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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Philippians 4:12 I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation--to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/philippians/4-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/50_Php_04_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Philippians 4:12 - The Generosity of the Philippians" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation--to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/philippians/4-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/philippians/4-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/philippians/">Philippians</a> > <a href="/philippians/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/philippians/4-11.htm" title="Philippians 4:11">◄</a> Philippians 4:12 <a href="/philippians/4-13.htm" title="Philippians 4:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/philippians/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/philippians/4.htm">New International Version</a> 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. <a href="/nlt/philippians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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. <a href="/esv/philippians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/philippians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need. <a href="/blb/philippians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I know also how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In everything, and in all things, I have learned the secret also to be full and to hunger, also to abound and to be deficient. <a href="/kjv/philippians/4.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/philippians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/philippians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. <a href="/nasb/philippians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. <a href="/nasb77/philippians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. <a href="/lsb/philippians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in abundance; in any and all things I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. <a href="/amp/philippians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. <a href="/csb/philippians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. <a href="/hcsb/philippians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. <a href="/asv/philippians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want. <a href="/cev/philippians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. <a href="/erv/philippians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want. <a href="/gwt/philippians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I've learned the secret of how to live when I'm full or when I'm hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little. <a href="/gnt/philippians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. <a href="/isv/philippians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> I know how to be humble, and I know how to prosper. In each and every situation I have learned the secret of being full and of going hungry, of having too much and of having too little. <a href="/msb/philippians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need. <a href="/net/philippians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. <a href="/nheb/philippians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret, whether full or hungry, whether having a lot or being in need <a href="/wbt/philippians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/philippians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I know both how to live in humble circumstances and how to live amid abundance. I am fully initiated into all the mysteries both of fulness and of hunger, of abundance and of want. <a href="/web/philippians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/philippians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I have known both to be abased, and I have known to abound; in everything and in all things I have been initiated, both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want. <a href="/blb/philippians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I know also how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In everything, and in all things, I have learned the secret also to be full and to hunger, also to abound and to be deficient. <a href="/ylt/philippians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> I have known both to be abased, and I have known to abound; in everything and in all things I have been initiated, both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want. <a href="/slt/philippians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And I know how to be humble, and I know how to abound in every thing: and in all I am instructed also to be full and to hunger, and to abound and to be in want.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/philippians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> I know both how to be brought low, and I know how to abound: (everywhere, and in all things I am instructed) both to be full, and to be hungry; both to abound, and to suffer need. <a href="/cpdv/philippians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> I know how to be humbled, and I know how to abound. I am prepared for anything, anywhere: either to be full or to be hungry, either to have abundance or to endure scarcity. <a href="/nabre/philippians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. <a href="/nrsvce/philippians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/philippians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I know what it is to be poor, and I know what it is to be rich: I have gone through many things and experienced many things, both to be full and to be hungry, both to have plenty and to be in want. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philippians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> I know how to be humbled, I know also what it is to abound; I am trained in everything and in all things, in fullness and in hunger, in excess and in poverty,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/philippians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> I know what it is to be in want, and what it is to have abundance. Everywhere and in all things, I have been fully instructed in being full and in being hungry, in having abundance and in being in want. <a href="/godbey/philippians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> I indeed know how to be poor, and I know how to abound: in every thing and in all things I learned both to flourish and to be poor, both to abound and to be destitute. <a href="/haweis/philippians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in every state and in all situations I am instructed either to be full or famishing, either to enjoy abundance, or to suffer want: <a href="/mace/philippians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I know how to abound: every where, and in every circumstance, I have been prepar'd for fulness or famine, for plenty or penury: <a href="/wey/philippians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I know both how to live in humble circumstances and how to live amid abundance. I am fully initiated into all the mysteries both of fulness and of hunger, of abundance and of want. <a href="/worrell/philippians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> I both know how to be humbled, and I know how to abound: in everything, and in all things, I have learned both to be well fed, and to be hungry, both to abound, and to be in want. <a href="/worsley/philippians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> I know both how to be abased, and how to abound: in every place, and in all conditions I am instructed, both to be full and to be hungry, to abound and to be in want. <a href="/parallel/philippians/4-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mXomUhcrPbg?start=831" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/philippians/4.htm">The Generosity of the Philippians</a> …11I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. 