Philippians 4:12 (DRB)

Passage

I know both how to be brought low, 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.

Nearby Context

Philippians 4:10 Now I rejoice in the Lord exceedingly that now at length your thought for me hath flourished again, as you did also think; but you were busied.

Philippians 4:11 I speak not as it were for want. For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content therewith.

Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be brought low, 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.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things in him who strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4:14 Nevertheless, you have done well in communicating to my tribulation.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "all things", "both", "brought", "abound", "where", "instructed", and "full". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "all things" and "both", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 11's "I speak not as it were for..." into verse 13's "I can do all things in him...", so "all things" and "both" belong inside that flow. In Philippians context, the local focus is Christ, faith, and discipleship.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "all things" and "both" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.