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Text -- Philippians 4:12 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
4:12 I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Dictionary Themes and Topics: Zeal | Righteousness | Resignation | Philippi | PHILIPPIANS, THE EPISTLE TO THE | PAUL, THE APOSTLE, 4 | Minister | MYSTERY | Humility | Epaphroditus | Contentment | Church | Beneficence | ABASE | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , Maclaren , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: Phi 4:12 - -- I know how ( oida ). Followed by the infinitive oida has this sense. So here twice, with tapeinousthai , to be humbled, from tapeinos , and with pe...

I know how ( oida ).

Followed by the infinitive oida has this sense. So here twice, with tapeinousthai , to be humbled, from tapeinos , and with perisseuein , to overflow.

Robertson: Phi 4:12 - -- Have I learned the secret ( memuēmai ). Perfect passive indicative of mueō , old and common word from muō , to close (Latin mutus ), and so t...

Have I learned the secret ( memuēmai ).

Perfect passive indicative of mueō , old and common word from muō , to close (Latin mutus ), and so to initiate with secret rites, here only in N.T. The common word mustērion (mystery) is from mustēs (one initiated) and this from mueō , to initiate, to instruct in secrets. Paul draws this metaphor from the initiatory rites of the pagan mystery-religions.

Robertson: Phi 4:12 - -- To be filled ( chortazesthai ). Old verb from chortos (grass, hay) and so to fatten like an animal.

To be filled ( chortazesthai ).

Old verb from chortos (grass, hay) and so to fatten like an animal.

Robertson: Phi 4:12 - -- To be hungry ( peināin ). Old verb from peina (hunger) and kin to penēs , poor man who has to work for his living (penomai ).

To be hungry ( peināin ).

Old verb from peina (hunger) and kin to penēs , poor man who has to work for his living (penomai ).

Vincent: Phi 4:12 - -- I am instructed ( μεμύημαι ) Rev., have I learned the secret . The metaphor is from the initiatory rites of the pagan mysterie...

I am instructed ( μεμύημαι )

Rev., have I learned the secret . The metaphor is from the initiatory rites of the pagan mysteries. I have been initiated . See on Col 1:26.

Vincent: Phi 4:12 - -- To be full ( χορτάζεσθαι ) See on Mat 5:6.

To be full ( χορτάζεσθαι )

See on Mat 5:6.

Wesley: Phi 4:12 - -- Having scarce what is needful for my body.

Having scarce what is needful for my body.

Wesley: Phi 4:12 - -- Having wherewith to relieve others also. Presently after, the order of the words is inverted, to intimate his frequent transition from scarcity to ple...

Having wherewith to relieve others also. Presently after, the order of the words is inverted, to intimate his frequent transition from scarcity to plenty, and from plenty to scarcity.

Wesley: Phi 4:12 - -- Literally, I am initiated in that mystery, unknown to all but Christians.

Literally, I am initiated in that mystery, unknown to all but Christians.

Wesley: Phi 4:12 - -- For one day.

For one day.

Wesley: Phi 4:12 - -- For a longer season.

For a longer season.

JFB: Phi 4:12 - -- In low circumstances (2Co 4:8; 2Co 6:9-10).

In low circumstances (2Co 4:8; 2Co 6:9-10).

JFB: Phi 4:12 - -- Rather, "in each, and in all things" [ALFORD].

Rather, "in each, and in all things" [ALFORD].

JFB: Phi 4:12 - -- In the secret. Literally, "initiated" in a secret teaching, which is a mystery unknown to the world.

In the secret. Literally, "initiated" in a secret teaching, which is a mystery unknown to the world.

Clarke: Phi 4:12 - -- I know - how to be abased - I have passed through all these states; I know how to conduct myself in each, and how to extract good from all. And he h...

I know - how to be abased - I have passed through all these states; I know how to conduct myself in each, and how to extract good from all. And he had passed through these things, especially the hardships, so that he had learned the lesson perfectly, as the word μεμυημαι implies; he was thoroughly instructed; fully initiated into all the mysteries of poverty and want, and of the supporting hand of God in the whole. See here the state to which God permitted his chief apostle to be reduced! And see how powerfully the grace of Christ supported him under the whole! How few of those who are called Christian ministers or Christian men have learned this important lesson! When want or affliction comes, their complaints are loud and frequent; and they are soon at the end of their patience.

Calvin: Phi 4:12 - -- 12.I know both how to be abased There follows here a distinction, with the view of intimating that he has a mind adapted to bear any kind of conditio...

12.I know both how to be abased There follows here a distinction, with the view of intimating that he has a mind adapted to bear any kind of condition. 248 Prosperity is wont to puff up the mind beyond measure, and adversity, on the other hand, to depress. From both faults he declares himself to be free. I know, says he, to be abased — that is, to endure abasement with patience. Περισσεύειν is made use of twice, but in the former instance it is employed as meaning, to excel; in the second instance as meaning, to abound, so as to correspond with the things to which they are exposed. If a man knows to make use of present abundance in a sober and temperate manner, with thanksgiving, prepared to part with everything whenever it may be the good pleasure of the Lord, giving also a share to his brother, according to the measure of his ability, and is also not puffed up, that man has learned to excel, and to abound. This is a peculiarly excellent and rare virtue, and much superior to the endurance of poverty. Let all who wish to be Christ’s disciples exercise themselves in acquiring this knowledge which was possessed by Paul, but in the mean time let them accustom themselves to the endurance of poverty in such a manner that it will not be grievous and burdensome to them when they come to be deprived of their riches.

TSK: Phi 4:12 - -- how to be : 1Co 4:9-13; 2Co 6:4-10, 2Co 10:1, 2Co 10:10, 2Co 11:7, 2Co 11:27, 2Co 12:7-10 I am : Deu 32:10; Neh 9:20; Isa 8:11; Jer 31:19; Mat 11:29, ...

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Phi 4:12 - -- I know both how to be abased - To be in circumstances of want. And I know how to abound - To have an abundance. lie had been in circumsta...

I know both how to be abased - To be in circumstances of want.

And I know how to abound - To have an abundance. lie had been in circumstances where he had an ample supply for all his needs, and knew what it was to have enough. It requires as much grace to keep the heart right in prosperity, as it does in adversity, and perhaps more. Adversity, of itself, does something to keep the mind in a right state; prosperity does nothing.

Everywhere and in all things - In all my travels and imprisonments, and in reference to everything that occurs, I learn important lessons on these points.

I am instructed - The word used here - μεμύημαι memuēmai - is one that is commonly used in relation to mysteries, and denoted being instructed in the secret doctrines that were taught in the ancient "mysteries"- Passow. In those mysteries, it was only the "initiated"who were made acquainted with the lessons that were taught there. Paul says that he had been initiated into the lessons taught by trials and by prosperity. The secret and important lessons which these schools of adversity are fitted to teach, he had had an ample opportunity of learning; and he had faithfully embraced the doctrines thus taught.

Both to be full - That is, he had learned to have an ample supply of his needs, and yet to observe the laws of temperance and soberness, and to cherish gratitude for the mercies which he had enjoyed.

And to be hungry - That is, to be in circumstances of want, and yet not to murmur or complain. He had learned to bear all this without discontent. This was then, as it is now, no easy lesson to learn; and it is not improper to suppose that, when Paul says that he had "been instructed"in this, even he means to say that it was only by degrees that he had acquired it. It is a lesson which we slowly learn, not to complain at the allotments of Providence; not to be envious at the prosperity of others; not to repine when our comforts are removed. There may be another idea suggested here. The condition of Paul was not always the same. He passed through great reverses. At one time he had abundance; then he was reduced to want; now he was in a state which might be regarded as affluent; then he was brought down to extreme poverty. Yesterday, he was poor and hungry; today, all his necessities are supplied.

Now, it is in these sudden reverses that grace is most needed, and in these rapid changes of life that it is most difficult to learn the lessons of calm contentment. People get accustomed to an even tenor of life, no matter what it is, and learn to shape their temper and their calculations according to it. But these lessons of philosophy vanish when they pass suddenly from one extreme to another, and find their condition in life suddenly changed. The garment that was adapted to weather of an uniform temperature, whether of heat or cold, fails to be suited to our needs when these transitions rapidly succeed each other. Such changes are constantly occurring in life. God tries his people, not by a steady course of prosperity, or by long-continued and uniform adversity, but by transition from the one to the other; and it often happens that the grace which would have been sufficient for either continued prosperity or adversity, would fail in the transition from the one to the other.