12<a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oida (V-RIA-1S) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">I know</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/5013.htm" title="5013: tapeinousthai (V-PNM/P) -- To make or bring low, humble, humiliate; pass: To be humbled. From tapeinos; to depress; figuratively, to humiliate.">how to live humbly,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oida (V-RIA-1S) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">I know</a> <a href="/greek/4052.htm" title="4052: perisseuein (V-PNA) -- From perissos; to superabound, be in excess, be superfluous; also to cause to superabound or excel.">how to abound.</a> <a href="/greek/3453.htm" title="3453: memyēmai (V-RIM/P-1S) -- To initiate, instruct; pass: To be disciplined, learn (a lesson). From the base of musterion; to initiate, i.e. to teach.">I am accustomed</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: panti (Adj-DNS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">any</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasin (Adj-DNP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">every situation—</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/5526.htm" title="5526: chortazesthai (V-PNM/P) -- To feed, satisfy, fatten. From chortos; to fodder, i.e. to gorge.">to being filled</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3983.htm" title="3983: peinan (V-PNA) -- To be hungry, needy, desire earnestly. From the same as penes; to famish; figuratively, to crave.">being hungry,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/4052.htm" title="4052: perisseuein (V-PNA) -- From perissos; to superabound, be in excess, be superfluous; also to cause to superabound or excel.">to having plenty</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5302.htm" title="5302: hystereisthai (V-PNM/P) -- From husteros; to be later, i.e. to be inferior; generally, to fall short.">having need.</a> 13I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-27.htm">2 Corinthians 11:27</a> in labor and toil and often without sleep, in hunger and thirst and often without food, in cold and exposure. <a href="/1_timothy/6-6.htm">1 Timothy 6:6-8</a> Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. / For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. / But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. <a href="/2_corinthians/6-10.htm">2 Corinthians 6:10</a> sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-11.htm">1 Corinthians 4:11</a> To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. <a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5</a> Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” <a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Matthew 6:25-34</a> Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? / Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? / Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? ... <a href="/2_corinthians/8-9.htm">2 Corinthians 8:9</a> For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. <a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15</a> And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” <a href="/1_timothy/4-8.htm">1 Timothy 4:8</a> For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-8.htm">2 Corinthians 4:8-9</a> We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. <a href="/proverbs/30-8.htm">Proverbs 30:8-9</a> Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my portion. / Otherwise, I may have too much and deny You, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God. <a href="/job/1-21.htm">Job 1:21</a> saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:10-12</a> He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. / When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes? / The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep. <a href="/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16</a> Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked. <a href="/jeremiah/45-5.htm">Jeremiah 45:5</a> But as for you, do you seek great things for yourself? Stop seeking! For I will bring disaster on every living creature, declares the LORD, but wherever you go, I will grant your life as a spoil of war.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.how to be.<a href="/1_corinthians/4-9.htm">1 Corinthians 4:9-13</a> For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men… <a href="/2_corinthians/6-4.htm">2 Corinthians 6:4-10</a> But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, … <a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">2 Corinthians 10:1,10</a> Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: … I am.<a href="/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Deuteronomy 32:10</a> He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.<a href="/nehemiah/9-20.htm">Nehemiah 9:20</a> Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.<a href="/isaiah/8-11.htm">Isaiah 8:11</a> For the LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying,<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/11-7.htm">Abased</a> <a href="/philippians/1-26.htm">Abound</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">Abundance</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-26.htm">Amid</a> <a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Circumstances</a> <a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Content</a> <a href="/philippians/1-13.htm">Everywhere</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-5.htm">Facing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-2.htm">Fed</a> <a href="/philippians/1-11.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/philippians/3-15.htm">Full</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-10.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-13.htm">Fulness</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-26.htm">Honoured</a> <a href="/philippians/3-21.htm">Humble</a> <a href="/philippians/2-8.htm">Humbled</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-27.htm">Hunger</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-34.htm">Hungry</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-18.htm">Initiated</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-21.htm">Instructed</a> <a href="/philippians/4-9.htm">Learned</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-2.htm">Mysteries</a> <a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Need</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-14.htm">Plenty</a> <a href="/acts/19-25.htm">Prosperity</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-19.