An Exegetical Analysis of Philippians 1:10: Discerning and Approving What is Excellent
This exegetical study of Philippians 1:10 is based on a b-greek discussion from Friday, May 21, 1999. The initial inquiry posited an alternative interpretation for the phrase εἰς τὸ δοκιμάζειν ὑμᾶς τὰ διαφέροντα, questioning the commonly accepted translation “so that you may approve what is excellent.” The alternative proposed was “so that you may be tested as to what is excellent,” implying a passive experience of being refined rather than an active process of discernment.
The main exegetical issue thus centers on the precise grammatical function of the accusative pronoun ὑμᾶς (you all) in relation to the active infinitive δοκιμάζειν (to test, discern, approve) and the accusative substantival participle τὰ διαφέροντα (what is excellent/important). Specifically, is ὑμᾶς the subject performing the action of the infinitive, or is it the object undergoing an action, thereby implying a passive sense for the verb despite its active form? This ambiguity, if sustained, would significantly alter the understanding of the believers’ role in spiritual and ethical discernment as envisioned by the Apostle Paul.
Greek text (Nestle 1904)
εἰς τὸ δοκιμάζειν ὑμᾶς τὰ διαφέροντα, ἵνα ἦτε εἰλικρινεῖς καὶ ἀπρόσκοποι εἰς ἡμέραν Χριστοῦ,
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- The text of Philippians 1:10 in Nestle 1904 is identical to that found in the SBLGNT (2010). No textual variants influencing the specific phrase εἰς τὸ δοκιμάζειν ὑμᾶς τὰ διαφέροντα are noted between these two editions.
Textual criticism (NA28), lexical notes (KITTEL, BDAG):
According to the Novum Testamentum Graece (NA28), there are no significant textual variants for the phrase εἰς τὸ δοκιμάζειν ὑμᾶς τὰ διαφέροντα in Philippians 1:10 across the major manuscript traditions. This indicates a high degree of textual stability for this portion of the verse.
Lexically, the key terms are crucial for understanding the verse:
- δοκιμάζειν (dokimazein): This verb, in its active infinitive form here, carries a rich semantic range. BDAG defines it as “to test, examine, try” (often with a view to approving), and consequently “to approve, accept as proven, acknowledge.” KITTEL (TDNT) connects it to the Old Testament concept of divine testing of human character (e.g., Psalm 11:5; Deuteronomy 8:2), which often leads to refinement and demonstration of integrity. In Pauline usage, particularly within ethical contexts (e.g., Romans 12:2; Ephesians 5:10), it frequently denotes the spiritual and ethical discernment of believers—their capacity to evaluate and approve what is genuinely good, true, or profitable. The active voice here strongly implies an agent performing this testing or approving action.
- τὰ διαφέροντα (ta diapheronta): This is the neuter plural present active participle of the verb διαφέρω (diapherō), used substantively. BDAG translates it as “things that differ,” and by extension, “things that are important, excellent, superior, or profitable.” In Romans 2:18, it refers to “what is profitable” or “what matters.” In the context of Philippians 1:10, in conjunction with “knowledge and all discernment” (Phil 1:9), it refers to matters of ethical and spiritual excellence that warrant careful consideration and endorsement by believers.
- ὑμᾶς (humas): This is the accusative plural of the second person pronoun ὑμεῖς (you all). Its grammatical role is the central point of contention in this exegesis.
Translation Variants
The grammatical structure εἰς τὸ + infinitive (δοκιμάζειν) + accusative subject (ὑμᾶς) + accusative object (τὰ διαφέροντα) is a common Greek construction indicating purpose. The presence of ὑμᾶς preceding the infinitive typically marks it as the subject of the infinitive, performing the action. Conversely, τὰ διαφέροντα, following the infinitive, functions as its direct object. This leads to two primary interpretations based on the proposed syntactical analysis:
1. Traditional Interpretation: Active Discernment by Believers
This view takes ὑμᾶς as the subject of δοκιμάζειν and τὰ διαφέροντα as its direct object. The translation “so that you may approve what is excellent” aligns with this grammatical understanding. The rhetorical implication is that believers are actively engaged in the process of ethical discernment and evaluation. This interpretation fits seamlessly with Paul’s preceding prayer in Philippians 1:9, where he desires their love to abound in “knowledge and all discernment,” implying a need for spiritual wisdom to distinguish and endorse what is truly valuable. The process of δοκιμάζειν here is not merely intellectual but involves a practical, ethical judgment leading to the adoption of superior values.
2. Proposed Alternative: Believers Undergoing Testing
The alternative proposed, “so that you may be tested as to what is excellent,” seeks to render ὑμᾶς as the object of δοκιμάζειν, with the verb taking on a passive sense. However, several grammatical challenges arise:
- The active voice of the infinitive δοκιμάζειν strongly resists a passive interpretation without explicit markers (e.g., a passive infinitive form or a clear passive context). While the *result* of discerning what is excellent might be spiritual growth or refinement (i.e., believers being “made excellent”), the verb itself, in the active voice, emphasizes the *action* performed by the believers.
- If ὑμᾶς were the object, one would need to assign a subject to δοκιμάζειν. The suggestion of τὰ διαφέροντα acting as the subject (“what is excellent tests you”) is grammatically strained and semantically unusual, as an abstract neuter plural is unlikely to be the agent of such a verb when a personal accusative (ὑμᾶς) is present and naturally serves as the subject.
- Similarly, if τὰ διαφέροντα were an accusative of respect (“as to what is excellent”), it still leaves ὑμᾶς as the most probable subject of δοκιμάζειν without a clear direct object, which is less natural for a transitive verb like δοκιμάζειν.
Rhetorically, while believers are indeed “tested” or undergo trials (a common Pauline theme), this specific grammatical construction in Philippians 1:10 focuses on their *active participation* in discerning and approving. The subsequent verses (1:10b-11) speak of believers being “pure and blameless” and “filled with the fruit of righteousness,” which are outcomes of their ethical conduct and discernment, not merely passive experiences.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
Based on a thorough grammatical and lexical analysis, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the traditional interpretation of Philippians 1:10. The active infinitive δοκιμάζειν, coupled with ὑμᾶς as its grammatical subject and τὰ διαφέροντα as its direct object, mandates an understanding of believers actively engaging in the process of discerning, testing, and approving what is excellent. While the process of discerning and adhering to what is excellent ultimately refines believers, this is an implicit *consequence* of their active discernment, not the direct meaning of the verb itself in this context. The prayer in Philippians 1:9-11 is for believers to mature into active ethical agents, whose love is guided by profound insight and a clear sense of values.
Here are three nuanced translation suggestions:
- “so that you may discern what is truly excellent”
This translation emphasizes the intellectual and spiritual faculty of believers to distinguish between competing values and identify what holds ultimate significance. - “in order that you may approve the things that are superior”
This option highlights the evaluative aspect of δοκιμάζειν, suggesting not just recognition but also an endorsement and commitment to higher spiritual and ethical standards. - “for the purpose of your testing and affirming what is vital”
This expands on the dynamic nature of δοκιμάζειν—a continuous process of rigorous examination leading to a firm endorsement of essential truths and practices, leading to a blameless life.