Study it in the app“I know also how to be brought low, I know also how to abound; in everything and in all things I have learned the secret, both to be well fed and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.”
Paul learned to be content, whether hungry or well fedGenerosity and Money
I knowοἶδαalsoκαὶhow to be brought low,ταπεινοῦσθαιI knowοἶδαalsoκαὶhow to abound;περισσεύεινinἐνeverythingπαντὶandκαὶinἐνall thingsπᾶσινI have learned the secret,μεμύημαιbothκαὶto be well fedχορτάζεσθαιandκαὶto be hungry,πεινᾶνbothκαὶto aboundπερισσεύεινandκαὶto be in need.ὑστερεῖσθαι
know
To hold a fact as certain, to be aware of it.
Where else “oida” appearshumble oneself
To make oneself small before God and others.
Where else “tapeinousthai” appearsabound
To have plenty, and more and more.
Where else “perisseuein” appearslearn the secret
Learn the secret; be initiated into something hidden.
Where else “memyēmai” appearsfeed, satisfy
Satisfy, feed until full.
Where else “chortazesthai” appearsbe hungry
To feel in the body the lack of food.
Where else “peinan” appearslack
To lack something, be in need.
Where else “hystereisthai” appears“I have learned the secret”: literally, “I have been initiated,” as in the secret rites of the time.
11Not that I speak out of need, for I have learned in whatever circumstances I am to be content.
12 · This verse (above)
13I can do all things in the one who strengthens me.
1. What it says
What does Paul say about anxiety, prayer, and the peace of God (v. 6-7)?
2. What it means
Paul says he has learned to be content in any situation (v. 11-13). How does he explain how he did it?
3. How I live it
Paul invites us to think about what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy (v. 8). What good thing could you think about today?
