Philippians 4:10–19

Appreciation for Support

4:10 I have great joy in the Lord because now at last you have again expressed your concern for me. (Now I know you were concerned before but had no opportunity to do anything.)7 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance. 4:12 I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment,8 whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. 4:13 I am able to do all things9 through the one10 who strengthens me. 4:14 Nevertheless, you did well to share with me in my trouble.

4:15 And as you Philippians know, at the beginning of my gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in this matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 4:16 For even in Thessalonica11 on more than one occasion12 you sent something for my need. 4:17 I do not say this because I am seeking a gift.13 Rather, I seek the credit that abounds to your account. 4:18 For I have received everything, and I have plenty. I have all I need because I received from Epaphroditus what you sent—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, very pleasing to God. 4:19 And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches14 in Christ Jesus.

7	tn Grk “for you were even concerned, but you lacked opportunity.”
8	tn The words “of contentment” are not in the Greek text, but are implied by Paul’s remarks at the end of v. 11.
9	tn The Greek word translated “all things” is in emphatic position at the beginning of the Greek sentence.
10	tc Although some excellent witnesses lack explicit reference to the one strengthening Paul (so א* A B D* I 33 1739 lat co Cl), the majority of witnesses (א2 D2 [F G] Ψ 075 1881 𝔐 sy) add Χριστῷ (Christō) here (thus, “through Christ who strengthens me”). But this kind of reading is patently secondary, and is a predictable variant. Further, the shorter reading is much harder, for it leaves the agent unspecified.
11	map For location see JP1-C1; JP2-C1; JP3-C1; JP4-C1.
12	tn Or “several times”; Grk, “both once and twice.” The literal expression “once and twice” is frequently used as a Greek idiom referring to an indefinite low number, but more than once (“several times”); see L&N 60.70.
13	tn Grk “Not that I am seeking the gift.” The phrase “I do not say this …” has been supplied in the translation to complete the thought for the modern reader.
14	tn Or “according to the riches of his glory.” The phrase “of his glory” is treated as an attributive genitive in the translation.