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.
What does Philippians 4:12 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
Read with
Keep this verse inside Philippians 4:12-13 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Philippians 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 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.
Key words
- humbled
-
humbled. I know both how to be abased - To be in circumstances of want.
- been instructed
-
been instructed.
Context in Philippians 4
Show chapter context
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
Explore by topic
A collection of passages on hope under pressure, future inheritance, resurrection expectation, and confidence in God’s final faithfulness.
Bible verses about suffering and trials
Key passages on grief, endurance, lament, divine mystery, and the Christian claim that suffering is neither final nor meaningless.
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.