I Have Learned To Be Content: What Does Philippians 4:11 Mean?

Philippians 4:11 reads, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” King James Version (KJV)

TranslationPhilippians 4:11
ESVNot that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
NASBNot that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
NIVI am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
NLTNot that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.

Also, see the meaning of Come Out From Among Them in the Bible.

I Have Learned To Be Content: Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

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 in their troubles, but to do what we can to help them.

The apostle was often in bonds, imprisonments, and necessities; but in all, he learned to be content, to bring his mind to his condition, and make the best of it.

Pride, unbelief, vain hankering after something we have not got, and fickle disrelish of present things, make men discontented even under favourable circumstances.

Let us pray for patient submission and hope when we are abased; for humility and a heavenly mind when exalted. It is a special grace to have an equal temper of mind always.

And in a low state not to lose our comfort in God, nor distrust his providence, nor take any wrong course for our own supply. In a prosperous condition not to be proud, or secure, or worldly.

This is a harder lesson than the other; for the temptations of fulness and prosperity are more than those of affliction and want.

The apostle had no design to urge them to give more, but to encourage such kindness as will meet a glorious reward hereafter.

Through Christ we have grace to do what is good, and through him we must expect the reward; and as we have all things by him, let us do all things for him, and to his glory.

Also, see the meaning of Flee From Sexual Immorality in the Bible.

Philippians 4:11 | Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

I have learned—The I in Greek is emphatical. I leave it to others if they will, to be discontented. I, for my part, have learned, by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, and the dealings of Providence (Heb 5:8), to be content in every state.

content—The Greek, literally expresses “independent of others, and having sufficiency in one’s self.” But Christianity has raised the term above the haughty self-sufficiency of the heathen Stoic to the contentment of the Christian, whose sufficiency is not in self, but in God (2Co 3:5; 1Ti 6:6, 8; Heb 13:5; compare Jer 2:36; 45:5).

Also, see the meaning of Overcome Evil With Good in the Bible.

Daniel Isaiah Joseph

Daniel's seminary degree is in Exegetical Theology. He was a pastor for 10 years. As a professor, he has taught Bible and theology courses at two Christian universities. Please see his About page for details.

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