King James Version

What Does Philippians 4:12 Mean?

Philippians 4:12 in the King James Version says “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 an...” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Philippians 4:12 · KJV

Context

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.

13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

14

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

Read Philippians 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (οἶδα καὶ ταπεινοῦσθαι, οἶδα καὶ περισσεύειν· ἐν παντὶ καὶ ἐν πᾶσιν μεμύημαι καὶ χορτάζεσθαι καὶ πεινᾶν, καὶ περισσεύειν καὶ ὑστερεῖσθαι, oida kai tapeinousthai, oida kai perisseuein; en panti kai en pasin memyēmai kai chortazesthai kai peinan, kai perisseuein kai hystereisthai)—Double oida ("I know") claims experiential knowledge of both extremes: tapeinousthai ("to be humbled, abased") and perisseuein ("to abound, have plenty"). Memyēmai ("I have been initiated, instructed")—mystery-religion term for secret knowledge. Paul uses it for practical wisdom learned through varied circumstances. Four pairs: full/hungry, abound/need—Paul experienced them all and learned contentment in each. This verse validates v. 11: contentment isn't untested theory but proven through extremes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's ministry involved dramatic swings: beatings and banquets, prisons and palace hearings, shipwrecks and success. Second Corinthians 11:23-29 catalogs his sufferings; Philippians shows he also knew abundance (supportive churches, fruitful ministry). The 'initiation' (memyēmai) language borrows from mystery religions (Eleusinian, Dionysian) where initiates learned secrets. Paul's 'secret' is Christ's sufficiency (v. 13). His credibility rests on lived experience, not abstract theology.

Reflection Questions

  1. In which extreme—abasement or abundance—do you struggle more with contentment, and why?
  2. How has God 'instructed' (memyēmai) you through varied circumstances?
  3. What 'secret' of contentment have you learned (or need to learn) through hardship or plenty?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
οἶδα1 of 20

“I know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

καὶ2 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

ταπεινοῦσθαι3 of 20

“both how to be abased”

G5013

to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart)

οἶδα4 of 20

“I know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

καὶ5 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

περισσεύειν6 of 20

“how to abound”

G4052

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel

ἐν7 of 20

“every where”

G1722

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

πᾶσιν8 of 20

“all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ9 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

ἐν10 of 20

“every where”

G1722

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

πᾶσιν11 of 20

“all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

μεμύημαι12 of 20

“I am instructed”

G3453

to initiate, i.e., (by implication) to teach

καὶ13 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

χορτάζεσθαι14 of 20

“to be full”

G5526

to fodder, i.e., (generally) to gorge (supply food in abundance)

καὶ15 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

πεινᾶν16 of 20

“to be hungry”

G3983

to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave

καὶ17 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

περισσεύειν18 of 20

“how to abound”

G4052

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel

καὶ19 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

ὑστερεῖσθαι·20 of 20

“to suffer need”

G5302

to be later, i.e., (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)

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 4:12 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 4:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 11:292 Corinthians 12:7-102 Corinthians 11:272 Corinthians 11:92 Corinthians 6:4-10Deuteronomy 32:10

Test Your Knowledge

Philippians 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPhilippians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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