Philippians 2:15

Philippians 2:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world

King James Version KJV

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;

American Standard Version ASV

that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world,

Bible in Basic English BBE

So that you may be holy and gentle, children of God without sin in a twisted and foolish generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world,

Free Bible Version FBV

so that you'll be sincere, innocent of any wrong. Be God's blameless children living in the middle of a dishonest and corrupt people. Shine among them as lights to the world,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

That ye may be blamelesse, and pure, and the sonnes of God without rebuke in the middes of a naughtie and crooked nation, among whom yee shine as lights in the world,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God, unblemished in the midst of a generation crooked and perverse, among whom ye do appear as luminaries in the world,

World English Bible WEB

that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without defect in the middle of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

That you may be blameless, and sincere children of God, without reproof, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation; among whom you shine as lights in the world.

Translation for Translators T4T

Behave like that in order that you may be completely faultless [DOU] and may be perfect children of God [DOU] while you live in the midst of people who are wicked and do very wicked things [DOU]. As you live among them, show them clearly [MET] the way they ought to behave, just like the sun, moon, and stars show the road clearly to us [SIM].

Plain English Version PEV

Then you will be properly good, so that nobody can blame you for anything. You are God’s kids living among really bad people that always go wrong. So you have to live in a way that is properly good. Then everyone will see that you are properly good. You will be like bright stars in a dark sky.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Philippians 2:15

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Philippians 2:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ινα γενησθε αμεμπτοι και ακεραιοι τεκνα θεου αμωμητα εν μεσω γενεας σκολιας και διεστραμμενης εν οις φαινεσθε ως φωστηρες εν κοσμω

ινα hina G2443 in order that/to Conj

γενησθε ginomai G1096 to be Verb-2ADS-2P

αμεμπτοι amemptos G273 blameless Adj-NPM

και kai G2532 and Conj

ακεραιοι akeraios G185 innocent Adj-NPM

τεκνα teknon G5043 child Noun-NPN

θεου theos G2316 God Noun-GSM

αμωμητα amōmētos G298 blameless Adj-NPN

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

μεσω mesos G3319 midst Adj-DSN

γενεας genea G1074 generation Noun-GSF

σκολιας skolios G4646 crooked Adj-GSF

και kai G2532 and Conj

διεστραμμενης diastrephō G1294 to pervert Verb-RPP-GSF

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

οις hos, hē G3739 which Rel-DPM

φαινεσθε phainō G5316 to shine/appear Verb-PPI-2P

ως hōs G5613 as/when Adv

φωστηρες phōstēr G5458 light Noun-NPM

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

κοσμω kosmos G2889 world Noun-DSM

Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — Philippians 2:15

ινα hina G2443 "in order that/to" Conj

This word means 'in order that' or 'to', showing purpose or result, as seen in Acts 19:4 and Romans 11:31. It's used to express a goal or outcome. In Ephesians 1:17, it's used to describe a purpose.

Definition: ἵνα, __I. adverb (poët., Hom., al.), __1. of place, where, whither. __2. of circumstance, when. __II. Conjunction, __1. prop., final, denoting purpose or end (cl.), that, in order that, usually the first word in the clause, but sometimes (cl. also) preceded by an emphatic word (Act.19:4, Rom.11:31 (?), Gal.2:10, al.); __(a) with optative (so in cl. after historic tenses): after a pres., Eph.1:17 (but WH, mg., subjc.; see Burton, §225, Rem., 2); __(b) with subjc.: after a pres., Mrk.4:21, Luk.6:34, Jhn.3:15, Act.2:25, Rom.1:11, al.; after a pf., Mat.1:22, Jhn.5:23 1Co.9:22, al.; after an imperat. (present or aor.), Mat.7:1, Mrk.11:25, Jhn.10:38, 1Co.7:5, al.; after a delib. subjc., Mrk.1:38, al.; after a fut., Luk.16:4, Jhn.14:3, 1Co.15:28, al.; after historic tenses (where optative in cl.; WM, 359f.; M, Pr., 196f.), Mrk.6:41 (impf.), Jhn.4:8 (plpf.), Mrk.3:14 (aor.), al.; __(with) in late writers (M, Pr., 35; Burton, §§198, 199), with indic., fut: Luk.20:10, 1Pe.3:1, al.; __(d) as often in eccl. writers (Thayer, see word), with indic. pres.: 1Co.4:6, Gal.4:17, al. (?; but V. Burton, §198, Rem.); __(e) εἰς (διὰ) τοῦτο, ἵνα: Jhn.18:37, 1Ti.1:16, al.; τούτου χάριν, Tit.1:5; __(f) elliptical constructions: omission of the principal verb, Jhn.1:8, 2Th.3:9, 1Jn.2:19, al.; of the final verb, Rom.4:16, 2Co.8:13, al. __2. In late writers, definitive, = inf. (WM, 420; Bl, §69, 1), that; __(a) after verbs of wishing, caring, striving, etc.: θέλω, Mat.7:12, al.; ζητῶ, 1Co.4:2 14:12; ζηλόω, 1Co.14:1, al.; __(b) after verbs of saying, asking, exhorting: εἰπεῖν, Mat.4:3, al.; ἐρωτῶ, Mrk.7:26, al.; παρακαλῶ, Mat.14:36, 1Co.1:10, al., etc.; __(with) after words expressing expediency, etc.: συμφέρει, Mat.18:6, Jhn.11:50, al.; ἱκανός, Mat.8:8, Luk.7:6; χρείαν ἔχω, Jhn.2:25, al, etc.; __(d) after substantives, adding further definition: ὥρα, Jhn.12:23 13:1; χρόνος, Rev.2:21; συνήθεια, Jhn.18:39; μισθός, 1Co.9:18. __3. In late writers, ecbatic, denoting the result, = ὥστε, that, so that (M, Pr., 206ff.; WM, 572; Bl., §69, 3; Burton, §223): Rom.11:11, 1Co.7:29, 1Th.5:4, al. (but see Thayer, see word); so with the formula referring to the fulfilment of prophecy, ἵνα πληρωθῇ, Mat.1:22 2:14, Jhn.13:18, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 626 NT verses. KJV: albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Timothy 5:20; 1 Peter 1:7.

