Philippians 4:12

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

οἶδα

G1492

I know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ταπεινοῦσθαι

G5013

both how to be abased

to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart)

οἶδα

G1492

I know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

περισσεύειν

G4052

how to abound

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel

ἐν

G1722

every where

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πᾶσιν

G3956

all things

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

ἐν

G1722

every where

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#11

πᾶσιν

G3956

all things

all, any, every, the whole

#12

μεμύημαι

G3453

I am instructed

to initiate, i.e., (by implication) to teach

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

χορτάζεσθαι

G5526

to be full

to fodder, i.e., (generally) to gorge (supply food in abundance)

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

πεινᾶν

G3983

to be hungry

to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave

#17

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

περισσεύειν

G4052

how to abound

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#20

ὑστερεῖσθαι·

G5302

to suffer need

to be later, i.e., (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Philippians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Philippians chapter 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Peace