1:10a

so that: The phrase so that shows that 1:10a gives the purpose of Paul’s prayer in 1:9; that is, as the Philippians’ love, knowledge and insight grew, they would be better able to discern what was best.

you may be able to test and prove what is best: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as able to test and prove implies not only that the Philippians would know what was best, but also that they would accept and approve it.

what is best: This refers to things that are truly good, things that are very important and worthwhile. This can include things people do, say and believe. Try to make it clear that the believers are to choose that which is very good.

1:10b

and: At the beginning of 1:10b there is a Greek word hina that means “that” or “in order that.” The Berean Standard Bible translates this word as and. This is a different Greek word than the Greek phrase eis to at the beginning of 1:10a, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as “so that.”

There are three basic interpretations as to what ideas the author was relating when he used the Greek connecting word hina here at the beginning of 1:10b:

(1) hina shows the purpose or intended result of the preceding clause. For example:

you will choose what is the right thing to do so that you may be genuinely good and not do anything wrong…” (New Jerusalem Bible, New American Standard Bible, NET Bible, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version)

(2) hina shows another result (besides choosing what is best) of love abounding together with knowledge. (Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version)

(3) hina shows another thing Paul prayed for. For example:

I pray that you will know more about what God is really like and will be able to tell the difference between right and wrong, and ⌊I pray⌋ that you may be genuinely good and not do anything wrong…” (New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

pure: The Greek word translated pure means “separate from evil, innocent, free from wrong.”

blameless: The Greek word translated blameless means “without offense or guilt.”

The words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “pure” and blameless have almost the same meaning. Perhaps “pure” may emphasize internal goodness and purity, and blameless may emphasize outward actions. However, in some languages it may not be possible to use two separate words. If this is true in your language, you could use one term and add a word like “completely” to give extra emphasis. So you could translate this part of the verse as “completely pure” or “completely free from evil.”

for: The Greek word eis that the Berean Standard Bible translates as for can have one of two meanings:

(1) Many English translations state that Paul hoped the Philippians would be pure and blameless until Christ returns. These versions tend to use the word “until” or a word with a similar meaning. This also implies that they (and other believers) would continue to be pure and blameless after he returns. (New International Version, New American Standard Bible, God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004), King James Version)

(2) for/on: Paul hoped that the Philippians would be blameless at the time of Christ’s return. These versions tend to use a word such as “for” or “on”. For example:

you will be free from all impurity and blame on the Day of Christ (Good News Translation)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

the day of Christ: See the note on 1:6b.

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