γενησθε ginomai G1096 "to be" Verb-2ADS-2P

A versatile word meaning to be, become, or come into being, used in John 1:15 and 1 Corinthians 15:37.

Definition: γίνομαι, Ion. and κοινή for Att. γίγν- (M. Pr., 47; Bl., §6, 8 Mayser, 166 f.), [in LXX chiefly for היה ;] __1. of persons, things occurrences, to come into being, be born, arise, come on: Jhn.1:15 8:58, 1Co.15:37; a first appearance in public, Mrk.1:4, Jhn.1:6, al.; before ἐκ (of birth), Rom.1:3, Gal.4:4; διά, Jhn.1:3; βροντή, Jhn.12:29; σεισμός, Rev.6:12; γογγυσμός, Act.6:1; χαρά, Act.8:8, many other similar exx.; ἡμέρα, Luk.22:66, al.; ὀψέ, Mrk.11:19; πρωΐα, Mat.27:1; νύξ, Act.27:27. __2. Of events, to come to pass, take place, happen: Mat.5:18, Mrk.5:14, Luk.1:20 2:15, Act.4:21, 2Ti.2:18, al.; μὴ γένοιτο [LXX for חָלִילָה, Jhn.22:29, al.], far be it, God forbid: Rom.3:4 (ICC, in l.), 1Co.6:15 and frequently in Pl.; καὶ ἐγένετο, ἐγένετο δέ ([in LXX for וַיְהִי ;] see Burton, 142 f.; M, Pr., 16f.; Dalman, Words, 32 f.; Robertson, Gr., 1042 f.), with indic, Mat.7:28, Luk.1:8, al.; before καί and indic., Luk.8:1, Act.5:7, al.; with accusative and inf., Mrk.2:23, Luk.3:21, al.; ὡς δὲ ἐγένετο, before τοῦ with inf., Act.10:25; with dative of person(s), to befall one: with inf., Act.20:16; with accusative and inf., Act.22:6; with adv., εὖ, Eph.6:3; τ́ ἐγένετο αὐτῷ (Field, Notes, 115), Act.7:40 (LXX); before εἰς, Act.28:6. __3. to be made, done, performed, observed, enacted, ordained, etc.: Mat.6:10 19:8, Mrk.2:27 11:23, Act.19:26, al.; before διά with genitive, Mrk.6:2, Act.2:43; ὑπό, Luk.13:17; ἐκ, Luk.4:23; ἐν, 1Co.9:15; ἀπογραφή, Luk.2:2; ἀνάκρισις Act.25:26; ἄφεσις, Heb.9:22; ὁ νόμος, Gal.3:17; τὸ πάσχα, Mat.26:2. __4. to become, be made, come to be: with pred., Mat.4:3, Luk.4:3, Jhn.2:9, 1Co.13:11, al.; before ὡς, ὡσεί, Mat.10:25, Mrk.9:26; εἰς (M, Pr., 71f.), Mrk.12:1o, al.; with genitive Rev.11:15; id., of age, Luk.2:42; with dative, γ. ἀνδρί ([LXX for הָיָה לְאִישׁ, Rut.1:12, al. ;] see Field, Notes, 156), Rom.7:3, 4; before ἐν, Act.22:17, Rev.1:10, al.; ἐπάνω, Luk.19:19; μετά, with genitive, Mrk.16:[10], Act.9:19; before εἰς, ἐπί (Field, Notes, 135), κατά (ib., 62), with accusative of place, Act.20:16 21:35 27:7, al.; before ἐκ, Mrk.9:7, Luk.3:22, 2Th.2:7, al. Aoristic pf. γέγονα (M, Pr., 52, 145f.; Field, Notes, 1f.), Mat.25:6, Luk.10:36, al. Aor. ἐγενήθη (for ἐγένετο, M, Pr., 139f.; Mayser, 379), Mat.11:23, al. (Cf. απο-, δια-, επι-, παρα-, συμ-, παρα-, προ-.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 637 NT verses. KJV: arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; Acts 5:5; 1 Peter 1:15.

αμεμπτοι amemptos G273 "blameless" Adj-NPM

Blameless, free from fault, as in Luke 1:6 and Philippians 2:15. It describes someone with a good reputation and moral integrity. This term is used to describe the character of Jesus and other biblical figures.

Definition: ἄ-μεμπτος, -ον (μέμφομσι), [in LXX chiefly for תָּם ;] blameless, free from fault (in π. of a marriage-contract; M, Th., I, 3:13; cf. MM, VGT, see word): Luk.1:6, Php.2:15 3:6, 1Th.3:13 (WH, mg., -ως) Heb.8:7.† SYN.: ἄμωμος, ἀνέγκλητος, ἀνεπίλημπτος, which see (Tr., Syn., § ciii) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: blameless, faultless, unblamable See also: 1 Thessalonians 3:13; Luke 1:6; Hebrews 8:7.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

ακεραιοι akeraios G185 "innocent" Adj-NPM

Innocent, meaning unmixed or pure, is used to describe someone who is guileless and simple, like in Matthew 10:16 and Romans 16:19.

