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Philippians 4:12

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Philippians 4:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want.
Philippians 4:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Philippians 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
10But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity.
11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.
12I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want.
13I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.
14Howbeit ye did well that ye had fellowship with my affliction.
15And ye yourselves also know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but ye only;
← Philippians 4:11Philippians 4:13 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“I know both how to be abased, etc.] Or “humbled”; to be treated with indignity and contempt, to be trampled upon by man, to suffer hardships and distress, to be in a very mean and low condition, to work with his own hands, and minister to his own and the necessities of others in that way; yea, to be in hunger and thirst, in cold and nakedness, and have no certain dwelling place; and he knew how to behave under all this; not to be depressed and cast down, or to fret, repine, and murmur: and I know how to abound; or “to excel”; to be in the esteem of men, and to have an affluence of the things of this world, and how to behave in the midst of plenty; so as not to be lifted up, to be proud and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“abased--in low circumstances (Co2 4:8; Co2 6:9-10). everywhere--rather, "in each, and in all things" [ALFORD]. instructed--in the secret. Literally, "initiated" in a secret teaching, which is a mystery unknown to the world.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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. I am instructed - The word used here - μεμύημαι memuēmai - is one that is commonly used in relation to…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“I know how to be abased - Having scarce what is needful for my body. And to abound - Having wherewith to relieve others also. Presently after, the order of the words is inverted, to intimate his frequent transition from scarcity to plenty, and from plenty to scarcity. I am instructed - Literally, I am initiated in that mystery, unknown to all but Christians. Both to be full and to be hungry - For one day. Both to abound and to want - For a longer season. Philippians 4:13”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“how to be: Co1 4:9-13; Co2 6:4-10, Co2 10:1, Co2 10:10, Co2 11:7, Co2 11:27, Co2 12:7-10 I am: Deu 32:10; Neh 9:20; Isa 8:11; Jer 31:19; Mat 11:29, Mat 13:52; Eph 4:20, Eph 4:21 Philippians 4:13”
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Related study paths

Read Philippians 4 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification