Philippians 4 12

Philippians 4:12 kjv

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Philippians 4:12 nkjv

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Philippians 4:12 niv

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Philippians 4:12 esv

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

Philippians 4:12 nlt

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

Philippians 4 verses

Philippians 4 12 Meaning

Paul states he knows how to live humbly (to be brought low) and he knows how to live abundantly (to be full). He has experience in both extremes of life, allowing him to face both situations with contentment. This skill is not innate but learned through practice and dependence on Christ.

Philippians 4 12 Context

This verse is found in the closing section of Paul's letter to the Philippians. The church at Philippi had supported Paul's ministry generously, even when he was imprisoned. In this chapter, Paul is teaching them about joy and contentment, regardless of their external circumstances. He has just spoken about his own contentment and assured them that his current situation does not diminish his joy. He then transitions to practical advice about peace and worry. This verse is part of his personal testimony about his learned ability to navigate both hardship and prosperity, highlighting his spiritual maturity and reliance on God. The historical context involves Paul's imprisonment, likely in Rome, from which he wrote this letter.

Philippians 4 12 Word analysis

• οἶδα (oida) - "I know." This is the perfect tense of the verb "to know," implying a state of knowing acquired through experience and understanding. It's not just intellectual knowledge but a deep, practical comprehension.

• καὶ (kai) - "and." A simple conjunction connecting two clauses, emphasizing the equal weight of both experiences.

• τοῦ (tou) - "the." The definite article used in the genitive case, indicating possession or relation.

• ὑποβαλεῖν (hypobalein) - "to be brought low," "to be reduced," "to be humble." From hypoballō, meaning to throw under. It signifies experiencing need, want, or low circumstances.

• εἰμί (eimi) - "I am," "to be." Used here in its first-person singular present indicative form, "I am."

• καὶ (kai) - "and." Again, a connector.

• τοῦ (tou) - "the."

• περισσεύειν (perisseuein) - "to abound," "to overflow," "to be in full," "to be rich." The infinitive of the verb perisseuō, meaning to be superabundant, to have more than enough.

• πανταχοῦ (pantachou) - "in every place," "everywhere." An adverb indicating universality of experience.

• καὶ (kai) - "and."

• ἐν (en) - "in," "among," "by." A preposition used to indicate the sphere or condition in which something occurs.

• πᾶσιν (pasin) - "all things," "every kind of thing." The dative plural of pas, meaning all.

• ἐν (en) - "in."

• παντί (panti) - "all." Dative singular of pas.

• ἐπιτηδεύματι (epitēdeumati) - "condition," "state," "circumstance," "manner of life." A noun derived from epitēdeuō, meaning to apply oneself to, to pursue. It refers to the specific way of living or the particular situation encountered.

• Paul's learned ability: The core of the verse is the statement of learned proficiency. It is not an inherited trait but a cultivated discipline.

• Duality of experience: The verse presents a strong contrast: being "brought low" (need) versus "abounding" (plenty). Paul claims mastery over both ends of the spectrum.

• Ubiquity of application: The phrase "everywhere and in all things" signifies that this contentment is not situation-specific but a general principle applied universally across all circumstances and life conditions.

• Dependency on the Source: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, Paul's broader teaching in Philippians, particularly verse 13, clarifies that this ability is empowered by Christ. His "knowing" is a product of Christ's indwelling strength and grace.

Philippians 4 12 Bonus Section

The ability to be content in all things, both hunger and plenty, is closely linked to the concept of the "fruit of the Spirit" mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. Specifically, patience, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control contribute to this inner peace and adaptability. Paul's personal testimony here reflects his deep reliance on the grace of God that enables him to perform all things, as stated in the following verse (Phil 4:13). His profound understanding of contentment stems from knowing Christ's sufficiency, echoing Jesus' statement that "apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

Philippians 4 12 Commentary

Paul expresses a mastery developed through consistent practice. He has learned through actual life experience how to endure scarcity and how to handle plenty with the same unshakeable attitude. This contentment isn't a passive acceptance but an active skill cultivated in all of life's settings. It's the inner state of being satisfied and peaceful, regardless of external provisions or deprivations, because one's ultimate sufficiency is found in Christ alone. He is able to maintain his inner equilibrium and joy because his source of strength and provision is God, not his circumstances. This teaches believers that contentment is a disciple's pursuit, achievable by the power of the indwelling Christ.