Definition: ἀκέραιος, -ον (κεράννυμι), [in LXX: Est.8:13 * ;] unmixed, pure, hence, metaphorically (cf. MM, VGT, see word), guileless, simple: Mat.10:16, Rom.16:19, Php.2:15.† SYN.: ἄδολος, ἄκακος, ἁπλοῦς (cf. Ellic. on Phl., l.with; Tr., Syn., §lvi). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: harmless, simple See also: Matthew 10:16; Philippians 2:15; Romans 16:19.

τεκνα teknon G5043 "child" Noun-NPN

This word means a child, either male or female, born to parents, as mentioned in Matthew 7:11 and Romans 9:8.

Definition: τέκνον, -ου, τό (τίκτω), [in LXX chiefly for בֵּן, also for יֶלֶד, etc. ;] that which is begotten, born (cf. Scottish bairn), a child of either sex: Mrk.13:12, Luk.1:7, Act.7:5; pl., Mat.7:11, Mrk.7:27, Luk.1:17, Eph.6:1, al.; τέκνα ἐπαγγελίας, Rom.9:8; τ. τῆς σαρκός, ib.; in a wider sense (as Heb. בָּנִים), of posterity, Mat.2:18, Luk.3:8, al.; specif., of a male child, Mat.21:28, Act.21:21, a,l.; in voc. as a form of kindly address from an elder to a junior or from a teacher to a disciple, Mat.9:2 21:28, Mrk.2:5, Luk.2:48; τ. μου (= cl. τ. μοι; see Bl., §37, 5), Gal.4:19 (τεκνία, WH, txt.), 2Ti.2:1. Metaphorical, __(a) of disciples (apart from direct address, see supr.): Phm 10, 1Ti.1:2, Tit.1:4, 3Jo.4; __(b) with reference to the Fatherhood of God (see: πατήρ, γεννάω), τέκνα τ. θεοῦ (cf. Isa.30:1, Wis.16:21): Rom.8:16, Eph.5:1, Php.2:15; and esp. in Johannine bks. (cf. Westc, Epp. Jo., 94, 120), Jhn.1:12, 1Jn.3:1 al.; __(with) of those who imitate others and are therefore regarded as the spiritual offspring of their exemplars: Mat.3:9, Luk.3:8, Jhn.8:39, Rom.9:7, 1Pe.3:6; τ. διαβόλου, 1Jn.3:10; __(d) as in Heb. (LXX, Jol.2:23, Psa.149:2, 1Ma.1:38), of the inhabitants of a city: Mat.23:37, Luk.13:34 19:44, Gal.4:25; __(e) with an adjectival genitive, frequently rendering a Heb. expression, adopted from LXX or formed on the analogy of its language, but sometimes with parallels in Gk. writers (see Deiss., BS, 161ff.): τέκνα φωτός, Eph.5:8; τ. ὑπακοῆς, 1Pe.1:14; κατάρας, 2Pe.2:14; ὀργῆς, Eph.2:3. SYN.: see: παῖς. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 91 NT verses. KJV: child, daughter, son See also: 1 Corinthians 4:14; Luke 1:17; 1 Peter 1:14.

θεου theos G2316 "God" Noun-GSM

This word simply means God, referring to the one true deity. It is used throughout the New Testament, including in Matthew 27:46 and Acts 14:11, to describe the supreme being and creator of the universe.

Definition: θεός, -οῦ, ὁ, ἡ (Act.19:37 only; see M, Pr., 60, 244), late voc., θεέ (Mat.27:46; cf. Deu.3:24, al.), [in LXX chiefly for אֱלֹהִים, also for אֵל and other cognate forms, יהוה, etc. ;] a god or deity, God. __1. In polytheistic sense, a god or deity: Act.28:6, 1Co.8:4, 2Th.2:4, al.; pl., Ac. 14:11 19:26, Gal.4:8, al. __2. Of the one true God; __(a) anarthrous: Mat.6:24, Luk.20:38, al.; esp. with prep. (Kühner 3, iii, 605), ἀπὸ θ., Jhn.3:2; ἐκ, Act.5:39, 2Co.5:1, Php.3:9; ὑπό, Rom.13:1; παρὰ θεοῦ, Jhn.1:6; παρὰ θεῷ, 2Th.1:6, 1Pe.2:4; κατὰ θεόν, Rom.8:27, 2Co.7:9, 10; also when in genitive dependent on an anarth. noun (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.27:43, Luk.3:2, Rom.1:17, 1Th.2:13; as pred., Lk 20:38, Jhn.1:1, and when the nature and character rather than the person of God is meant, Act.5:29, Gal.2:6, al. (M, Th., 14); __(b) more freq., with art.: Mat.1:23, Mrk.2:7, al. mult.; with prep., ἀπὸ τ. θ., Luk.1:26; ἐκ, Jhn.8:42, al.; παρὰ τοῦ θ., Jhn.8:40; π. τῷ θ., Rom.9:14; ἐν, Col.3:3; ἐπὶ τῷ θ., Luk.1:47; ἐπὶ τὸν θ., Act.15:19; εἰς τ. θ., Act.24:15; πρὸς τ. θ., Jhn.1:2; with genitive of person(s), Mat.22:32, Mrk.12:26, 27, Luk.20:37, Jhn.20:17, al.; ὁ θ. μου, Rom.1:8, Php 1:3, al.; ὁ θ. καὶ πατήρ κ. τ. λ., Rom.15:6, Eph.1:3, Phi 4:20, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Rom.15:5, 13, 33, 2Co.1:3, 1Th.5:23; τὰ τ. θεοῦ, Mat.16:23, Mrk.12:17, 1Co.2:11; τὰ πρὸς τὸν θ., Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; τ. θεῷ, as a superl. (LXX, Jos.3:3), Act.7:20, 2Co.10:4; Hebraistically, of judges (Psa.81(82):6), Jhn.10:34" (LXX), 35. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1170 NT verses. KJV: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 John 4:2; 1 Peter 1:2.

