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Philippians 4:9-11 Being content with self-sufficiency
by RS  admin@creationpie.com : 1024 x 640
1. Background
Paul has just provided a laundry list of topics that appear to be a code indicating the help of a second author.

Information sign More: Philippians 4:8 Logical calculation
2. List of words
Special words
1=ε‑στιν is (1 lambda)
2=α‑λη‑θη true εληνα=
3=σεμ‑να important =Greek
4=δι‑και‑α righteous καινα=
5=αγ‑να pure =new
6= προ ‑σφι‑λη lovely
7=ευ‑ φη ‑μα good report  προφητη =
8=α‑ρε‑ τη  virtue = prophet 
9=ε‑παι‑νος praise παιζε=
10=λο‑γι‑ζε‑σθε reasoned =plays
Pastors may try to fit the words into a Christian lifestyle.

We are asked to "logically" "calculate" or "reason" about the words, not "think".

Start by dividing the Greek words into syllables. There may be other ways.
Note: The "Greek" may be a female name and relate to the use of female names as codes in the previous verses. Another connection might be a feminine form of the ancient Greek word "Λῆμνος" ≈ "Lumnos" as an island and coming from a Semitic word for "white".

Information sign More: Philippians 4:8 Logical calculation
3. Things
Verse routePhilippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. [kjv]
Verse routeα και εμαθετε και παρελαβετε και ηκουσατε και ειδετε εν εμοι ταυτα πρασσετε και ο θεος της ειρηνης εσται μεθ υμων [gnt]
Verse route4:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; where in ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. [kjv]
Verse routeεχαρην δε εν κυριω μεγαλως οτι ηδη ποτε ανεθαλετε το υπερ εμου φρονειν εφ ω και εφρονειτε ηκαιρεισθε δε [gnt]

4. Philippians 4:9
   Philippians 4:9 
 All 
KJV: Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Greek: α και εμαθετε και παρελαβετε και ηκουσατε και ειδετε εν εμοι ταυτα πρασσετε και ο θεος της ειρηνης εσται μεθ υμων
5. Philippians 4:10
   Philippians 4:10 
 All 
KJV: But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; where in ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
Greek: εχαρην δε εν κυριω μεγαλως οτι ηδη ποτε ανεθαλετε το υπερ εμου φρονειν εφ ω και εφρονειτε ηκαιρεισθε δε
6. Philippians 4:9-11 Being content with self-sufficiency
Verse routePhilippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [kjv]
Verse routeουχ οτι καθ υστερησιν λεγω εγω γαρ εμαθον εν οις ειμι αυταρκης ειναι [gnt]
Verse route… sufficiens … [v]

In Philippians 4:11, the KJV (King James Version) says that Paul says that he has learned to be "content" in whatsoever state he finds himself.

Might there be a reason why, at some point, the church preferred followers to be "content" in a passive way, as in "having enough", rather than be "self-sufficient" in an active way?
7. Background
Verse routePhilippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [kjv]
Verse routeουχ οτι καθ υστερησιν λεγω εγω γαρ εμαθον εν οις ειμι αυταρκης ειναι [gnt]
Verse route… sufficiens … [v]

The Greek word translated "content" is made up of two parts that, literally, mean that of being "self-sufficient". This comes though Latin into the Middle Ages.

Some background is needed on the Greek for "sufficient" which is related to the Latin word for "ark" as in a box.
8. The enclosing of an ark
The English word "ark" comes from the Latin word "arca" ≈ "chest, box" and comes from the Latin word "arceo" ≈ "defend, enclose" as in something that encloses something else. The Latin word is cognate to the ancient Greek word "ἀρκέω" ≈ "ward off, defend, suffice, have enough" and is part of the Greek word for "self-sufficiency". The PIE (Proto Indo-European) root "*HERK" ≈ "protect" is to guard or hold.

The Latin word become associated with Noah's Ark and the Ark of the Covenant.

A related Latin word is the Latin word "arcanus" ≈ "hidden, secret" and is the source of the English word "arcane" as something hidden in some obscure way.

Information sign More: The enclosing of an ark
9. Noah's Ark
Verse routeMatthew 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, [kjv]
Verse routeως γαρ ησαν εν ταις ημεραις εκειναις ταις προ του κατακλυσμου τρωγοντες και πινοντες γαμουντες και αχρι ης ημερας εισηλθεν νωε εις την κιβωτον [gnt]
Verse route… arcam … [v]
Verse route24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι ουκ εγνωσαν εως ηλθεν ο κατακλυσμος και ηρεν απαντας ουτως εσται η παρουσια του υιου του ανθρωπου [gnt]
Verse route… diluvium … adventus … [v]

What exactly was going on before the flood that might be going on today?

