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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.

Support for Paul’s Ministry

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have renewed your concern for me[a], for whom also you were thinking, but you had no opportunity to express it. 11 Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how both to make do with little[b] and I know how to have an abundance[c]. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to have an abundance[d] and to go without. 13 I am able to do all things by the one who strengthens me.

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Footnotes

  1. Philippians 4:10 Literally “you have revived to think on behalf of me”
  2. Philippians 4:12 Literally “to be humbled”
  3. Philippians 4:12 Literally “to abound”
  4. Philippians 4:12 Literally “to abound”