αμωμητα amōmētos G298 "blameless" Adj-NPN

Amomitos means being blameless or without fault, as encouraged by Peter in 2 Peter 3:14 to live a life above reproach.

Definition: ἀ-μώμητος, -ου (μωμάομαι), blameless: 2Pe.3:14.† SYN.: ἄμεμπτος (which see), ἀνέγκλητος, ἀνεπίλημπτος (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: blameless See also: 2 Peter 3:14; Philippians 2:15.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.

Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.

μεσω mesos G3319 "midst" Adj-DSN

Middle or midst, referring to a central position, is used in Luke 23:45 and John 19:18 to describe a location.

Definition: μέσος, -η, -ον [in LXX chiefly for תָּוֶךְ ;] middle, in the middle or midst; __1. prop., as an adj.: Luk.23:45, Jhn.19:18, Act.1:18; with genitive pl., Luk.22:55, Jhn.1:26; genitive temp. (Bl., § 36, 13), μέσης νυκτός, Mat.25:6; μ. ἡμέρας, Act.26:13. __2. In adverbial phrases, neut., μέσον, τὸ μ., as subst.: ἀνὰ μέσον, with genitive, between (cl.; in LXX: Gen.1:4, al.), elliptically (but see M, Pr., 99), 1Co.6:5; = ἐν μ., among, in the midst of (El., § 39, 2; 40, 8; cf. in LXX: Jos.19:1, Sir.27:2), Mat.13:25, Mrk.7:31, Rev.7:17; διὰ μέσου, with genitive, Luk.4:30; διὰ μέσον (Rec. -ου, see 81., § 42, 1), between, Luk.17:11 (ICC, in l); εἰς τὸ μ. (see: εἰς), Mrk.3:3, Luk.4:35 5:19 6:8, Jhn.20:19, 26; εἰς μ., Mrk.14:60; ἐν τῷ μ., Mat.14:6; ἐν μ., Jos.8:3, 9, Act.4:7; with, genitive loc., Mrk.6:47, Luk.21:21 22:55, Act.17:22, Heb.2:12" (LXX), Rev.4:6 5:6 22:2. with genitive pl., Mat.10:16 18:2, 20, Mrk.9:36, Luk.2:46 8:7 10:3 22:27 24:36, Act.1:15 2:22 27:21, 1Th.2:7, Rev.1:13 2:1 5:6 6:6; κατὰ μέσον τ. νυκτός, Act.27:27 (Bl., § 47, 6); ἐκ τοῦ μ. (Lft., in l; Deiss., BS, 252 f.), Col.2:14; ἐκ μ.., 2Th.2:7; ἐκ τοῦ μ., with genitive, Mat.13:49, Act.17:33 23:10, 1Co.5:2, 2Co.6:17. __3. Neut., μέσον, adverbially, with genitive, in the midst of, Mat.14:24 (WH, txt., R, mg., aliter), Php.2:15 (διὰ μέσουsee supr.-also Jhn.8:50, R, mg.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 58 NT verses. KJV: among, X before them, between, + forth, mid(-day, -night), midst, way See also: 1 Corinthians 5:2; Luke 8:7; Hebrews 2:12.

γενεας genea G1074 "generation" Noun-GSF

A generation of people, like those living at the same time, as mentioned in Matthew 1:17 and Mark 13:30.

Definition: γενεά, -ᾶς, ἡ (γίγνομαι), [in LXX chiefly for דּוֹר, דֹּר (Cremer, 148) ;] __1. race, stock, family (in NT, γέννημα, which see). __2. generation; __(a) of the contemporary members of a family: pl., Mat.1:17 (cf. Gen.31:3, מוֹלֶדֶת); metaphorically, of those alike in character, in bad sense, Mat.17:17, Mrk.9:19, Luk.9:41 16:8, Act.2:40; __(b) of all the people of a given period: Mat.24:34, Mrk.13:30, Luk.21:32, Php.2:15; pl., Luk.1:48; esp. of the Jewish people, Mat.11:16 12:39, 41 42, 45 16:4 23:36, Mrk.8:12, 38 Luk.7:31 11:29, 30-32, 50, 51 17:25, Act.13:36, Heb.3:10" (LXX) ; τὴν γ. αὐτοῦ τίς διηγήσεται, Act.8:33 (LXX); __(with) the period covered by the life-time of a generation, used loosely in pl. of successive ages: Act.14:16 15:21, Eph.3:5, Col.1:26; εἰς γενεὰς καὶ γ. (= לִדוֹר וָדוֹר, al.), Luk.34:17, al), Luk.1:50; εἰς πάσας τὰς γ. τοῦ αἰῶνος τῶν αἰώνων, Eph.3:21 (Ellic, in l.; DCG, i, 639f.). † (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 37 NT verses. KJV: age, generation, nation, time See also: Acts 2:40; Luke 11:51; Hebrews 3:10.

σκολιας skolios G4646 "crooked" Adj-GSF

Crooked refers to something that is twisted or perverted, like a winding road in Luke 3:5. It can also describe someone who is morally corrupt or unjust, as in Acts 2:40 and 1 Peter 2:18.

Definition: σκολιός, -ά, -όν [in LXX: Deu.32:5 (עִקֵּשׁ), Pro.28:18 (σ. ὁδοῖς πορεύεσθαι, for: דֶּרֶךְ עָקַשׁ), Isa.40:4 (עָקֹב), etc. ;] curved, bent, winding (opposite to ὀρθός, εὐθύς): Luk.3:5 (LXX). Metaphorical, crooked, perverse, unjust: Act.2:40, Php.2:15, 1Pe.2:18.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: crooked, froward, untoward See also: 1 Peter 2:18; Luke 3:5; Philippians 2:15.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

διεστραμμενης diastrephō G1294 "to pervert" Verb-RPP-GSF

This word means to pervert or distort something, like twisting the truth. In Luke 23:2, the Jewish leaders accused Jesus of perverting the nation.

