Philippians 4:11
What does Philippians 4:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Philippians 4:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philippians 4:11 means
Paul clarifies he is not speaking from lack. He has learned to be content in whatever situation. Contentment here is a Christ-shaped sufficiency, not stoic detachment or complacency. It is learned over time, often through trials that expose false dependencies. Whether resources are scarce or abundant, he has discovered a stable center that rests in God’s care and calling. This guards him from manipulating supporters or tying joy to fluctuating circumstances. True contentment frees both giver and receiver: the giver from pressure, the receiver from greed. It is a testimony that God’s grace is enough in prison or freedom, hunger or plenty, obscurity or recognition.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But I will not say anything about my needs, for I am able, wherever I am, to be dependent on myself.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862not that in respect of want I say <FI>it<Fi> , for I did learn in the things in which I am--to be content;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I speak not as it were for want. For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content therewith.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Not that I speak as regards privation, for as to me I have learnt in those circumstances in which I am, to be satisfied in myself.
Context
Paul’s thanksgiving could be misread as a plea for more. He preempts that by testifying to learned contentment, setting the stage for the fuller description in verse 12 and the confession in verse 13 that Christ empowers such constancy. This protects the relationship from misunderstanding and teaches the church a vital spiritual lesson. After defining contentment, Paul will still affirm their partnership as good and meaningful (verse 14), balancing independence of spirit with genuine appreciation for shared ministry.
v.10But 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.
v.11This passage
v.12I 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.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 3:8
Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ,
- 2 Corinthians 11:27
in labor and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
- Hebrews 13:5
Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee.
- Exodus 2:21
And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter.
- 2 Corinthians 6:10
as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
- Matthew 6:31
Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
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