Philippians 4:12-23 Potentially doing all things

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Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. [kjv]

οιδα και ταπεινουσθαι οιδα και περισσευειν εν παντι και εν πασιν μεμυημαι και χορταζεσθαι και πειναν και περισσευειν και υστερεισθαι [gnt]

Paul will be "self-sufficient" regardless of the circumstances.

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [kjv]

ουχ οτι καθ υστερησιν λεγω εγω γαρ εμαθον εν οις ειμι αυταρκης ειναι [gnt]

… 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?

More: Philippians 4:9-11 Being content with self-sufficiency

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Philippians 4:12

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KJV: I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Greek: οιδα δε και ταπεινουσθαι οιδα και περισσευειν εν παντι και εν πασιν μεμυημαι και χορταζεσθαι και πειναν και περισσευειν και υστερεισθαι

Aristotle often used the Greek word "in working" with an idea of "actuality" together with the word "δύναμις" ≈ "power, might, strength, potentiality". Aristotle used this ordinary Greek work with a meaning of "potency" or "potential" in two specific ways.

Weak sense: something might happen or not happen.
Strong sense: how something could be done well.

This Greek word appears many times in the GNT (Greek New Testament) and LXX (Septuagint). Might that word when used by Paul when writing to Greek audiences have a meaning (or double meaning) of "potency" or "potential"?

More: The actual potency and inner workings of energy

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. [kjv]

παντα ισχυω εν τω ενδυναμουντι με [gnt]

omnia possum … confortat [v]

Can one really do "all things"? There are many changes from the Greek.

The word "Christ" is inferred from the pronoun "Him" as «τω».
The Greek "in" is changed to "through".
The Greek "am made strong", is changed to "can do".
The Greek "all" with implied "these things" is changed to "all things".
The Greek "potential to do" is changed to "strengtheneth".

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).

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. [kjv]

παντα ισχυω εν τω ενδυναμουντι με [gnt]

omnia 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.

Philippians 4:13

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KJV: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Greek: παντα ισχυω εν τω ενδυναμουντι με χριστω

Latin: omnia possum in eo qui me confortat

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. [kjv]

παντα ισχυω εν τω ενδυναμουντι με [gnt]

omnia possum … confortat [v]

Many of the changes from Greek to English are a result of the Latin.

"omnia" ≈ "all things, everything".
"possum" ≈ "able to, can, may".
"conforto" ≈ "make stronger, give courage".

*G1743 *7 ἐνδυναμόω (en-doo-nam-o'-o) : from G1722 and G1412; to empower:--enable, (increase in) strength(-en), be (make) strong.

Usage

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ενεδυναμουτο

Acts 9:22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded ...

ενεδυναμωθη

Romans 4:20 ... of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

ενδυναμουσθε

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and ...

ενδυναμουντι

Philippians 4:13 ... through Christ which strengtheneth me.

ενδυναμωσαντι

1 Timothy 1:12 ... Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted ...

ενδυναμου

2 Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is ...

ενεδυναμωσεν

2 Timothy 4:17 ... stood with me, and strengthened me; that by ...

*G1743 *7 ἐνδυναμόω (en-doo-nam-o'-o) : from G1722 and G1412; to empower:--enable, (increase in) strength(-en), be (make) strong.

Words: ενδυναμου ενδυναμουντι ενδυναμουσθε ενδυναμωσαντι ενεδυναμουτο ενεδυναμωθη ενεδυναμωσεν

Philippians 4:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. [kjv]

πλην καλως εποιησατε συγκοινωνησαντες μου τη θλιψει [gnt]

This is a nice way of saying that at least you communicated in some way.

Paul then goes on to tell the Philippians that they did better than Thessalonica - who apparently did less than the Philippians.

Paul says that he did not desire a gift but the opportunity for them to do good.

In a modern and southern United States sense, Paul may be saying, "bless your heart" and then goes on with some ideas.

Philippians 4:14

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KJV: Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

Greek: πλην καλως εποιησατε συγκοινωνησαντες μου τη θλιψει

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. [kjv]

μακαριοι οι καθαροι τη καρδια οτι αυτοι τον θεον οψονται [gnt]

The phrase "bless" your "heart" is a southern saying that has several meanings.

It might express sympathy.
It might be said before an insult - to soften the blow as in "well bless her heart".
It might be used as a nice way to say "you are not very smart" as in "well bless his heart".

One might hear it used about children who are not well-behaved.

More: Matthew 5: A eulogy of some blessed words on being blissfully happy

Philippians 4:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. [kjv]

πλην καλως εποιησατε συγκοινωνησαντες μου τη θλιψει [gnt]

Another way to say this, less nicely, is "thanks but no thanks".