Definition: δια-στρέφω [in LXX for הָפַךְ, עָקַשׁ, etc. ;] to distort, twist; metaphorically, to distort, pervert: Luk.23:2, Act.13:8, 10; διεστραμμένος, perverse: Mat.17:17, Luk.9:41, Act.20:30, Php.2:15.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: perverse(-rt), turn away See also: Acts 13:8; Luke 9:41; Philippians 2:15.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

οις hos, hē G3739 "which" Rel-DPM

The word which is a pronoun used to ask for or identify something, as seen in John 5:11. It can also be used to describe a person or thing, such as in Mark 15:23. This word helps to clarify or specify what is being talked about.

Definition: ὅς, ἥ, ὅ, the postpositive article (ἄρθρον ὑποτακτικόν). __I. As demonstr. pron. = οὗτος, ὅδε, this, that, also for αὐτός, chiefly in nom.: ὅς δέ, but he (cf. ἦ δὲ ὅς, frequently in Plat.), Mrk.15:23, Jhn.5:11; ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, the one . . . the other, Mat.21:35, 22:5, 25:15, Luk.23:33, Act.27:14, Rom.14:5, 1Co.11:21, 2Co.2:18, Ju 22; neut., ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δέ, the one . . . the other, some . . . some, Mat.13:8, 23, Rom.9:21; ὃς (ὃ) μὲν . . . (ἄλλος (ἄλλο)) . . . ἕτερος, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5, 1Co.12:8-10; οὓς μέν, absol., 1Co.12:28; ὃς μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, Rom.14:2. __II. As relat. pron., who, which, what, that; __1. agreeing in gender with its antecedent, but differently governed as to case: Mat.2:9, Luk.9:9, Act.20:18, Rom.2:29, al. mult. __2. In variation from the common construction; __(a) in gender, agreeing with a noun in apposition to the antecedent: Mrk.15:16, Gal.3:16, Eph.6:17, al.; constr. ad sensum: Jhn.6:9, Col.2:19, 1Ti.3:16, Rev.13:14, al.; __(b) in number, constr. ad sensum: Act.15:36, 2Pe.3:1; __(with) in case, by attraction to the case of the antecedent (Bl., §50, 2): Jhn.4:18, Act.3:21, Rom.15:18, 1Co.6:19, Eph.1:8, al. __3. The neut. ὅ with nouns of other gender and with phrases, which thing, which term: Mrk.3:17 12:42, Jhn.1:39, Col.3:14, al.; with a sentence, Act.2:32, Gal.2:10, 1Jn.2:8, al. __4. With ellipse of a demonstrative (οὗτος or ἐκεῖνος), before or after: before, Mat.20:23, Luk.7:43, Rom.10:14, al.; after, Mat.10:38, Mrk.9:40, Jhn.19:22, Rom.2:1 al. __5. Expressing purpose, end or cause: Mat.11:10 (who = that he may), Mrk.1:2, Heb.12:6 al. __6. C. prep, as periphrasis for conjc.: ἀνθ᾽ ὧν ( = ἀντὶ τούτων ὧν), because, Luk.1:20, al.; wherefore, Luk.12:3; ἐξ οὗ, since, for that, Rom.5:12; ἀφ᾽ οὗ, since (temporal), Luk.13:25; ἐξ οὗ, whence, Php.3:20; etc. __7. With particles: ὃς ἄν (ἐάν), see: ἄν, ἐάν; ὃς καί, Mrk.3:19, Jhn.21:20, Rom.5:2, al.; ὃς καὶ αὐτός, Mat.27:57. __8. Gen., οὗ, absol., as adv. (see: οὗ). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1230 NT verses. KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 Peter 1:6.

φαινεσθε phainō G5316 "to shine/appear" Verb-PPI-2P

This word means to shine or appear, and can be used literally or figuratively, as in John 1:5 and 2 Peter 1:19. It can also mean to bring something to light or make it visible, like in Matthew 2:7 and Hebrews 11:3.

Definition: φαίνω [in LXX for אוֹר hi., רָאָה ni., etc. ;] __I. Act., __1. to bring to light, cause to appear (so most frequently in cl.). __2. Absol., to give light, shine (Hom., Plat., al.): Jhn.1:5 5:35, 2Pe.1:19, 1Jn.2:8, Rev.1:16 8:12 18:23 21:23. __II. Pass., to come to light, appear, be manifest: Mat.2:7 13:26 24:27, 30, Luk.9:8, Php.2:15, Heb.11:3, 1Pe.4:18" (LXX) ; opposite to ἀφανίζεσθαι, Jhn.4:14; with dative of person(s) (Bl. § 54, 4), Mat.1:20 2:13, 19 Mrk.16:9; with nom. pred., Mat.23:27-28, Rom.7:13, 2Co.13:7; id. with dative of person(s), Mat.6:5, 16 6:18 (before nom. ptcp., but not as in cl.; see Bl., § 73, 4); impers., Mat.9:33; of the mind and judgment (= δοκεῖ, which see), Mrk.14:64 (cf. I Est.2:21), Luk.24:11.† SYN.: see: δοκέω (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 31 NT verses. KJV: appear, seem, be seen, shine, X think See also: 1 John 2:8; Matthew 2:19; 1 Peter 4:18.

