. St. Paul's immediate prayer is that "their love may abound in knowledge and all judgment." To this is subjoined, as an immediate consequence, "the proving the things that are excellent." The final result of the knowledge and judgment so applied, is "that they may be sincere and without offence."(9) That your love may abound more and more in knowledge.--The original verb here signifies to "overflow," a sense which our word "abound" properly has, but has in general usage partially lost; and St. Paul's meaning clearly is that love shall not only primarily fill the heart, but "overflow" in secondary influence on the spiritual understanding. (1) The "knowledge" here spoken of is the knowledge gradually rising to perfection, so constantly alluded to in these Epistles. (See <a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm" title="That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:">Ephesians 1:17</a>, and Note there.) Since it is clearly a personal knowledge of God in Christ, it may be gained, under His inspiration, by one of many processes, by thought, by practice, by love, by devotion, or, perhaps more properly, by some or all of these combined. Here St. Paul singles out the way of love--the enthusiasm of love to God and man which he knew that the Philippians had--and prays that it may overflow from the emotional to the intellectual element of their nature, and become, as we constantly see that it does become in simple and loving characters, a means of spiritual insight, in "knowledge and all judgment," or rather, all perception. (2) The word "perception" properly applies to the senses, and seems here to signify the insight which recognises a truth as the eye recognises an object. In the same sense (<a href="/hebrews/5-14.htm" title="But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.">Hebrews 5:14</a>) Holy Scripture speaks of those who "by use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil." In fact, the "perception" here spoken of differs from knowledge in dealing not with general principles, but with concrete examples and questions. (3) Accordingly he connects with it, as a direct consequence, the power of "approving" or "testing" the things that are excellent. Now the word here translated "excellent" carries with it the idea of distinctive and relative excellence, conspicuous amidst what is either evil or defective. To "test" is obviously first to distinguish what is the best, and then by trial to prove its absolute goodness. Clearly the process may be applied either speculatively to truths or practically to duties. In <a href="/romans/2-18.htm" title="And know his will, and approve the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;">Romans 2:18</a>, where exactly the same phrase is used, the latter application is made.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philippians/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - And this I pray. This is the purport of the prayer already mentioned in Ver. 4. The conjunction ἵνα marks the end of St. Paul's prayer, and so its purport. That your love may abound yet more and more. Your love; not love for the apostle only, but the grace of Christian charity. St. Paul finds no fault with the Philippians, but "ignis in apostolo nunquam dicit, Sufficit" (Bengel). He prays for their continued growth in love, but not unintelligent love. In knowledge and in all judgment. Ἐπίγνωσις is a stronger word than γνῶσις: it means full, complete knowledge. The Greek αἴσθησις (literally, sense) occurs only here in the New Testament, though αἰσθητήρια (organs of sense) is found in <a href="/hebrews/5-14.htm">Hebrews 5:14</a>. "Discernment," the rendering of R.V., is more correct than "judgment." It is, Bishop Wordsworth says, "that delicate tact and instinct, which almost intuitively perceives what is right, and almost unconsciously shrinks from what is wrong." It cannot exist without love. "Every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God." With love there comes a spiritual sense, spiritual sight, spiritual hearing, a sense of the beauty of holiness, a fine perception of Christian propriety; ἡ ἀγάπη οὐκ ἀσχημονεῖ. <a href="/commentaries/philippians/1-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>And Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. this [is] τοῦτο (touto) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. my prayer: προσεύχομαι (proseuchomai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4336.htm">Strong's 4336: </a> To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship. that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. love ἀγάπη (agapē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast. may abound περισσεύῃ (perisseuē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4052.htm">Strong's 4052: </a> From perissos; to superabound, be in excess, be superfluous; also to cause to superabound or excel. more μᾶλλον (mallon) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3123.htm">Strong's 3123: </a> More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. more μᾶλλον (mallon) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3123.htm">Strong's 3123: </a> More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. knowledge ἐπιγνώσει (epignōsei) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1922.htm">Strong's 1922: </a> From epiginosko; recognition, i.e. full discernment, acknowledgement. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. profound πάσῃ (pasē) Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. insight, αἰσθήσει (aisthēsei) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_144.htm">Strong's 144: </a> Perception, understanding, discernment. From aisthanomai; perception, i.e. discernment. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/philippians/1-9.htm">NT Letters: Philippians 1:9 This I pray that your love may (Philipp. Phil. 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