Contentment and strength in need and plenty (4:10–13)

Says Philippians 4:10 says Paul rejoiced greatly that they ἀνεθάλετε (anethalete, "revived") their concern for him. Philippians 4:11 says he learned to be αὐτάρκης (autarkēs) in his circumstances. Philippians 4:12 says he knows humiliation and abundance, and μεμύημαι (memyēmai, "I have learned the secret") of being full and hungry, of plenty and need. Philippians 4:13 says πάντα ἰσχύω (panta ischyō, "I am able for all things") ἐν τῷ ἐνδυναμοῦντί με (en tō endynamounti me, "in the one who strengthens me"). ἰσχύω includes "to be able"; ἐνδυναμόω, "to make strong, strengthen."

Implies Here αὐτάρκης is contentment learned in the Lord, not autonomous self-sufficiency. The philosophical sense "self-sufficient, independent" is background only; the same entry also gives "contented." Philippians 4:13 must be read with plenty and need in 4:11–12. It is not a blank check for every ambition. Editorial decision: print the shorter reading, without Χριστῷ; RP and TR add Χριστῷ (var.Phil.4.13.christo). The BSB reads "through Christ who gives me strength" (BSB); the English wording alone does not show which Greek reading lies behind it.

Uncertain "All things" may mean the circumstances of need and plenty, or a wider "everything." The immediate context weighs toward circumstances of contentment. A lean is taken toward that narrower sense.