Information sign More: 2 Peter 2:1-22 Déjà vu all over again
10. Luke
Verse routeLuke 17:27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. [kjv]
Verse routeησθιον επινον εγαμουν εγαμιζοντο αχρι ης ημερας εισηλθεν νωε εις την κιβωτον και ηλθεν ο κατακλυσμος και απωλεσεν [gnt]
Verse route… arcam … [v]

11. Etymology
The PIE root "*HERK" ≈ "protect" is to guard or hold.
12. Matthew 24:38
   Matthew 24:38 
 All 
KJV: For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Greek: ωσπερ ως γαρ ησαν εν ταις ημεραις εκειναις ταις προ του κατακλυσμου τρωγοντες και πινοντες γαμουντες και εκγαμιζοντες γαμιζοντες αχρι ης ημερας εισηλθεν νωε εις την κιβωτον
Latin: sicut enim erant in diebus ante diluvium comedentes et bibentes nubentes et nuptum tradentes usque ad eum diem quo introivit in arcam Noe
Wessex: swa hyo waeren on ðam dagen aer þam flode etende & drinkende & wifiende & gyfte syllende oð þanne daig þe nöe on þam earce eode.
Wycliffe: For as in the daies bifore the greet flood, thei weren etynge and drynkynge, weddynge and takynge to weddyng, to that dai, that Noe entride in to the schippe;
Tyndale: For as in ye dayes before ye floud: they dyd eate and drynke mary and were maried eve vnto ye daye that Noe entred into the shyppe
Luther: Denn gleichwie sie waren in den Tagen vor der Sintflut: sie aßen, sie tranken, sie freieten und ließen sich freien bis an den Tag, da Noah zu der Arche einging,
Russian: ибо, как во дни перед потопом ели, пили, женились и выходили замуж, до того дня, как вошел Ной в ковчег,
13. Matthew 24:39
   Matthew 24:39 
 All 
KJV: And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Greek: και ουκ εγνωσαν εως ηλθεν ο κατακλυσμος και ηρεν απαντας ουτως εσται και η παρουσια του υιου του ανθρωπου
Latin: et non cognoverunt donec venit diluvium et tulit omnes ita erit et adventus Filii hominis
14. Luke 17:27
   Luke 17:27 
 All 
KJV: They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.
Greek: ησθιον επινον εγαμουν εξεγαμιζοντο εγαμιζοντο αχρι ης ημερας εισηλθεν νωε εις την κιβωτον και ηλθεν ο κατακλυσμος και απωλεσεν απαντας παντας
Latin: edebant et bibebant uxores ducebant et dabantur ad nuptias usque in diem qua intravit Noe in arcam et venit diluvium et perdidit omnes
Wessex: Hyo aeten & druncan & wifeden & waeren to gyfte ge-sealde. oððe þane daig þe noe to earke eode; & flod com & ealle for-spilde.
Wycliffe: Thei eeten and drunkun, weddiden wyues, and weren youun to weddyngis, til in to the dai in the whych Noe entride in to the schip; and the greet flood cam, and loste alle.
Tyndale: They ate they dranke they maryed wyves and were maryed even vnto yt same daye yt Noe went into ye arke: and ye floud cam and destroyed the all.
Gothic: etun jah drugkun, liugaidedun jah liugaidos wesun, und thanei dag galaith nauel in arka; jah qam midjasweipains jah fraqistida allans.
15. Arcane
A related Latin word is the Latin word "arcanus" ≈ "hidden, secret" and is the source of the English word "arcane" as something hidden in some obscure way.

Verse route2 Corinthians 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. [kjv]
Verse routeοτι ηρπαγη εις τον παραδεισον και ηκουσεν αρρητα ρηματα α ουκ εξον ανθρωπω λαλησαι [gnt]
Verse routequoniam raptus est in paradisum et audivit arcana verba quae non licet homini loqui [v]

16. 2 Corinthians 12:4
   2 Corinthians 12:4 
 All 
KJV: How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Greek: οτι ηρπαγη εις τον παραδεισον και ηκουσεν αρρητα ρηματα α ουκ εξον ανθρωπω λαλησαι
Latin: quoniam raptus est in paradisum et audivit arcana verba quae non licet homini loqui
17. Latin
The Latin word is cognate with the ancient Greek word "ἀρκέω" ≈ "suffice, be enough" which came to have a meaning of being "sufficient" to "satisfy".

Verse routeMatthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. [kjv]
Verse routeμη ουν μεριμνησητε εις την αυριον η γαρ αυριον μεριμνησει αυτης αρκετον τη ημερα η κακια αυτης [gnt]
Verse route… sufficit … [v]

The modern Greek word "αρκετός" (ar-keh-TOS) ≈ "enough, adequate, sufficient".

Information sign More: Matthew 6: Seek to eat , drink and be married to Jesus
18. Matthew 6:34
   Matthew 6:34 
 All 
KJV: Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Greek: μη ουν μεριμνησητε εις την αυριον η γαρ αυριον μεριμνησει τα εαυτης αυτης αρκετον τη ημερα η κακια αυτης
Latin: nolite ergo esse solliciti in crastinum crastinus enim dies sollicitus erit sibi ipse sufficit diei malitia sua
19. Diagram for protect
Linguistic diagram of hold
20. Enough
This Greek word is often translated as "enough" or "sufficient".

Verse routeMatthew 10:25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? [kjv]
Verse routeαρκετον τω μαθητη ινα γενηται ως ο διδασκαλος αυτου και ο δουλος ως ο κυριος αυτου ει τον οικοδεσποτην βεεζεβουλ επεκαλεσαν ποσω μαλλον τους οικιακους αυτου [gnt]

Verse route2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. … [kjv]
Verse routeκαι ειρηκεν μοι αρκει σοι η χαρις μου η γαρ δυναμις εν ασθενεια τελειται ηδιστα ουν μαλλον καυχησομαι εν ταις ασθενειαις ινα επισκηνωση επ εμε η δυναμις του χριστου [gnt]

21. Matthew 10:25
   Matthew 10:25 
 All 
KJV: It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?
Greek: αρκετον τω μαθητη ινα γενηται ως ο διδασκαλος αυτου και ο δουλος ως ο κυριος αυτου ει τον οικοδεσποτην βεελζεβουλ εκαλεσαν βεεζεβουλ επεκαλεσαν ποσω μαλλον τους οικιακους αυτου
22. 2 Corinthians 12:9
   2 Corinthians 12:9 
 All 
KJV: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Hebrew: ויאמר אלי די לך חסדי כי בחלשה תשלם גבורתי על כן שמח לבי להתהלל בחלשותי למען תשרה עלי גבורת המשיח׃
Greek: και ειρηκεν μοι αρκει σοι η χαρις μου η γαρ δυναμις μου εν ασθενεια τελειουται τελειται ηδιστα ουν μαλλον καυχησομαι εν ταις ασθενειαις μου ινα επισκηνωση επ εμε η δυναμις του χριστου
Latin: et dixit mihi sufficit tibi gratia mea nam virtus in infirmitate perficitur libenter igitur gloriabor in infirmitatibus meis ut inhabitet in me virtus Christi
Wycliffe: And he seide to me, My grace suffisith to thee; for vertu is parfitli maad in infirmyte. Therfor gladli Y schal glorie in myn infirmytees, that the vertu of Crist dwelle in me.
Luther: und er hat zu mir gesagt: Laß dir an meiner Gnade genügen; denn meine Kraft ist in den Schwachen mächtig. Darum will ich mich am allerliebsten rühmen meiner Schwachheit, auf daß die Kraft Christi bei mir wohne.
23. Similar English word
A related English word "arc" as in an "arc of a circle" comes, through French, from the Latin word "arcus" ≈ "bow, arc, arch" and is related to the English word "arrow" and the English word "arcade".
24. Arcade
The English word "arcade" comes, through French, from the Latin word "arcus" ≈ "arc" and is, in architecture, a row of arches or covered passage with shops on both sides.