ως hōs G5613 "as/when" Adv

This word means as or when, showing a comparison or timing. It's used in many verses, like Mark 4:26 and 1 Corinthians 3:15, to show how things are done. It helps explain how or when something happens.

Definition: ὡς, adverbial form of the relative pron. ὅς, ἥ, ὅ. __I. As relat. adv. of manner, as, like as, just as, even as; __1. with a demonstrative, like οὕτως, expressed or understood: οὕτως . . . ὡς, Mrk.4:26, 1Co.3:15, Eph.5:28, Jas.2:12, al.; ὡς . . . οὕτως, Act.8:32, 1Co.7:17, al.; elliptically (sc. οὕτως, οὕτω), with nom., Mat.6:29, al.; with accusative, Mat.19:19, Mrk.12:31, al.; with prep., Mat.26:55, Mrk.14:48, Luk.22:52, Jhn.7:10, al.; with verb., Jhn.15:6, 2Co.3:1, Eph.2:3, 1Th.5:6, al.; with ptcp. (the ptcp. however not having the special force wh. it has in cl.; see Bl., §73, 5; 74, 6), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Heb.13:17, al.; freq implying opinion or belief, Rom.9:32; so esp, with genitive absol., 1Co.4:18, 2Co.5:20, 1Pe.4:12, 2Pe.1:3. __2. Before numerals, about, nearly: Mrk.5:13, Jhn.1:40, Act.5:7, al. __3. Before adjectives and adverbs, how: Rom.10:15 11:33, 1Th.2:10; with superl., ὡς τάχιστα, as quickly as possible, Act.17:15. __II. As conjunction; __1. temporal, __(a) as, when, since: Mrk.9:21 14:72, Luk.1:23, Jhn.2:9, al.; __(b) while, when, as long as: Luk.12:58, Jhn.12:36, Gal.6:10 (Field, Notes, 191); ὡς ἄν (M, Pr., 167, and see: ἄν), Rom.15:24, 1Co.11:34, Php.2:23. __2. Final, in order that; with inf., in order to (M, Pr., 204n), Luk.9:52, Act.20:24, Heb.7:9. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 436 NT verses. KJV: about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed See also: 1 Corinthians 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:3; 1 Peter 1:14.

φωστηρες phōstēr G5458 "light" Noun-NPM

A light or luminary is something that gives off light, like a star or the sun. In the Bible, it is used in Philippians 2:15 to describe believers shining like lights.

Definition: φωστήρ, -ῆρος, ὁ (φῶς), [in LXX: Gen.1:14, 16 (מָאוֹר), Dan LXX 12:3 (זֹהַר), I Est.8:79, Wis.13:2, Sir.43:7 * ;] a luminary, light: Php.2:15, Rev.21:11.† SYN.: φέγγος, φῶς (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: light See also: Philippians 2:15; Revelation 21:11.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

κοσμω kosmos G2889 "world" Noun-DSM

The Greek word for world can mean an orderly arrangement or decoration, but also refers to the world and its inhabitants, as seen in Acts 17:24 and Romans 4:13.

Definition: κόσμος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX: Gen.2:1, Deu.4:19 17:3, Isa.24:21 40:26 (צבא), Exo.33:5, 6 Jer.2:32 4:30, Eze.7:20 16:11 23:40 (עֲדִי), Isa.61:10 (כְּלִי), al., Wis.2:24 and freq., Sir.6:30, al ;] __1. order (Hom., Plat., al.). __2. ornament, adornment, esp. of women (Hom., al.): 1Pe.3:3. __3. Later, the world or universe, as an ordered system (Plat., al.): Act.17:24, Rom.4:13, 1Co.3:22, Php.2:15, Heb.4:3, al. __4. In late writers only, the world, i.e. the earth (= ἡ οἰκουμένη, cf. Mat.4:8 with Luk.4:5): Mat.4:8, Mrk.16:[15], Col.2:20, 1Ti.6:7, al.; hence by meton., __(a) of the human inhabitants of the world: Mat.5:14 15:38, Mrk.14:9, Jhn.1:10 4:42 12:47, Rom.3:6, 1Co.4:13, 2Co.5:19, 2Pe.2:5, al.; __(b) of worldly affairs or possessions: Mat.16:26, Mrk.8:36, Luk.9:25, 1Co.7:31, 1Jn.2:16, al.; __(with) in ethical sense, of the ungodly: Jhn.7:7 14:17, 27 1Co.1:21, Jas.1:27, 1Jn.4:4, al.; __(d) metaphorically: ὁ κ. τῆς ἀδικίας, Jas.3:6. SYN.: αἰών, which see (cf . also Dalman, Words, 162ff.; Tr., Syn., §lix; Westc., additional note on Jhn.1:10; DB, iv, 938ff.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 152 NT verses. KJV: adorning, world See also: 1 Corinthians 1:20; John 7:4; 1 Peter 1:20.

Study Notes — Philippians 2:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Philippians 2:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Philippians 2:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Philippians 2:15
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Philippians 2:15
Trapp's Commentary on Philippians 2:15
Ellicott's Commentary on Philippians 2:15
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Philippians 2:15
Cambridge Bible on Philippians 2:15
Barnes' Notes on Philippians 2:15
Whedon's Commentary on Philippians 2:15
Sermons on Philippians 2:15

Context — Lights in the World

13For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose. 14Do everything without complaining or arguing,

15so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world

16as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Matthew 5:14–16	You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
2	1 Peter 2:12	Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.
3	Matthew 5:45	that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
4	Isaiah 60:1	Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
5	1 John 3:1–3	Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure.
6	Deuteronomy 32:5	His people have acted corruptly toward Him; the spot on them is not that of His children, but of a perverse and crooked generation.
7	1 Thessalonians 5:23	Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
8	2 Peter 3:14	Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight.
9	1 Peter 1:14–17	As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.
10	1 Corinthians 1:8	He will sustain you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2:15 Summary

This verse reminds us that as children of God, we are called to live a life that is pleasing to Him, even in a world that is opposed to His ways. We are to be blameless and pure, shining as lights in the world, just like Jesus taught in Matthew 5:14-16. By living in a way that reflects God's character, we can be a positive influence on those around us and bring glory to our Father in heaven, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 2:12. As we seek to live out our faith, we can trust that God is working in us to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose, as promised in Philippians 2:13.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be 'blameless and pure' as children of God?

