Thanks for Their Gifts

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.(A) Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content(B) whatever the circumstances. 12 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,(C) whether living in plenty or in want.(D) 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.(E)

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Content Whatever the Circumstances

10-14 I’m glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you’re again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.

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Appreciation for Support

10 I have great joy in the Lord because now at last you have again expressed your concern for me. (Now I know you were concerned before but had no opportunity to do anything.)[a] 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance. 12 I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment,[b] whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. 13 I am able to do all things[c] through the one[d] who strengthens me.

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Footnotes

  1. Philippians 4:10 tn Grk “for you were even concerned, but you lacked opportunity.”
  2. Philippians 4:12 tn The words “of contentment” are not in the Greek text, but are implied by Paul’s remarks at the end of v. 11.
  3. Philippians 4:13 tn The Greek word translated “all things” is in emphatic position at the beginning of the Greek sentence.
  4. Philippians 4:13 tc Although some excellent witnesses lack explicit reference to the one strengthening Paul (so א* A B D* I 33 1739 lat co Cl), the majority of witnesses (א2 D2 [F G] Ψ 075 1175 1241 1505 1881 2464 M al sy Hier) add Χριστῷ (Christō) here (thus, “through Christ who strengthens me”). But this kind of reading is patently secondary, and is a predictable variant. Further, the shorter reading is much harder, for it leaves the agent unspecified.

Philippian Generosity

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last (A)your[a] care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, (B)to be content: 12 (C)I know how to [b]be abased, and I know how to [c]abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things (D)through [d]Christ who strengthens me.

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Footnotes

  1. Philippians 4:10 you have revived your care
  2. Philippians 4:12 live humbly
  3. Philippians 4:12 live in prosperity
  4. Philippians 4:13 NU Him who