Philippians 4:11

In respect of want (kaq usterhsin). Late and rare word from usterew, to be behind or too late, only here and Mark 12:44 in N.T. I have learned (emaqon). Simply, "I did learn" (constative second aorist active indicative of manqanw, to learn, looking at his long experience as a unit. In whatsoever state I am (en oi eimi). "In what things (circumstances) I am." To be content (autarkh einai). Predicate nominative with the infinitive of the old adjective autarkh (from auto and arkew, to be self-sufficient), self-sufficing. Favourite word with the Stoics, only here in N.T., though autarkeia occurs in 2 Corinthians 9:8 ; 1 Timothy 6:6 . Paul is contented with his lot and he learned that lesson long ago. Socrates said as to who is wealthiest: "He that is content with least, for autarkeia is nature's wealth."