To be blameless and pure means to live a life that is free from sin and reflects the character of God, as seen in Ephesians 1:4, where we are chosen to be holy and blameless before Him.

How can we 'shine as lights in the world'?

We can shine as lights in the world by living out our faith in a way that is visible and attractive to others, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:16, letting our good deeds shine before men so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.

What is a 'crooked and perverse generation'?

A crooked and perverse generation refers to a world that is opposed to God and His ways, as described in Deuteronomy 32:5, where Moses laments the corruption of the people, and in Acts 2:40, where Peter warns of the dangers of a sinful world.

How does this verse relate to our daily lives?

This verse relates to our daily lives by reminding us to live in a way that is pleasing to God, even in the midst of a world that is opposed to Him, and to be a positive influence on those around us, as encouraged in Colossians 3:17, where we are told to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can live a blameless and pure life, and how can I reflect the character of God in my daily interactions?
How can I 'shine as a light in the world' in my workplace, school, or community, and what are some specific ways that I can share my faith with others?
What are some challenges that I face in living out my faith in a 'crooked and perverse generation', and how can I stay strong and focused on God's will for my life?
What does it mean to be a 'child of God' according to this verse, and how does that identity shape my sense of purpose and belonging in the world?

Gill's Exposition on Philippians 2:15

That ye may be blameless,.... This, and what follows, show the end to be answered, by observing the above exhortation.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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; Blameless and harmless - without

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Philippians 2:15

That ye may be blameless and harmless; that ye behave yourselves so that none can justly reproach you, and though you cannot altogether put to silence foolish men, , yet they cannot have any just cause to stain your reputation; but you may be found sincere, simple, void of guile, , with . The sons of God, without rebuke; without such spots and blemishes as are inconsistent with your adoption, or sonship, . Sons of God, in regard of their relation, should be careful, as much as may be, that they do not expose themselves to the biting reproofs of those carping neighbours who are not of their Father’ s family, . In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation; who show by their lying in wickedness, , and the uncured spots, yea, even plague sores, upon them who have notoriously corrupted themselves, that they are a perverse, crooked, untoward, and adulterous generation, ,10. Among whom ye shine as lights in the world; in conversing with such a sort of men, ye either do, or ought, unanimously to show yourselves to be light in the Lord, ,16 Ephesians 5:8,15; enlightened by the Sun of righteousness, , to give a more clear light, that however the uncivil wicked would bespatter you, and cast reproach upon you in the necessary exercises of religion; yet, you not suffering as murderers, thieves, busybodies, &c., ,15,16, you will then, especially if Christ’ s faithful ambassadors, show yourselves to be not such lantern or torchbearers as accompanied treacherous Judas, , (however the ill men you live among may reckon you no better), but such light-bearers under Christ, (the Seventy use the word for stars, ,20), as irradiate the world; not a house, as a candle doth, but the world, as stars do, .

Trapp's Commentary on Philippians 2:15

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; Ver. 15. Blameless and harmless] Gr. ακεραιοι, hornless, or sincere, without mixture of deceit or guile, Israelites indeed. The sons of God] Dignity enforceth duty. Remember that thou art a king’ s son, said he to Antigonus, and thou canst not do amiss. Without rebuke] Αμωμητα, such as envy itself cannot justly tax, or fasten her fangs on. Si Luthero faverem ut viro bono, quod fatentur et hostes, &c., saith Erasmus, who yet loved him not. Luther is a good man, as his very enemies cannot but acknowledge. So Bucer, Bradford, Melancthon. Christians should excel others, standing as standard bearers, higher than others, as Saul was by the head and shoulders; being without blemish from head to foot, as Absalom; fair to the eye and good to the taste, as the tree of knowledge, Genesis 3:6. In the midst of a crooked] As Noah was righteous in his generation; as Joshua would serve Jehovah, though alone; as David therefore loved God’ s testimonies, because other men kept not his law; as Elijah amidst the Baalites cries, Zelando zelavi; the worse they were, the better was he. Baruch kindled himself ( accendit seipsum, Trem.) from other men’ s coldness, and quickened himself from other men’ s dulness, Nehemiah 3:20. As lights in the world] φωτηρες, luminaries, great lights, such are the sun and moon, that give light to others. Some wicked have greater common gifts than the godly; as many metals are brighter and more orient than the heavens: yet as those metals are not fit to convey the light of the sun, nay indeed they would stop it; so neither are the wicked fit to shine the true light into us; but Christ and Christians, those lights of the world. Such as Chrysostom was, whom Theodore styleth eximium orbis terrarum luminare, a famous light of the Church; and others said, that the sunlight might better be spared than Chrysostom’ s preaching.