Hence, new grace is imparted for this new form of trial, and new traits of Christian character are developed in these rapid transitions in life, as some of the most beautiful exhibitions of the laws of matter are brought out in the transitions produced in chemistry. The rapid changes from heat to cold, or from a solid to a gaseous state, develop properties before unknown, and acquaint us much more intimately with the wonderful works of God. The gold or the diamond, unsubjected to the action of intense heat, and to the changes produced by the powerful agents brought to bear on them, might have continued to shine with steady beauty and brilliancy; but we should never have witnessed the special beauty and brilliancy which may be produced in rapid chemical changes. And so there is many a beautiful trait of character which would never have been known by either continued prosperity or adversity. There might have been always a beautiful exhibition of virtue and piety, but not tidal special manifestation which is produced in the transitions from the one to the other.

Poole: Phi 4:12 - -- He explains the equality of his mind he had through grace attained to, in a free submission to God, either in the absence or affluence of external g...

He explains the equality of his mind he had through grace attained to, in a free submission to God, either in the absence or affluence of external good things.

I know both how to be abased in a mean and ignominious state, he had spiritual skill to exercise suitable graces without murmuring, or repining when trampled on, 1Co 4:11 2Co 11:27 ; having entirely resigned his will to the will of God.

And I know how to abound in a higher state, had in much esteem, and well accommodated.

Every where and in all things I am instructed yea, in all circumstances religiously initiated and taught, fortified against temptations on all hands.

Both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need when faring well, and having a large revenue, to be temperate, 1Co 9:25 , humble, and communicative, 1Ti 6:18 . When hungry and poor, not to be distressed, but confident our heavenly Father will provide enough in his season, Mat 6:32 7:11 2Co 4:8 , giving an elixir at present that will turn all into gold.

Gill: Phi 4:12 - -- I know both how to be abased,.... Or "humbled"; to be treated with indignity and contempt, to be trampled upon by man, to suffer hardships and distres...

I know both how to be abased,.... Or "humbled"; to be treated with indignity and contempt, to be trampled upon by man, to suffer hardships and distress, to be in a very mean and low condition, to work with his own hands, and minister to his own and the necessities of others in that way; yea, to be in hunger and thirst, in cold and nakedness, and have no certain dwelling place; and he knew how to behave under all this; not to be depressed and cast down, or to fret, repine, and murmur:

and I know how to abound; or "to excel"; to be in the esteem of men, and to have an affluence of the things of this world, and how to behave in the midst of plenty; so as not to be lifted up, to be proud and haughty, and injurious to fellow creatures; so as not to abuse the good things of life; and so as to use them to the honour of God, the interest of religion, and the good of fellow creatures, and fellow Christians:

every where; whether among Jews or Gentiles, at Jerusalem or at Rome, or at whatsoever place; or as the Arabic version renders it, "every time": always, in every season, whether of adversity or prosperity:

and in all things; in all circumstances of life:

I am instructed; or "initiated", as he was by the Gospel; and, ever since he embraced it, was taught this lesson of contentment, and inured to the exercise of it, and was trained up and instructed how to behave himself in the different changes and vicissitudes he came into:

both to be full, and to be hungry; to know what it was to have plenty and want, to have a full meal and to want one, and be almost starved and famished, and how to conduct under such different circumstances:

both to abound and to suffer need; which the apostle repeats for confirmation sake; and the whole of what he here says is an explanation of the lesson of contentment he had learned; and the knowledge he speaks of was not speculative but experimental, and lay not merely in theory, but in practice; and now lest he should be thought guilty of arrogance, and to ascribe too much to himself, he in Phi 4:13 attributes all to the power and grace of Christ.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Phi 4:12 The words “of contentment” are not in the Greek text, but are implied by Paul’s remarks at the end of v. 11.

Geneva Bible: Phi 4:12 I know both how to be ( l ) abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am ( m ) instructed both to be full and to be hungry, bo...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Phi 4:1-23 - --1 From particular admonitions,4 he proceeds to general exhortations,10 shewing how he rejoiced at their liberality towards him lying in prison, not so...

Maclaren: Phi 4:10-14 - --How To Say Thank You' But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, ...

MHCC: Phi 4:10-19 - --It is a good work to succour and help a good minister in trouble. The nature of true Christian sympathy, is not only to feel concern for our friends i...

