Philippians 4 11

Philippians 4:11 kjv

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Philippians 4:11 nkjv

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

Philippians 4:11 niv

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Philippians 4:11 esv

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

Philippians 4:11 nlt

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.

Philippians 4 verses

Philippians 4 11 Meaning

This verse expresses a profound contentment and learned ability to live in any circumstance, whether it involves abundance or need. It highlights a mastery over internal desires and a reliance on divine provision that transcends external conditions. The apostle Paul is conveying his state of inner peace and sufficiency, cultivated through his relationship with Christ, regardless of his outward situation.

Philippians 4 11 Context

Philippians 4:11 follows Paul's exhortation to rejoice in the Lord always (v. 4), emphasizing gentleness and peace through prayer (v. 6-7). The entire letter of Philippians was written from prison, demonstrating Paul's ability to maintain joy and thankfulness amidst difficult circumstances. In this verse, Paul directly addresses his own personal experience, explaining the source of his consistent joy and contentment as not being tied to his external conditions but to an inner disposition cultivated by his faith in Christ and his participation in His suffering and resurrection. He assures the Philippian believers that his current contentment is not natural but learned, a skill honed through experience and spiritual discipline.

Philippians 4 11 Word Analysis

• "Sed" (ἔμαθον - emathon): This is the aorist indicative active first-person singular of the verb manthanō, meaning "to learn." The aorist tense indicates a completed action, suggesting Paul has learned this lesson over time and it is now a settled reality for him. It signifies not just intellectual acquisition of knowledge but a deep, experiential understanding and mastery.

• "In" (ἐν - en): A common preposition with various meanings, here it signifies "in" or "by means of." It points to the sphere or condition in which he has learned this contentment – within his circumstances, whether favorable or unfavorable.

• "All" (οἷς - hois): This is the dative plural masculine relative pronoun, referring back to the conditions or states previously mentioned. It connects the act of learning to the variety of circumstances he has experienced.

• "These" (τούτοις - toutois): A demonstrative pronoun in the dative plural masculine, further specifying the "all" of the preceding word as the "these" circumstances he has personally encountered.

• "Things" (χρείαν - chreian): This noun means "need," "want," or "lack." It points to situations of privation.

• "To" (ἔχειν - echein): The infinitive of echō, meaning "to have," "to hold," or "to possess." When used with chreian, it forms the idiom "to have need," or "to be in want."

• "Be" (εἶναι - einai): The infinitive of eimi, meaning "to be."

• "Sufficiency" (αὐτάρκης - autarkēs): This adjective means "self-sufficient," "content with one's lot." In a broader sense, it implies possessing enough, being capable. Here, it reflects a state of internal sufficiency not derived from external resources, but from an inner reliance on God. It suggests being master of one's desires.

• "To" (εἰς - eis): Another preposition, often meaning "into" or "to." Here, it indicates the direction or purpose of being content – to be sufficient in all things.

• "The" (τὸ - to): The neuter singular definite article.

• "All" (πᾶν - pan): The neuter singular of the adjective pas, meaning "every," "all," "whole." It refers to every circumstance or situation.

• "States" (εἶναι - einai): The infinitive of eimi, "to be."

• "Content" (αὐτάρκης - autarkēs): Repeated here for emphasis, reinforcing the learned ability to be satisfied in any condition.

• "I have learned" (ἔμαθον - emathon): This is a restatement and a confirmation of the core statement. Paul emphasizes that this is not an innate ability but a learned virtue.

• "In" (ἐν - en): Again, indicating the sphere of the experience.

• "All" (οἷς - hois): Dative plural relative pronoun referring to circumstances.

• "Situations" (εἶναι - einai): The infinitive "to be."

• "And" (καὶ - kai): Conjunction.

• "To" (τε - te): Conjunction, often paired with kai, signifying "both...and," or simply strengthening the connection.

• "Sufficiency" (αὐταρκὴς - autarkēs): Self-sufficient, content.

• "In" (ἐν - en): In the midst of.

• "All" (πᾶν - pan): Every.

• "Circumstances" (εἶναι - einai): To be.

• "To be in want" (εἰς τὸ εἶναι ἐν χρείαν - eis to einai en chreian): This phrase translates to "to be in need" or "to lack." The construct eis to followed by an infinitive often indicates purpose or result.

• "To have in abundance" (εἰς τὸ περισσεύειν - eis to perisseuein): The phrase here translates to "to abound" or "to have in excess." It denotes having more than enough.

Philippians 4 11 Bonus Section

The concept of autarkeia (self-sufficiency) in Hellenistic philosophy often emphasized indifference to external circumstances and reliance on one's own reason. However, Paul redefines autarkeia within a Christian framework. His self-sufficiency is not a stoic withdrawal but a dynamic dependence on the power of Christ dwelling within him. While others sought self-mastery, Paul found mastery through yielding to Christ, who empowers him. His "learned" ability reflects his deep discipleship and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in shaping his desires and perspective, making him truly content in all situations. This spiritual skill is accessible to all believers through dependence on God, not innate human capability.

Philippians 4 11 Commentary

Paul's statement is a declaration of spiritual maturity. He is not saying that he is unaffected by hardship or enjoys suffering, but that his internal state of contentment is not dependent on external possessions or favorable circumstances. This learned ability comes from an intimate walk with Christ, who provides the inner strength and perspective to be content regardless of whether one is living in abundance or experiencing deprivation. It's a powerful counter-cultural message in a world that often equates happiness with material wealth and comfort. This contentment is an active, cultivated discipline, a grace received by actively trusting in God's provision and presence, no matter the outward appearance. This is not Stoicism, but a vibrant faith in a living God who sustains His people.