The name was adapted for a place with coin-operated video games.
25. Context
Let us look at the verse itself and then at the larger context.
Verse routePhilippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [kjv]
Verse routeουχ οτι καθ υστερησιν λεγω εγω γαρ εμαθον εν οις ειμι αυταρκης ειναι [gnt]
Verse route… sufficiens … [v]

The KJV infers and translates a Greek pronoun meaning "that which" as "state" as in a "condition".
26. Strongs - that which
27. Contented state
Verse routePhilippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [kjv]
Verse routeουχ οτι καθ υστερησιν λεγω εγω γαρ εμαθον εν οις ειμι αυταρκης ειναι [gnt]
Verse route… sufficiens … [v]


A joke from the English of this verse is that Paul must not have been a Texan as he was "content" to be in any "state".
28. State of matter
1 Delaware
2 Pennsylvania
3 New Jersey
4 Georgia
5 Connecticut
6 Massachusetts
7 Maryland

Note that the three states of matter are solid, liquid and gas. The fourth state is plasma (disassociated ions). The fifth "state" of matter might be in Connecticut (the 5th state into the union).

Note: In the beginning of Genesis, if the word "waters" is replaced with "plasma", the creation story makes a lot more sense.
29. Plasma and waters
Verse routeGenesis 1:6 And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. [kjv]
Verse route1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. [kjv]
Verse route1:8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. [kjv]

The "waters" in the creation story in Genesis 1 fit well with the physical properties of a "plasma", as the entropy (disorder) of the system of the created universe is decreased each day.

Information sign More: Genesis 1: Evening and morning
Information sign More: Plasma
30. Philippians 4:11 Paul
Verse routePhilippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [kjv]
Verse routeουχ οτι καθ υστερησιν λεγω εγω γαρ εμαθον εν οις ειμι αυταρκης ειναι [gnt]
Verse route… sufficiens … [v]

The ancient Greek word "αὐτάρκεια" ≈ "self-sufficient" and is in the KJV translated as "content".
31. Autarky
The English word "autarky" is from the ancient Greek word "αὐτάρκεια" ≈ "self-sufficient" and means an economic independence or self-sufficiency.

In the world of today it is not really possible to be totally self-sufficient. In OT (Old Testament) times, there were groups that raised their own crops, etc. Even Jacob, during the famine, needed to send his sons to Egypt for food. And Joseph was there because he was sold to a traveling merchant caravan.


The English word "autarchy" is a self-rule of government.
32. Automatic
The ancient Greek word "αὐτόματος" ≈ "self-willed, self-moving" and is the source of the English word "automatic" and comes from two Greek words. The GNT (Greek New Testament) uses the word for "automatic" to refer to fruit growing automatically on trees and for automatic doors.
33. Automatic fruit
Verse routeMark 4:28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. [kjv]
Verse routeαυτοματη η γη καρποφορει πρωτον χορτον ειτεν σταχυν πληρη σιτον εν τω σταχυι [gnt]

The earth bringeth forth fruit of herself - automatically. The ancient Greek word "αὐτόματος" ≈ "self-willed, self-moving" and is the source of the English word "automatic" and comes from two Greek words. The GNT uses the word for "automatic" to refer to fruit growing automatically on trees and for automatic doors.

Information sign More: Genesis 1: A seed within itself, the chicken or the egg
Information sign More: Stoics and Epicureans
34. Mark 4:28

   Mark 4:28 
 All 
KJV: For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
Greek: αυτοματη γαρ η γη καρποφορει πρωτον χορτον ειτα ειτεν σταχυν ειτα ειτεν πληρη σιτον εν τω σταχυι
35. Automatic doors to a street
Verse routeActs 12:10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. [kjv]
Verse routeδιελθοντες δε πρωτην φυλακην και δευτεραν ηλθαν επι την πυλην την σιδηραν την φερουσαν εις την πολιν ητις αυτοματη αυτοις και εξελθοντες προηλθον ρυμην μιαν και ευθεως απεστη ο αγγελος απ αυτου [gnt]

Street
The ancient Greek word "αὐτόματος" ≈ "self-willed, self-moving" and is the source of the English word "automatic". The doors opened "automatically" and led to a "street" of "hustle and bustle" which comes from "ῥύμη" ≈ "force of a body in motion, charge of soldiers".
Honda logo
The KJV translation of this verse is the source of some jokes that it involved a Honda Accord (a model of car).


