Please note that all Biblical quotes are presented from the Literal Translation.
For the past three weeks we have been studying the Greek word ταπεινὸω (Strong's #5013), a verb expressing the action of the humbling process. This week we continue with the same subject, looking at how the humbling process was worked out in the life of the apostle Paul.
To date, we have studied the primary meaning of the verb ταπεινὸω as found in Luke 3:5; wherein we learned that to be humbled means to "be brought low" or "level" to the ground. We have also studied the promise of the humbling process as given by Jesus in Luke 14:7-11 and Luke 18:10-14. These scriptures both read: "…because everyone who is exalting himself will be humbled (the future passive voice of ταπεινὸω); and the one humbling himself will be exalted." The verb ταπεινὸω is in the passive voice showing that the person exalting himself will be the recipient of the humbling process; he will not produce it himself.
In addition to studying the meaning of the verb ταπεινὸω and the promise of the humbling process, we have considered the two primary commands given believers concerning this humbling process. The first is found in James 4:10:
Most English translations begin this verse: "Humble yourselves..." However, the passive voice is used here and by that we understand this verse does not give command for people to carry out the humbling of themselves; instead, people are to submit themselves to God's humbling process.
The second command given concerning the humbling process is found in 1 Peter 5:6:
6) Be humbled (the aorist passive imperative of ταπεινὸω) therefore under the mighty hand of God, in order that He may exalt you in time;
Peter, in verse 6, commands every believer to submit to God's humbling process. He also specifically names the agent of the humbling process, God's mighty hand. Therefore, these scriptures tell us that the believer is to submit to the humbling process of God's mighty hand bringing or leveling him to the ground, so that God can then minister His grace to him.
Last week we studied from Philippians 2:5-11 where Jesus is presented as the prime example of the humbling process. In context, Paul is saying that Jesus existed in the form of God when He came to Earth, but He did not allow this to be the leading or governing thought of His mind in His approach to living among us as a man. The Lord did not hold onto the rights and privileges of being God and force Himself onto the human race. Instead, He chose the humble or low road —death on a cross — in order to accomplish the will of the Father.
This week our study focuses on an experience from Paul's life as recorded in Philippians 4:10-13. In this text, Paul expresses joy over the participation of the Philippian Christians in his work and life. In the midst of this, Paul reveals how he has been initiated and has learned to be content in all circumstances.
In verse 11, Paul tells them that he is not rejoicing because their supply filled his need, for he has learned to be content in whatever his circumstances are. The Greek word used here for "learned" is μανθὰνω (Strong's #3129). It is the verb form of the noun μαθητὴς (Strong's #3101), which means "disciple" or "learner." Μανθὰνω means to learn from a teacher. Paul puts the verb into the aorist tense giving the understanding that he had learned, prior to this instance of their giving, to be content in any situation. The word he uses for "content" is αὐτὰρκης (Strong's #842). It is compounded from αὐτὸς (Strong's #846), which means "self" and ἀρκὲω (Strong's #714), which means "sufficient." So, ἀρκὲω means to be "self-sufficient," but not "self-reliant." It expresses the idea of being sufficient within one's self. Paul explains his sufficiency in Verse 13.
Paul expresses, in verse 12, what it is that he has previously learned: He now knows how to be humbled, and how to abound. The word for "humbled" is the infinitive form of the word we are studying, ταπεινὸω. He elaborates by saying that he has been "initiated" both "to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to be lacking." The word he uses for "initiated" is the perfect passive indicative form of μυὲω (Strong's #3453) and means, "to be initiated into the mysteries or secrets." The perfect tense form tells us that at the time he is writing, Paul is in a condition of having learned the mysteries or secrets concerning a walk with Christ. He then reveals the source of his sufficiency in all things.
Paul uses a second significant word in this same verse, the present participial form of ἐνδυναμὸω (Strong's #1743) translated "empowering." This word comes from the preposition ἐν (Strong's #1722) meaning "in" and the verb δυναμὸω (Strong's #1412) meaning "to make strong," which, in turn, comes from the noun δὺναμις (Strong's #1411) meaning "power" (from which the English word "dynamite" is derived). Therefore, through the use of ἐνδυναμὸω, Paul is literally making reference to an "in-powering" or a power located "in" him. The present participle designates that this power is continually in-powering him. He reveals in this verse that Christ is the One who is continually in-powering him, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Paul is able to say that he knows how to be humbled, because he has learned and now exists in the condition of having been initiated into the mysteries of Christ concerning life. As a result, Paul is able to separate his outward circumstance from his inward spiritual condition. As his external circumstances change, Paul's spiritual condition does not change — the Lord's power within him constantly flows, supplying his every need.
It is one thing to be humbled; it is yet another to know how to be humbled. Paul has learned that he submits to the Lord's humbling process by drawing upon the constant flow of Christ's sustaining power, thus arriving at a place in his life where he is not dependent on others to meet his needs. He has learned how to be full and how to go hungry. He has learned how to submit to the humbling process physically, because he sees himself as a co-inheritor of Christ on the inside — in his spirit. This condition of spiritual maturity allows Paul the freedom to minister to those around him without putting pressure on them to provide for his needs. Because of this total dependence on the Christ Who lives in the inward man, Paul never blames others for not supplying what he needs. Instead, even when he lacks the physical necessities of life, Paul is able to help others serve the Lord so that fruit will abound for them in heaven.
As Christians we must submit to being humbled. In addition, we must also learn, just as Paul did, how to be humbled. Then we too will be content in all circumstances because of the never-changing presence and ministry of the Christ within.
Next week we will continue to examine the humbling process in Paul's life.
* TAPEINOO is the English font spelling of the Greek word ταπεινὸω.
Technical Notes:
F1: The prepositional phrase καθ͂̓͂ὑστὲρησιν, "according to lack," expressing the basis for which something is done, is translated διὸτῖὑστεροῦμαι, "because I am lacking."
F2: The infinitive of purpose εῖναι, "to be," with the predicate nominative αὐτὰρκης, "content," is translated νὰ͂ᾐμαῖαὐτὰρκης, "that I should be content."
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Bill Klein has been a pastor, counselor, and educator for the past 41 years. He has had extensive training and education in biblical languages, and has authored a Biblical Greek course.
He is currently serving as Professor of Biblical Greek at Master's Graduate School of Divinity, and president of BTE Ministries - The Bible Translation and Exegesis Institute of America, a non-profit organization located in California that provides Bible study tapes and Greek study materials through their website BTEMinistries.org.