Matthew Henry: Phi 4:10-19 - -- In these verses we have the thankful grateful acknowledgment which the apostle makes of the kindness of the Philippians in sending him a present for...

Barclay: Phi 4:10-13 - --As the letter draws to an end Paul generously expresses his gratitude for the gift which the Philippians had sent to him. He knew that he had always ...

Constable: Phi 4:10-20 - --IV. Epilogue 4:10-20 The apostle began this epistle by sharing some personal information about his situation in ...

Constable: Phi 4:10-14 - --A. The recent gift 4:10-14 First, Paul thanked his brethren for their recent gift that Epaphroditus had delivered to him (vv. 10-14). 4:10 The "But" (...

College: Phi 4:1-23 - --PHILIPPIANS 4 IX. EXHORTATIONS TO STEADFASTNESS, UNITY, PRAYER, AND PROPER THOUGHT (4:1-9) A. STANDING FIRM (4:1) 1 Therefore, my brothers, you who...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: Philippians (Book Introduction) The Epistle to the Philippians From Rome About a.d. 61 By Way of Introduction There is something to be said for the idea that Paul wrote the Epi...

JFB: Philippians (Book Introduction) The INTERNAL EVIDENCE for the authenticity of this Epistle is strong. The style, manner of thought, and doctrine, accord with Paul's. The incidental a...

JFB: Philippians (Outline) INSCRIPTION. THANKSGIVING AND PRAYERS FOR THE FLOURISHING SPIRITUAL STATE OF THE PHILIPPIANS. HIS OWN STATE AT ROME, AND THE RESULT OF HIS IMPRISONME...

TSK: Philippians (Book Introduction) The Church at Philippi in Macedonia was planted by the Apostle Paul about ad 53 (Acts 16:9-40); and it appears he visited them again, ad 60, though no...

TSK: Philippians 4 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Phi 4:1, From particular admonitions, Phi 4:4, he proceeds to general exhortations, Phi 4:10. shewing how he rejoiced at their liberality...

Poole: Philippians 4 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 4

MHCC: Philippians (Book Introduction) The Philippians felt a very deep interest for the apostle. The scope of the epistle is to confirm them in the faith, to encourage them to walk as beco...

MHCC: Philippians 4 (Chapter Introduction) (Phi 4:1) The apostle exhorts the Philippians to stand fast in the Lord. (Phi 4:2-9) Gives directions to some, and to all in general. (Phi 4:10-19) ...

Matthew Henry: Philippians (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians Philippi was a chief city of the western part of Macedonia, ...

Matthew Henry: Philippians 4 (Chapter Introduction) Exhortations to several Christian duties, as stedfastness, unanimity, joy, etc. (Phi 4:1-9). The apostle's grateful acknowledgments of the Philippi...

Barclay: Philippians (Book Introduction) A GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE LETTERS OF PAUL The Letters Of Paul There is no more interesting body of documents in the New Testament than the letter...

Barclay: Philippians 4 (Chapter Introduction) Great Things In The Lord (Phi_4:1) Healing The Breaches (Phi_4:2-3) The Marks Of The Christian Life (Phi_4:4-5) The Peace Of Believing Prayer (Ph...

Constable: Philippians (Book Introduction) Introduction Historical background The name of the city of Philippi was originally Kri...

Constable: Philippians (Outline) Outline I. Salutation 1:1-2 II. Prologue 1:3-26 A. Thanksgiving 1:3-8 ...

Constable: Philippians Philippians Bibliography Alford, Henry. The Greek Testament. 4 vols. Cambridge: Deighton, Bell, and Co., 1884. ...

Haydock: Philippians (Book Introduction) THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL, THE APOSTLE, TO THE PHILIPPIANS. INTRODUCTION. Philippi, a considerable city in Macedonia, so called from Philip, fat...

Gill: Philippians (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPIANS Philippi was a Roman colony, and the chief city of one part of Macedonia, Act 16:12, it is by Appianus called Datos whi...

Gill: Philippians 4 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPIANS 4 This chapter contains exhortations to various duties becoming Christians, the apostle's thankfulness to the Philippia...

College: Philippians (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION THE CITY When Paul bypassed the seaport at Neapolis and moved eight miles inland to Philippi, he did so because Philippi, though small,...

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