Information sign More: Streets: Flowing after a path into a plaza
Information sign More: Third person reflexive references
36. Acts 12:10

   Acts 12:10 
 All 
KJV: When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
Greek: διελθοντες δε πρωτην φυλακην και δευτεραν ηλθον ηλθαν επι την πυλην την σιδηραν την φερουσαν εις την πολιν ητις αυτοματη ηνοιχθη ηνοιγη αυτοις και εξελθοντες προηλθον ρυμην μιαν και ευθεως απεστη ο αγγελος απ αυτου
37. Modern Greek
Verse routePhilippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [kjv]
Verse routeουχ οτι καθ υστερησιν λεγω εγω γαρ εμαθον εν οις ειμι αυταρκης ειναι [gnt]
Verse route… sufficiens … [v]

The meaning of "content" in modern Greek is the same as in ancient times.

The modern Greek word "αυτάρκεια" (av-TAR-kee-a) ≈ "self-sufficient".

The modern Greek word "αρκετός" (ar-keh-TOS) ≈ "enough, adequate, sufficient".
38. Philippians 4:11
   Philippians 4:11 
 All 
KJV: Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Greek: ουχ οτι καθ υστερησιν λεγω εγω γαρ εμαθον εν οις ειμι αυταρκης ειναι
Latin: non quasi propter penuriam dico ego enim didici in quibus sum sufficiens esse
Wycliffe: for Y haue lerud to be sufficient in whiche thingis Y am.
Gothic: ni thatei bi tharbai qithau, unte ik galaisida mik in thaimei im ganohiths wisan.
Luther: Nicht sage ich das des Mangels halben; denn ich habe gelernet, bei welchen ich bin, mir genügen lassen.
Spanish: No lo digo porque tenga escasez; pues he aprendido a contentarme, cualquiera que sea mi situación.
Portuguese: Não falo assim por me sentir carecido. Pois, no meu caso, aprendi a ser autónomo nas situações em que me encontre.
39. Latin
The English word "sufficient" comes, through French, from the Latin word "sufficiens" ≈ "imbuing" which comes from the Latin word "sufficio" ≈ "supply, provide". The Latin Vulgate has "sufficient" but lacks the sense of "self" as in "self-sufficient". This lack of "self" appears to have continued to later translations.
40. Wycliffe
Verse routeπρος Φιλιππησίους δ΄:11 ουχ οτι καθ υστερησιν λεγω εγω γαρ εμαθον εν οις ειμι αυταρκης ειναι [gnt]
Verse route… sufficiens … [v]
Verse routefor Y haue lerud to be sufficient in whiche thingis Y am. [wy]

The Wycliffe translation uses "sufficient", which might be from influence of the Latin Vulgate. Note also that the Middle English in the Wycliffe version uses "Y am" for "I am", while "Y" was used for what became "I".
41. German
42. English content
At some point, the idea of being "sufficient" moved to that of being "content".

The English word "content" comes from the Middle English word "contenten" ≈ "satisfy" and is from the Latin word "contentus" ≈ "contained, satisfied" which is from the Latin word "continere" ≈ "contain".
43. Content
The English word "content" (accent on second syllable) has the implication of being "sufficient" in "oneself".
44. Word slide
Whisper chain
The more active idea of being "self-sufficient" changed to the more passive idea of being "content". The A word slide appears to have happened.

Information sign More: Word slides
45. Stoic self-sufficiency
The Stoic philosophical idea of "self-sufficiency" had to do with focusing time and energy on things on which one could have some control and impact. The four main "virtues" of Stoicism that arise from "self-sufficiency" are the following.
46. Seven habits
Book: 7 habits of highly effective peopleIn Stephen Covey's book 7 habits of highly effective people (1989) the idea of self-sufficiency is expressed as "shrinking one's domain of concern to one's domain of influence". That is, proactive people focus on what they can do and influence.

In management terms, this is balancing responsibility with authority.

Jesus brings out the same idea with shaking the dust off of one's sandals and leaving if an area is not receptive to the message. Paul brings out this message in Philippians in various ways.
47. Gothic
The Gothic word "ganohiþs" ≈ "satisfy, make abundant".
48. Stoic self-sufficiency
This Greek word for "self-sufficiency" had a philosophical meaning to the Stoics. This would have been more understood in Athens and Ephesus but less understood in other areas. Phillipi had some unique features.
49. Strongs - content
50. 2 Corinthians Self-sufficiency from God
Verse route2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: [kjv]
Verse routeδυνατει δε ο θεος πασαν χαριν περισσευσαι εις υμας ινα εν παντι παντοτε πασαν αυταρκειαν εχοντες περισσευητε εις παν εργον αγαθον [gnt]
Verse route… sufficientiam … [v]

How does changing "sufficiency" to "self-sufficiency" change the meaning of the verse?