Another way might be "too little too late".

More: Romans 16 A belly-ache pun on useful Christ-like words

Acts 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. [kjv]

και δια το ομοτεχνον ειναι εμενεν παρ αυτοις και ηργαζοντο ησαν γαρ σκηνοποιοι τη τεχνη [gnt]

Paul specifically used his trade as a tent-maker (a tent being a semi-permanent structure). This helped him avoid being beholden to the people to whom he was teaching and preaching for his (minimal) worldly needs - his "belly".
The Greek word for "tent" is the source of the English word "scene".

Paul says that he is self-sufficient in that he has a trade, tent-making, and, thus, is not as influenced by a dependence on others for what he is, "for all in tents", saying.

I mentioned this to a pastor in a church where pastors were from the congregation and not paid. He indicated by his remarks to me that people could still avoid his business if he preached things that they did not like.

More: Romans 16 A belly-ache pun on useful Christ-like words

Philippians 4:15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. [kjv]

οιδατε δε και υμεις φιλιππησιοι οτι εν αρχη του ευαγγελιου οτε εξηλθον απο μακεδονιας ουδεμια μοι εκκλησια εκοινωνησεν εις λογον δοσεως και λημψεως ει μη υμεις μονοι [gnt]

4:16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. [kjv]

οτι και εν θεσσαλονικη και απαξ και δις εις την χρειαν μοι επεμψατε [gnt]

Philippians 4:15

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KJV: Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

Greek: οιδατε δε και υμεις φιλιππησιοι οτι εν αρχη του ευαγγελιου οτε εξηλθον απο μακεδονιας ουδεμια μοι εκκλησια εκοινωνησεν εις λογον δοσεως και ληψεως λημψεως ει μη υμεις μονοι

Philippians 4:16

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KJV: For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

Greek: οτι και εν θεσσαλονικη και απαξ και δις εις την χρειαν μοι επεμψατε

Philippians 4:17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. [kjv]

ουχ οτι επιζητω το δομα αλλα επιζητω τον καρπον τον πλεοναζοντα εις λογον υμων [gnt]

4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. [kjv]

απεχω δε παντα και περισσευω πεπληρωμαι δεξαμενος παρα επαφροδιτου τα παρ υμων οσμην ευωδιας θυσιαν δεκτην ευαρεστον τω θεω [gnt]

4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. [kjv]

ο δε θεος μου πληρωσει πασαν χρειαν υμων κατα το πλουτος αυτου εν δοξη εν χριστω ιησου [gnt]

Philippians 4:17

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KJV: Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

Greek: ουχ οτι επιζητω το δομα αλλ αλλα επιζητω τον καρπον τον πλεοναζοντα εις λογον υμων

Philippians 4:18

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KJV: But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

Greek: απεχω δε παντα και περισσευω πεπληρωμαι δεξαμενος παρα επαφροδιτου τα παρ υμων οσμην ευωδιας θυσιαν δεκτην ευαρεστον τω θεω

Philippians 4:19

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KJV: But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Greek: ο δε θεος μου πληρωσει πασαν χρειαν υμων κατα τον πλουτον το πλουτος αυτου εν δοξη εν χριστω ιησου

Philippians 4:20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. [kjv]

τω δε θεω και πατρι ημων η δοξα εις τους αιωνας των αιωνων αμην [gnt]

4:22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. [kjv]

ασπαζονται υμας παντες οι αγιοι μαλιστα δε οι εκ της καισαρος οικιας [gnt]

4:21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. [kjv]

ασπασασθε παντα αγιον εν χριστω ιησου ασπαζονται υμας οι συν εμοι αδελφοι [gnt]

4:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. It was written to the Philippians from Rome by Epaphroditus. [kjv]

η χαρις του κυριου ιησου χριστου μετα του πνευματος υμων [gnt]

Philippians 4:20

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KJV: Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Greek: τω δε θεω και πατρι ημων η δοξα εις τους αιωνας των αιωνων αμην

Philippians 4:21

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KJV: Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.

Greek: ασπασασθε παντα αγιον εν χριστω ιησου ασπαζονται υμας οι συν εμοι αδελφοι

Philippians 4:22

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KJV: All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

Greek: ασπαζονται υμας παντες οι αγιοι μαλιστα δε οι εκ της καισαρος οικιας

Philippians 4:23

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KJV: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. It was written to the Philippians from Rome by Epaphroditus.

Greek: η χαρις του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου μετα παντων του πνευματος υμων αμην προς φιλιππησιους εγραφη απο ρωμης δι επαφροδιτου