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-24.htm">Situation</a> <a href="/philippians/1-29.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/john/9-34.htm">Without</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/6-22.htm">Abased</a> <a href="/philippians/4-17.htm">Abound</a> <a href="/philippians/4-18.htm">Abundance</a> <a href="/colossians/1-24.htm">Amid</a> <a href="/colossians/4-8.htm">Circumstances</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-8.htm">Content</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-8.htm">Everywhere</a> <a href="/genesis/23-19.htm">Facing</a> <a href="/james/2-16.htm">Fed</a> <a href="/philippians/4-18.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/philippians/4-18.htm">Full</a> <a href="/philippians/4-18.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/colossians/1-19.htm">Fulness</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-17.htm">Honoured</a> <a href="/james/1-9.htm">Humble</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-6.htm">Humbled</a> <a href="/revelation/6-8.htm">Hunger</a> <a href="/revelation/7-16.htm">Hungry</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-18.htm">Initiated</a> <a href="/colossians/2-7.htm">Instructed</a> <a href="/colossians/1-7.htm">Learned</a> <a href="/job/11-7.htm">Mysteries</a> <a href="/philippians/4-14.htm">Need</a> <a href="/genesis/24-25.htm">Plenty</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-6.htm">Prosperity</a> <a href="/colossians/1-26.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/colossians/4-9.htm">Situation</a> <a href="/colossians/2-16.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">Without</a><div class="vheading2">Philippians 4</div>1. <a href="/philippians/4-1.htm">From particular admonitions,</a> 4. <a href="/philippians/4-4.htm">he proceeds to general exhortations,</a> 10. <a href="/philippians/4-10.htm">showing how he rejoiced at their generosity toward him while in prison.</a> 19. <a href="/philippians/4-19.htm">And so he concludes with prayer and salutations.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philippians/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philippians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/philippians/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>I know how to live humbly Paul's statement reflects his personal experience with poverty and lowliness, which he encountered frequently during his missionary journeys. This humility is not just about financial status but also about a mindset of dependence on God. The Apostle Paul often faced persecution, imprisonment, and deprivation (<a href="/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">2 Corinthians 11:23-27</a>). His ability to live humbly is rooted in his understanding of Christ's own humility, as described in <a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-8</a>, where Jesus emptied Himself and took on the form of a servant.and I know how to abound Paul also experienced times of abundance, such as when he received support from churches like the Philippians (<a href="/philippians/4-15.htm">Philippians 4:15-18</a>). This phrase indicates that Paul was not only familiar with scarcity but also with prosperity. His ability to handle abundance without falling into pride or complacency is a testament to his spiritual maturity. The balance between humility and abundance is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/30-8.htm">Proverbs 30:8-9</a>, which warns against the temptations of both poverty and wealth.In any and every situation Paul emphasizes the universality of his experience, suggesting that his contentment is not dependent on external circumstances. This reflects the biblical principle that true peace and satisfaction come from God, not from worldly conditions. The phrase echoes the teaching of Jesus in <a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Matthew 6:25-34</a>, where believers are encouraged not to worry about their needs because God provides.I have learned the secret The "secret" Paul refers to is not a hidden knowledge but a spiritual insight gained through his relationship with Christ. This learning process implies growth and maturity in faith, as Paul had to experience various trials to understand this truth fully. The concept of a "secret" is reminiscent of the mysteries of God revealed through Christ, as mentioned in <a href="/colossians/1-26.htm">Colossians 1:26-27</a>.of being filled and being hungry Paul contrasts physical satisfaction with hunger, highlighting his adaptability to different circumstances. This adaptability is a reflection of his reliance on God's provision, similar to the Israelites' dependence on manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16). Paul's contentment in both states is a practical application of Jesus' teaching in <a href="/john/6-35.htm">John 6:35</a>, where He declares Himself the bread of life, satisfying spiritual hunger.of having plenty and having need This final contrast underscores the breadth of Paul's experiences. His ability to remain content in both plenty and need is rooted in his faith in God's sovereignty and provision. This mirrors the teaching in <a href="/1_timothy/6-6.htm">1 Timothy 6:6-8</a>, where godliness with contentment is described as great gain. Paul's life exemplifies the truth that material wealth or lack thereof does not define one's spiritual state or relationship with God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Philippians, Paul is writing from prison, offering insights into his personal experiences and spiritual maturity. 2. <a href="/topical/p/philippi.htm">Philippi</a> A city in Macedonia where Paul established a church. The Philippians were known for their generosity and support of Paul's ministry. 3. <a href="/topical/r/roman_imprisonment.htm">Roman Imprisonment</a> Paul wrote this letter during his imprisonment in Rome, which provides context for his reflections on contentment and reliance on Christ.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_christ.htm">Contentment in Christ</a> True contentment is found in Christ, not in external circumstances. Paul’s ability to be content in both abundance and need is rooted in his relationship with Jesus. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_maturity.htm">Spiritual Maturity</a> Spiritual maturity involves learning to trust God in every situation, whether in times of plenty or want. This maturity is developed through life experiences and reliance on God's strength. <a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a> Paul’s life exemplifies a dependence on God rather than material wealth. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a similar dependence, trusting God to meet their needs. <a href="/topical/a/adaptability_in_faith.htm">Adaptability in Faith</a> Christians are called to be adaptable, learning to navigate various life circumstances with faith and trust in God’s provision. <a href="/topical/w/witness_through_contentment.htm">Witness through Contentment</a> A contented life serves as a powerful witness to others, demonstrating the sufficiency of Christ in all situations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_philippians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Philippians 4</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_word_of_faith_movement.htm">What is the Word of Faith Movement?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_faith_inspire_courage.htm">What do Bible verses say about happiness?</a> <a href="/q/how_can_christians_beat_porn_addiction.htm">How can Christians overcome internet pornography addiction?</a> <a href="/q/are_you_content_with_what_you_have_now.htm">Are you content with what you have now?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/philippians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) Every where and in all things.--The original has no such distinction of the two words. It is, in all and everything; in life as a whole, and in all its separate incidents.I am instructed.--The word again is a peculiar and almost technical word. It is, I have been instructed; I have learnt the secret--a phrase properly applied to men admitted into such mysteries as the Eleusinian, enshrining a secret unknown except to the initiated; secondarily, as the context would seem to suggest, to those who entered the inner circle of an exclusive philosophy, learning there what the common herd could neither understand nor care for. A Stoic might well have used these words. There is even a touch of the Stoical contempt in the word "to be full," which properly applies to cattle, though frequently used of men in the New Testament. Perhaps, like all ascetics, they mostly knew how "to suffer need," better than how "to abound." But a Marcus Aurelius might have boldly claimed the knowledge of both.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philippians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound. St. Paul had experience both of sorrow and of joy, both of distress and of comfort; he knew how to bear himself in both, because his chiefest joy was "in the Lord." This abiding joy raised him above the vicissitudes of this mortal state, and gave him an αὐτάρεκια, a Christian independence, which enabled him to act becomingly both in adversity and in prosperity. Everywhere and in all things I am instructed; literally, as R.V., in everything and in all things; as we say, "in each and all," in every condition separately and in all collectively. The R.V. translates more accurately, "have I learned the secret." The Greek μεμύημαι means properly, "I have been' initiated." It is a word adapted from the old Greek mysteries; comp. B.C.ngel, "Disciplina arcana imbutus sum, ignota mundo." St. Paul represents the advanced Christian life as a mystery, the secrets of which are taught by God. the Holy Ghost to the soul that longs to prove in its own personal experience "what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." St. Paul frequently uses the word μυστήριον, mystery, for the truths once hidden but now brought to light by the gospel. Both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. The word rendered "to be full" (χορτάζεσθαι) is strictly used of animals, and means "to be foddered;" in the New Testament and later Greek it is used also of men, without any depreciatory significance, as in <a href="/matthew/5-6.htm">Matthew 5:6</a>, "They shall be filled (χορτασθήσονται)." <a href="/commentaries/philippians/4-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>I know οἶδα (oida) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. [how] to live humbly, ταπεινοῦσθαι (tapeinousthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_5013.htm">Strong's 5013: </a> To make or bring low, humble, humiliate; pass: To be humbled. From tapeinos; to depress; figuratively, to humiliate. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. I know οἶδα (oida) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. [how] to abound. περισσεύειν (perisseuein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4052.htm">Strong's 4052: </a> From perissos; to superabound, be in excess, be superfluous; also to cause to superabound or excel. I am accustomed μεμύημαι (memyēmai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3453.htm">Strong's 3453: </a> To initiate, instruct; pass: To be disciplined, learn (a lesson). From the base of musterion; to initiate, i.e. to teach. to ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. any παντὶ (panti) Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. every situation— πᾶσιν (pasin) Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. to being filled χορτάζεσθαι (chortazesthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_5526.htm">Strong's 5526: </a> To feed, satisfy, fatten. From chortos; to fodder, i.e. to gorge. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. being hungry, πεινᾶν (peinan) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3983.htm">Strong's 3983: </a> To be hungry, needy, desire earnestly. From the same as penes; to famish; figuratively, to crave. to having plenty περισσεύειν (perisseuein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4052.htm">Strong's 4052: </a> From perissos; to superabound, be in excess, be superfluous; also to cause to superabound or excel. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. having need. ὑστερεῖσθαι (hystereisthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_5302.htm">Strong's 5302: </a> From husteros; to be later, i.e. to be inferior; generally, to fall short. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philippians/4-12.htm">Philippians 4:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/philippians/4-12.htm">Philippians 4:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/philippians/4-12.htm">Philippians 4:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/philippians/4-12.htm">Philippians 4:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/philippians/4-12.htm">Philippians 4:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/philippians/4-12.htm">Philippians 4:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philippians/4-12.htm">Philippians 4:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/philippians/4-12.htm">Philippians 4:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/philippians/4-12.htm">Philippians 4:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/philippians/4-12.htm">Philippians 4:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/philippians/4-12.htm">NT Letters: Philippians 4:12 I know how to be humbled (Philipp. Phil. Php.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philippians/4-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philippians 4:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philippians 4:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philippians/4-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philippians 4:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philippians 4:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>