This "self-sufficiency" is that of coming from God rather than from one's own efforts. A word for this in the GNT from the Hebrew is "mammon"

Information sign More: Matthew 6:24 A wealth of logical ideas on mammon
51. 2 Corinthians 9:8
   2 Corinthians 9:8 
 All 
KJV: And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
Greek: δυνατος δυνατει δε ο θεος πασαν χαριν περισσευσαι εις υμας ινα εν παντι παντοτε πασαν αυταρκειαν εχοντες περισσευητε εις παν εργον αγαθον
Latin: potens est autem Deus omnem gratiam abundare facere in vobis ut in omnibus semper omnem sufficientiam habentes abundetis in omne opus bonum
Wycliffe: And God is miyti to make al grace abounde in you, that ye in alle thingis euere more han al sufficience, and abounde in to al good werk;
Gothic: aththan mahteigs ist guth alla anst ufarassjan in izwis, ei in allamma sinteino allis ganauhan habandans ufarassjaith in allamma waurstwe godaize,
Luther: Gott aber kann machen, daß allerlei Gnade unter euch reichlich sei, daß ihr in allen Dingen volle Genüge habet und reich seid zu allerlei guten Werken,
Spanish: Y poderoso es Dios para hacer que abunde en vosotros toda gracia; a fin de que, teniendo siempre toda suficiencia en todas las cosas, abundéis para toda buena obra;
52. Timothy
Verse route1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. [kjv]
Verse routeεστιν δε πορισμος μεγας η ευσεβεια μετα αυταρκειας [gnt]
Verse route… sufficientia [v]

How does changing "sufficiency" to "self-sufficiency" change the meaning of the verse? Here Paul is speaking to people in Ephesus which would be more aware of the philosophical meaning and background of the Greek word for "self-sufficiency".
53. 1 Timothy 6:6
   1 Timothy 6:6 
 All 
KJV: But godliness with contentment is great gain.
Greek: εστιν δε πορισμος μεγας η ευσεβεια μετα αυταρκειας
Latin: est autem quaestus magnus pietas cum sufficientia
Gothic: aththan ist gawaurki mikil gagudei mith ganauhin.
Luther: Es ist aber ein großer Gewinn, wer gottselig ist und lässet sich genügen.
Spanish: Pero gran ganancia es la piedad con contentamiento.
Portuguese: A piedade é, realmente, uma grande fonte de lucro para quem se contenta com o que tem.
54. Deuteronomy
Verse routeDeuteronomy 32:10 He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. [kjv]
Verse routeHe maintained him in the wilderness, in burning thirst and a dry land: he led him about and instructed him, and kept him as the apple of an eye. [bs3]

Where they "maintained"? Were they "found"?

Were they "self-sufficient"?
55. Deuteronomy 32:10
   Deuteronomy 32:10 
 All 
KJV: He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.
Hebrew: ימצאהו בארץ מדבר ובתהו ילל ישמן יסבבנהו יבוננהו יצרנהו כאישון עינו׃
Greek: αυταρκησεν αυτον εν γη ερημω εν διψει καυματος εν ανυδρω εκυκλωσεν αυτον και επαιδευσεν αυτον και διεφυλαξεν αυτον ως κοραν οφθαλμου
Brenton: He maintained him in the wilderness, in burning thirst and a dry land: he led him about and instructed him, and kept him as the apple of an eye.
56. Proverbs
Verse routeProverbs 30:8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: [kjv]
Verse routeRemove far from me vanity and falsehood: and give me not wealth or poverty; but appoint me what is needful and sufficient: [bs3]

Does "self-sufficient" fit here? God provides what is "needed" but one must then do something to take advantage of what is provided. This is similar to "manna" in the wilderness.

Future topic Details are left as a future topic.

57. Proverbs 30:8
   Proverbs 30:8 
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KJV: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
Hebrew: שוא ודבר כזב הרחק ממני ראש ועשר אל תתן לי הטריפני לחם חקי׃
Greek: ματαιον λογον και ψευδη μακραν μου ποιησον πλουτον δε και πενιαν μη μοι δως συνταξον δε μοι τα δεοντα και τα αυταρκη
Brenton: Remove far from me vanity and falsehood: and give me not wealth or poverty; but appoint me what is needful and sufficient:
Latin: vanitatem et verba mendacia longe fac a me mendicitatem et divitias ne dederis mihi tribue tantum victui meo necessaria
58. Strongs - destitution
59. Context
ScrollLet us return to the context of Philippians 4. This is the last chapter.

