Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
in respect
G3754
ὅτι
in respect
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
2 of 13
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καθ'
G2596
καθ'
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
3 of 13
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
λέγω
that I speak
G3004
λέγω
that I speak
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
οἷς
whatsoever state
G3739
οἷς
whatsoever state
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 13
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Philippians 3:8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,2 Corinthians 9:8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:2 Corinthians 6:10As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.2 Corinthians 8:9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.Hebrews 10:34For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.2 Corinthians 11:27In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.Luke 3:14And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.Genesis 28:20And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,
Historical Context
Stoic philosophy prized autarkeia (self-sufficiency) achieved through rational control of desires and indifference to externals. Paul adopts the term but redefines its source: not self-mastery but Christ's strength (v. 13). His contentment spans extremes (v. 12)—abundance and lack, plenty and hunger—validating his teaching experientially. Ancient teachers claimed self-sufficiency; Paul learned dependence on Christ producing true sufficiency.
Questions for Reflection
- How is biblical contentment (autarkeia) different from Stoic self-sufficiency or modern complacency?
- What circumstances tempt you most toward discontentment, and how does Christ address that?
- How do you 'learn' (emathon) contentment—what spiritual disciplines cultivate it?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Οὐχ ὅτι καθ' ὑστέρησιν λέγω, ἐγὼ γὰρ ἔμαθον ἐν οἷς εἰμι αὐτάρκης εἶναι, Ouch hoti kath' hysterēsin legō, egō gar emathon en hois eimi autarkēs einai)—Ouch...kath' hysterēsin ("not because of need")—Paul clarifies: gratitude isn't manipulation born of desperation. Emathon ("I learned")—contentment is acquired skill, not natural temperament. Autarkēs ("content, self-sufficient")—Stoic term meaning independence from external circumstances. Paul Christianizes it: sufficiency isn't self-generated but Christ-given (v. 13). En hois eimi ("in whatever circumstances I am")—comprehensive scope. Contentment is settled tranquility amid changing circumstances, rooted in unchanging Christ. This verse introduces 4:11-13, Paul's classic contentment teaching.