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

Philippians 4:11 conveys the Apostle Paul's profound spiritual maturity, revealing that his expression of gratitude for their generous gift was not a disguised request stemming from material deprivation. Instead, he states that he has actively acquired the discipline and inner peace to thrive irrespective of external circumstances. This contentment is not born of apathy or stoic self-reliance but is a learned posture of heart that rests in God's unwavering provision and presence, making him independent of earthly needs for his joy and spiritual well-being.

Philippians 4 11 Context

Philippians 4:11 is part of Paul's conclusion to his letter, where he expresses deep gratitude to the Philippian church for their generous financial support, which reached him during his imprisonment. The verses immediately preceding (4:10) convey his joy in their renewed concern for him. However, to avoid any misinterpretation that his joy was solely dependent on their gift or that he was indirectly hinting for more, Paul swiftly clarifies his inner disposition in verse 11. This verse and the one following (4:12) explain that his contentment is an acquired spiritual habit, a "secret" learned through varied life experiences, not a condition contingent on having or not having. The broader context of Philippians emphasizes themes of joy in all circumstances, unity in Christ, the pursuit of Christlikeness, and standing firm in faith, all of which underscore the spiritual strength necessary for true contentment. Paul, writing from a Roman prison, exemplifies the very peace and contentment he preaches, setting his attitude apart from the worldly pursuit of security and self-sufficiency.

Philippians 4 11 Word analysis

• Not that I speak in respect of want: This phrase (Οὐχ ὅτι καθ᾽ ὑστέρησιν λέγω – Ouch hoti kath' hysterēsin legō) functions as a crucial clarification.

  • want (ὑστέρησιν - hysterēsin): Meaning "deprivation," "lack," "need," or "destitution." Paul directly addresses the potential misunderstanding that he is complaining about his needs or that his gratitude is merely a relief from poverty. He denies that his message (including the thanks in 4:10) is motivated by personal lack. This word grounds the discussion in a very practical, material reality.

• for I have learned: (ἐγὼ γὰρ ἔμαθον – egō gar emathon). This signifies an active, deliberate process, not a natural inclination or a state granted effortlessly.

  • learned (ἔμαθον - emathon): An aorist verb, indicating a past completed action with ongoing results. It means "I came to know," "I discovered," or "I have gained understanding through experience." This learning implies spiritual discipline, trial, and growth. It's a significant point because it removes contentment from the realm of inherent personality traits and places it firmly in the sphere of spiritual formation and Christ-centered practice. It underscores a progressive journey.

• in whatsoever state I am: (ἐν οἷς εἰμι – en hois eimi). This conveys the universal application of his learned contentment.

  • whatsoever state (ἐν οἷς – en hois): Literally, "in which things," referring to any or every condition, situation, or circumstance.
  • I am (εἰμι – eimi): The present tense emphasizes the ongoing reality of his present condition, whatever it may be. The phrase underlines that this contentment is independent of fluctuating external realities.

• therewith to be content: (αὐτάρκης εἶναι – autarkēs einai). This is the key outcome of his learning.

  • therewith (αὐτάρκης - autarkēs): This is a critical term, often translated as "self-sufficient," "independent," or "content." In Hellenistic philosophy (e.g., Stoicism), autarky referred to self-sufficiency through internal virtue, detachment from external things, making one master of their own soul. However, Paul reinterprets this. For Paul, this is not a proud independence from all, but a Christ-empowered independence from reliance on external circumstances. His sufficiency is not in himself but through Christ (Phil 4:13). It means being adequately supplied or satisfied by an internal disposition sustained by God, regardless of what is externally available or absent. It denotes a mind-set of having all that is genuinely needed for living out God's will.
  • to be (εἶναι – einai): The infinitive form denotes the state of being that Paul has achieved.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned...": This juxtaposition highlights Paul's integrity. His thanks in 4:10 were genuine appreciation for their love and participation in the Gospel, not a thinly veiled appeal driven by personal need. The "for" links his clarification directly to the subsequent declaration of his contentment, showing it as his underlying spiritual truth.
  • "I have learned... to be content.": This entire clause is central. It emphasizes contentment as an acquired virtue. It is not an innate disposition but a spiritual discipline, cultivated through experience, faith, and reliance on God. This learning process is integral to Christian maturity and character formation, contrasting with the world's search for contentment in external acquisitions or ideal circumstances.

Philippians 4 11 Bonus section

This verse serves as a crucial theological bridge to Philippians 4:13 ("I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"). The "secret" of contentment mentioned in the subsequent verse (Phil 4:12) is rooted in this learned capacity to draw strength from Christ for all situations. It’s not just a mindset but a deep-seated spiritual reality. Paul's contentment (autarkēs) should be understood as a practical expression of walking by faith, where sufficiency is derived from God's character and promises, rather than from material possessions or the absence of difficulties. It's a key aspect of true spiritual maturity and joy in the Christian life.

Philippians 4 11 Commentary

Philippians 4:11 is a cornerstone declaration of Christian contentment, powerfully distinguishing it from mere resignation or Stoic self-reliance. Paul clarifies that his expressions of gratitude for their gift (v.10) do not imply a complaint or a state of personal need. He asserts that he has learned contentment, marking it as a deliberate spiritual journey and skill, not an automatic temperament. This learned attitude, expressed through the Greek autarkēs, is a divinely enabled sufficiency that transcends reliance on external conditions. For Paul, it's not being self-sufficient in his own strength but being sufficiently strong in Christ (Phil 4:13) to meet any life condition—poverty or prosperity, suffering or peace—with a heart at rest. This verse is crucial for understanding how believers can experience joy and stability regardless of life's tumultuous currents, rooted not in what they have or lack, but in their unchanging relationship with God. It champions an inner freedom from anxiety and greed, nurtured by faith.