In general, the first and last part of a letter are somewhat boilerplate and pleasantries. It is not good to make too much of a theological statement from such verses while skipping the middle parts of the letter which was the reason the letter was written.
60. Paul
Verse routePhilippians 4:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; where in ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. [kjv]
Verse routeεχαρην δε εν κυριω μεγαλως οτι ηδη ποτε ανεθαλετε το υπερ εμου φρονειν εφ ω και εφρονειτε ηκαιρεισθε δε [gnt]

That is, they have neglected, or been late in meeting, what he needed. The "lacked opportunity" means "did not have the time" and provides a nice out for the Philippians.

The "care" and "careful" are the Greek words that can be though of as being prudent, sensible or opportunistic.

Information sign More: A wise opportunity to be prudent
61. Philippians 4:10
   Philippians 4:10 
 All 
KJV: But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; where in ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
Greek: εχαρην δε εν κυριω μεγαλως οτι ηδη ποτε ανεθαλετε το υπερ εμου φρονειν εφ ω και εφρονειτε ηκαιρεισθε δε
62. Content
We now have the main verse of the current discussion.
Verse routePhilippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [kjv]
Verse routeουχ οτι καθ υστερησιν λεγω εγω γαρ εμαθον εν οις ειμι αυταρκης ειναι [gnt]
Verse route… sufficiens … [v]

This might be stated as follows.

Possible translation: Not that I speak in regards to being late in my needs being met (on your part) for I have learned in that respect to be self-sufficient.
63. Philippians 4:11
   Philippians 4:11 
 All 
KJV: Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Greek: ουχ οτι καθ υστερησιν λεγω εγω γαρ εμαθον εν οις ειμι αυταρκης ειναι
64. Summary
In Philippians 4:11, the KJV says that Paul says that he has learned to be "content" in whatsoever state he finds himself.
Verse routePhilippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [kjv]
Verse routeουχ οτι καθ υστερησιν λεγω εγω γαρ εμαθον εν οις ειμι αυταρκης ειναι [gnt]
Verse route… sufficiens … [v]

Might there be a reason why, at some point, the church preferred followers to be "content" in a passive way, as in "having enough", rather than be "self-sufficient" in an active way?
65. Abstraction
Abstraction 1
To abstract is to take away from the essentials and thereby to ignore certain differences.
The similarity is what is the same. The difference is what is different.

Human brains are built for complex abstraction.

The Latin word "abstractus" ≈ "take away from". In abstract art, something is taken away, something remains, one needs to then interpret what is meant or intended.

Information sign More: Abstraction
66. Abstractions
Abstraction 1 Abstraction 0

In simple terms, "abstraction" is looking at similarities and ignoring differences. The Latin word "abstractus" ≈ "take away from".

Sometimes there appear to be no similarities, only differences.

Information sign More: Abstractions
67. Henry Kissinger
Abstraction 0

Sometimes there appear to be no similarities between viewpoints.

Henry Kissinger (1923-2023) would try to get two parties to agree on something, often to agree that they disagreed. This is a self-referential paradox that was used to get the two sides talking.

Idea put into action: "A peace without victory is a victory for peace".
68. World views
God's viewand man's viewMany people would like to think that God's view and man's view are totally opposite (mutually exclusive) with no intersection. That is: In reality, there are some similarities which makes it more difficult. The disagreement should be on what they are and to what extent they exist.
69. Thinking
Philosophy and theologyMany people would like to think that theology as God's view and philosophy as man's view are totally opposite (mutually exclusive) with no intersection.

If this were the case, thinking and decisions might be easier or, at least, more clear cut and not so ambiguous.
70. Philosophy
Philosophy is man's wisdom but there can be some overlap with God's wisdom.

Verse route1 Corinthians 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. [kjv]
Verse routeColossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. [kjv]

71. 1 Corinthians 1:25
   1 Corinthians 1:25 
 All 
KJV: Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Greek: οτι το μωρον του θεου σοφωτερον των ανθρωπων εστιν και το ασθενες του θεου ισχυροτερον των ανθρωπων εστιν
72. Colossians 2:8
   Colossians 2:8 
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KJV: Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Greek: βλεπετε μη τις υμας εσται ο συλαγωγων δια της φιλοσοφιας και κενης απατης κατα την παραδοσιν των ανθρωπων κατα τα στοιχεια του κοσμου και ου κατα χριστον
73. Similarity of self-sufficiency
Verse routePhilippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [kjv]
Verse routeουχ οτι καθ υστερησιν λεγω εγω γαρ εμαθον εν οις ειμι αυταρκης ειναι [gnt]
Verse route… sufficiens … [v]

Self-sufficiencyPaul appears to be saying that there is a "virtue" in "self-sufficiency". Some commentators will try to make this a verbal assault on the philosophy of the Stoics. Paul is just agreeing that in both God's view and in man's view, "self-sufficiency" can be good.

