King James Version

What Does Philippians 4:10 Mean?

Philippians 4:10 in the King James Version says “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also car... — study this verse from Philippians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. hath: or, is revived

Philippians 4:10 · KJV


Context

8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. honest: or, venerable

9

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

10

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. hath: or, is revived

11

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

Echarēn...megalōs ("I rejoiced greatly")—Philippian support renewed. Anethalet e("flourished again")—botanical metaphor. Ēkaireis the ("you lacked opportunity")—not negligence but circumstances. This verse contributes to Philippians chapter 4's themes of joy, peace, contentment, and gratitude—Paul's prison epistle climax showing joy transcending circumstances through Christ's sufficiency.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Philippians chapter 4 concludes Paul's most joyful letter, written from Roman imprisonment (c. AD 60-62). The Philippian church, Paul's most faithful financial partner, sent support via Epaphroditus. Paul's gratitude, exhortations to joy and peace, and contentment teaching modeled Christ-centered living regardless of external circumstances—a powerful witness in the Roman world.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge your perspective on Gratitude for gift?
  2. What specific application can you make from this teaching this week?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ's sufficiency in all circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
Ἐχάρην1 of 19

I rejoiced

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

δέ2 of 19

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐν3 of 19

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

κυρίῳ4 of 19

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

μεγάλως5 of 19

greatly

G3171

much

ὅτι6 of 19

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἤδη7 of 19

now

G2235

even now

ποτὲ8 of 19

at the last

G4218

indefinite adverb, at some time, ever

ἀνεθάλετε9 of 19

hath flourished again

G330

to revive

τὸ10 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑπὲρ11 of 19

of

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ἐμοῦ12 of 19

me

G1700

of me

ἐφρονεῖτε13 of 19

careful

G5426

to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d

ἐφ'14 of 19

wherein

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

15 of 19
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ16 of 19

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐφρονεῖτε17 of 19

careful

G5426

to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d

ἠκαιρεῖσθε18 of 19

ye lacked opportunity

G170

to be inopportune (for oneself), i.e., to fail of a proper occasion

δέ19 of 19

But

G1161

but, and, etc


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Philippians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Philippians 4:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Philippians 4:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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