Philippians 4:12
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
abased--in low circumstances (Co2 4:8; Co2 6:9-10). everywhere--rather, "in each, and in all things" [ALFORD]. instructed--in the secret. Literally, "initiated" in a secret teaching, which is a mystery unknown to the world.
Open source ↗Exhortations to several Christian duties, as stedfastness, unanimity, joy, etc. (Phi 4:1-9). The apostle's grateful acknowledgments of the Philippians' kindness to him, with expressions of his own content, and desire of their good (Phi 4:10-19). He concludes the epistle with praise, salutations, and blessing (Phi 4:20-23).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
in labor and toil and often without sleep, in hunger and thirst and often without food, in cold and exposure.
And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.
He found him in a desert land, in a barren, howling wilderness; He surrounded him, He instructed him, He guarded him as the apple of His eye.
For this is what the LORD has spoken to me with a strong hand, instructing me not to walk in the way of this people:
Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.
Was it a sin for me to humble myself in order to exalt you, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?
You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold Your manna from their mouths, and You gave them water for their thirst.
After I returned, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’
For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.”