4:11a

I am not saying this out of need: By the word this, Paul was referring to what he had just said in 4:10. Paul did not want to imply, by the fact he rejoiced at the gift the Philippians had sent, that he needed or did not need anything.

out of need: This could refer to:

(1) material, financial need—poverty; (Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, Contemporary English Version, God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004), New Century Version, New Jerusalem Bible, NET Bible, King James Version)

(2) a feeling of neglect. For example:

because I feel neglected (Good News Translation)

It is recommended that you follow the first interpretation (1).

4:11b

I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances: Paul meant that Christ (4:13) had taught him how to be satisfied no matter what happened to him. In 4:12 he gave specific examples.

I have learned: Paul meant that he had discovered through what he had experienced how to be content whatever the circumstances.

regardless of my circumstances: The Greek is literally “in which [things] I am.” This can be understood in two ways:

(1) It means “in whatever circumstances I am”. (Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version, NET Bible, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible, God’s Word)

(2) It means “with the possessions which I have”. (Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New Revised Standard Version, New Living Translation (2004), Contemporary English Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). 4:12 makes it clear that Paul had learned to be content in whatever situation God put him.

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