Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
What does Philippians 4:11 mean?
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.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Philippians 4:10-11 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in respect of want - Though Paul was doubtless often in circumstances of necessity, yet he did not make these remarks on that account. In his journeys, in his imprisonments, he could not but be at times in want; but be had learned to bear all this; and that which most impressed itself on his mind was the interest which the church ought to show in the cause of religion, and the evidence which it would thus furnish of attachment to the cause. As to his own personal trials, he had learned to bear them, so that they did not give him great uneasiness.
Key words
- to be sufficient
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to be sufficient. Not that I speak in respect of want,....
- to be sufficient
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to be sufficient.
Context in Philippians 4
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Philippians 4 belongs to the closing movement of the book, especially the section often described as final exhortations and gratitude. Philippians is a joyful prison letter centered on Christ’s humility, resurrection-minded hope, and steadfast partnership in the gospel. Read this chapter with the wider themes of joy, humility, and partnership in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Bible verses about suffering and trials
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Passages on lowliness, modesty, the contrast between pride and humility, and the way God exalts those who humble themselves.
Passages on the nature of truth, honesty, deception, the word of God as truth, and Jesus' claim to be the truth.