Devine Scripture

Philippians 4:10

What does Philippians 4:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 4:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 4:10 means

Paul rejoices in the Lord because the Philippians have renewed their concern for him. He acknowledges they always cared but previously lacked opportunity to express it. This guards them from feeling accused or manipulated. His joy is rightly anchored in the Lord, who moved them to act at the right time. Their generosity is a sign of living fellowship, not mere obligation. Paul’s tone combines gratitude with pastoral sensitivity—he appreciates their gift without suggesting they failed earlier. He recognizes seasons when desire exceeds ability, and he honors both. The focus remains on God’s providence working through their thoughtful support to meet his needs in prison.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But I am very glad in the Lord that your care for me has come to life again; though you did in fact take thought for me, but you were not able to give effect to it.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye flourished again in caring for me, for which also ye were caring, and lacked opportunity;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now I rejoice in the Lord exceedingly that now at length your thought for me hath flourished again, as you did also think; but you were busied.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But I rejoiced in [the] Lord greatly, that now however at length ye have revived your thinking of me, though surely ye did also think [of me], but lacked opportunity.

Context

After exhortations about the God of peace, Paul models trust by describing how the Philippians’ care came at the right time. He is beginning a thank-you section, but he will quickly clarify that his contentment does not depend on gifts (verses 11–12). Then he will confess the secret of contentment—Christ’s strength (verse 13). After that, he commends their partnership in his troubles (verses 14–16) and explains the spiritual fruit credited to them (verse 17), culminating in assurance of God’s provision (verse 19) and doxology (verse 20).

v.9The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

v.10This passage

v.11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:7

    in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

  • Galatians 6:6

    But let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

  • Philippians 2:30

    because for the work of Christ he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:6

    Nevertheless he that comforteth the lowly, even God, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

  • Galatians 6:10

    So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:9

    and when I was present with you and was in want, I was not a burden on any man; for the brethren, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my want; and in everything I kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

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