Philippians 4:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Philippians 4:12
12 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.
Chapter Context
Philippians 4 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, love, prayer. Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church in this Roman colony maintained partnership with Paul despite his imprisonment.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Philippians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Philippians 4:12
12 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.
Analysis
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 (οἶδα καὶ ταπεινοῦσθαι, οἶδα καὶ περισσεύειν· ἐν παντὶ καὶ ἐν πᾶσιν μεμύημαι καὶ χορτάζεσθαι καὶ πεινᾶν, καὶ περισσεύειν καὶ ὑστερεῖσθαι, oida kai tapeinousthai, oida kai perisseuein; en panti kai en pasin memyēmai kai chortazesthai kai peinan, kai perisseuein kai hystereisthai)—Double oida ("I know") claims experiential knowledge of both extremes: tapeinousthai ("to be humbled, abased") and perisseuein ("to abound, have plenty"). Memyēmai ("I have been initiated, instructed")—mystery-religion term for secret knowledge. Paul uses it for practical wisdom learned through varied circumstances. Four pairs: full/hungry, abound/need—Paul experienced them all and learned contentment in each. This verse validates v. 11: contentment isn't untested theory but proven through extremes.
Historical Context
Paul's ministry involved dramatic swings: beatings and banquets, prisons and palace hearings, shipwrecks and success. Second Corinthians 11:23-29 catalogs his sufferings; Philippians shows he also knew abundance (supportive churches, fruitful ministry). The 'initiation' (memyēmai) language borrows from mystery religions (Eleusinian, Dionysian) where initiates learned secrets. Paul's 'secret' is Christ's sufficiency (v. 13). His credibility rests on lived experience, not abstract theology.
Reflection
- In which extreme—abasement or abundance—do you struggle more with contentment, and why?
- How has God 'instructed' (memyēmai) you through varied circumstances?
- What 'secret' of contentment have you learned (or need to learn) through hardship or plenty?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 32:10, Nehemiah 9:20, Isaiah 8:11, Jeremiah 31:19, Matthew 11:29, 2 Corinthians 10:1