Ellicott's Commentary on Philippians 2:15

(15) Blameless and harmless.—“Blameless” as to external law and judgment (as in Luke 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:10); “harmless” in internal purity and simplicity (as in Matthew 10:16, “harmless as doves;” and Romans 16:19). The sons of God, without rebuke.—The word “without rebuke” is, according to the best MSS., the same as that which is used in Ephesians 1:4 (where see Note), and elsewhere, to signify “unblemished.” The whole passage seems certainly a reminiscence of Deu 32:5, as it runs in the Greek version, speaking of the Israelites as “no children of God, full of blemish, a crooked and perverse generation.” The word “crooked” is similarly applied to the unbelieving Jews by St. Peter in Acts 2:40, and the epithet “faithless and perverse generation” used by our Lord in Matthew 17:17; Luke 9:41. Lights.—Properly, luminaries; so used in the Old Testament, and probably in Revelation 21:11. Christians are as the lesser lights of heaven, dim in comparison with the Sun of Righteousness, perhaps shining by His reflected light, and seen only in the night of this life, till He shall rise on us again in the “day of Christ” spoken of in the next verse. The word, therefore, stands half-way between “light” itself, as in Matthew 5:14, and the merely artificial “light” (or, candle) of John 5:35.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Philippians 2:15

Verse 15. That ye may be blameless] In yourselves, and harmless to others. The sons of God] Showing by your holy conduct that ye are partakers of the Divine nature. Without rebuke] Persons against whom no charge of transgression can justly be laid. A crooked and perverse] Probably referring to the Jews, who were the chief opponents and the most virulent enemies which the Christian Church had. Among whom ye shine] Be like the sun and moon; bless even the perverse and disobedient by your light and splendour. Let your light shine before men; some will walk in that light, and by its shining God will be glorified. It is evident that the apostle, by φωστηρεςενκοσμω, lights in the world, refers to the sun and moon particularly, and perhaps to the heavenly bodies in general.

Cambridge Bible on Philippians 2:15

15. be] Better, with the true reading, become, prove; a gentle intimation that a change was needed.blameless] Secure against true charges of inconsistency of temper and conduct.harmless] So too R.V. But this can be only a derived rendering. The literal and ordinary meaning of the Greek is “unmixed, unadulterated, pure.” The character denoted is simple as against double; single-hearted in truth and love. It occurs elsewhere, in N.T., only Matthew 10:16; Romans 16:19; but often in secular writers.the sons of God] More exactly, with R.V., children of God. The Greek word rendered “children” points more specially than the other to the nature and character of the family of God; the family-likeness. The precise phrase “children of God,” occurs elsewhere (in the Greek) John 1:12; John 11:52; Romans 8:16-17; Romans 8:21; Romans 9:8; 1 John 3:1-2; 1 John 3:10; 1 John 5:2. Here the evident meaning is, “that you may prove the fact of your spiritual sonship to God by your spiritual likeness to Him, which is its one true proof.” As a rule, Scripture tends to use the words “Father,” “son,” “child,” as between God and man, to indicate not the connexion of creation but that of new-creation, as here.without rebuke] One Greek adjective; the same word (in the best attested reading here) as that in Ephesians 1:4; Ephesians 5:27; Colossians 1:22; passages in this same Roman group of St Paul’s Epistles.This word is closely connected with the preceding words; we may paraphrase, “children of God, blameless as such.”—There is an implicit reference in the phrase to Deuteronomy 32:5, where the LXX. reads, “They sinned; they were not children to Him, but blameworthy children; a generation crooked and perverse.” The “true Israelites” of Philippi were to be the antithesis of the ancient rebels.in the midst of &c.] A continued allusion to the words (see last note) of Moses; a beautiful inversion of them. “A crooked and distorted generation” is still in view, but it is now not the Lord’s Israel, but “they which are without” (Colossians 4:5), whose moral contrariety was both to bring out the power and beauty of grace in the saints, and at length to yield to its blessed charm.“In the midst of”:—not in selfish or timid isolation from the duties and difficulties of life. The Gospel has no real sanction for the monastic idea. Cp. John 17:15; and the tenor of the Epistles at large.ye shine] Better, ye appear, ye are seen (R.V.). The Greek verb is used of the rising and setting of the stars, the “phœnomena” of the heavens. Perhaps this is meant to be remembered here. The saints, in the beautiful light of holiness, were to rise star-like upon the dark sky of surrounding sin. See next note.lights] Better, light-bearers, luminaries (luminaria, Latin Versions). The word appears in both secular and Biblical Greek as a designation of the heavenly bodies; see e.g. Genesis 1:14; Genesis 1:16. It occurs again, in N.T., only Revelation 21:11, apparently in the very rare sense of “radiance.”Cp. Isaiah 60:1; Matthew 5:14; Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 5:8.

Barnes' Notes on Philippians 2:15

That ye may be blameless - That you may give no occasion for others to accuse you of having done wrong.

Whedon's Commentary on Philippians 2:15

15. Blameless and harmless—Better, pure in character. Sons— Recognised by others as true children of God, without rebuke, unblamable in life.

Sermons on Philippians 2:15

	Sermon	Description
	(1 Peter - Part 22): Our Walk in the Presence of the Unsaved by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living an honest and upright life among non-believers. He highlights that God never gives us instructions to live without
	(Sermon Preparation) Lecture 01 by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering that the gospel of Christ is primarily addressed to individuals and its ultimate goal is the salvation of mult
	Are You a Soul Winner by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, Brother Denny shares his personal testimony of his father's transformation through God's grace. He describes how his father, who was once broken and miserable, turn
	(Montana) Daniel by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and thanksgiving in the life of a believer. He highlights the example of Daniel, who prayed and gave thanks to God t
	A Godly Example by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a good example, especially to young people. He mentions a survey conducted in American jails, which found that over
	Have You Turned From a Life of Sin? by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, Keith Daniel shares a personal experience of encountering a tramp and sharing the word of God with him. He emphasizes the importance of sharing the scriptures with
	Do People Get You Down? by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of people turning away from their faith and the dangers of being influenced by the world. He uses the example of Demis, a trusted