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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Philippians 4:12 - 4:12
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
I know how (oida). Followed by the infinitive oida has this sense. So here twice, with tapeinousthai, to be humbled, from tapeinos, and with perisseuein, to overflow.
Have I learned the secret (memuēmai). Perfect passive indicative of mueō, old and common word from muō, to close (Latin mutus), and so to initiate with secret rites, here only in N.T. The common word mustērion (mystery) is from mustēs (one initiated) and this from mueō, to initiate, to instruct in secrets. Paul draws this metaphor from the initiatory rites of the pagan mystery-religions.
To be filled (chortazesthai). Old verb from chortos (grass, hay) and so to fatten like an animal.
To be hungry (peināin). Old verb from peina (hunger) and kin to penēs, poor man who has to work for his living (penomai).