However, self-sufficiency outside of Christ's view is not good. Another name for the idea of "self-sufficiency" is that of "mammon".

Information sign More: Matthew 6:24 A wealth of logical ideas on mammon
74. Self-sufficiency
As a practical matter of the reality in which we live, one cannot be a "bump on a log" and not do anything to be "self-sufficient" in this world. Some examples: So the saying that "Christ is my self-sufficiency" as found in some commentaries is less than useful.

"No man is an island".
75. No man is an island
The saying "no man is an island" is from a poem by Englishman John Donne (1572-1631) in 1624.
No man is an Iland, intire of it selfe; every man is a peece of the Continent, a part of the maine; if a Clod bee washed away by the Sea, Europe is the lesse, as well as if a Promontorie were, as well as if a Mannor of thy friends or of thine owne were; any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankinde; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee. Wikipedia

Information sign More: Ephesians 6: Defending the full armor of God
76. Ephesians
Throughout the letter to the Ephesians Paul talks about self-sufficiency and yet there is an interdependence and reliance and support of others as members of the body of Christ.

Paul summarizes this need to "work together" in Ephesians 6 (the last chapter).

Information sign More: Ephesians 6: Defending the full armor of God
77. Difference of Christ
Two verses later Paul points out an important difference between God's view and man's view in terms of Christ.
Verse routePhilippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. [kjv]

To be able to do "all things" is a lot. It appears that Paul is saying that he is made "stronger" or "better" in "everything" through Jesus Christ.
78. All things
For all There exists

Example:
79. Philippians 4:13 All things
Verse routePhilippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. [kjv]
Verse routeπαντα ισχυω εν τω ενδυναμουντι με [gnt]
Verse routeomnia possum … confortat [v]

Can one really do "all things"? There are many changes from the Greek. Greek paraphrase: In all these things (just mentioned), I am given potential (to accomplish) in Him.

This would include adversity of neglect whereby he needed to be self-sufficient (previous verse).
80. Philippians 4:13 All things
Verse routePhilippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. [kjv]
Verse routeπαντα ισχυω εν τω ενδυναμουντι με [gnt]
Verse routeomnia possum … confortat [v]

It appears that Paul is saying that he is made "stronger" or "better" in "everything" through Jesus Christ. This would include the adversity of neglect (from Phillipi) whereby he needed to be self-sufficient to continue the work of Christ.

Information sign More: Philippians 4:12-23 Potentially doing all things
81. Paul
Like Henry Kissinger getting two sides to agree that they disagree, Paul points out similarities that are important and then differences that are important. Paul does this in Athens.
Verse routeActs 17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. [kjv]



Information sign More: Ignorance of agnostic lack of belief
82. Acts 17:23
   Acts 17:23 
 All 
KJV: For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
Greek: διερχομενος γαρ και αναθεωρων τα σεβασματα υμων ευρον και βωμον εν ω επεγεγραπτο αγνωστω θεω ον ο ουν αγνοουντες ευσεβειτε τουτον τουτο εγω καταγγελλω υμιν
83. Irony
The English word "irony" comes, through French, from the Latin word "ironia" ≈ "irony" which comes from the ancient Greek word "εἰρωνεία" ≈ "feigned ignorance" as in a way to deceive.

The ancient Greek word "εἴρων" ≈ "one who feigns ignorance".

The English word "irony" thus has a different meaning than in ancient times.
84. Irony
In Greek philosophy, this was sometimes considered a vice and not a virtue since it could be used to deceive as in the English word "hustle" as to "take advantage of" through feigning "inexperience", etc.

An interesting point here is that although many Greek philosophy words and terms are used in the Bible, the word for "irony" as in "feigned ignorance" as one way to "deceive" is not in the Bible. Nor does that concept appear very often if at all. ... more to be added ...
85. End of page
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