Tag Archives: Philippians 4:11

Οὐχ ὅτι καθ’ ὑστέρησιν λέγω· ἐγὼ γὰρ ἔμαθον ἐν οἷς εἰμι αὐτάρκης εἶναι (Philippians 4:11)

Not that I speak from need; for I have learned to be content in the circumstances in which I am.

οὐχ ὅτι… λέγω: Clarifying Motive

Paul opens this sentence with a familiar construction:

– οὐχ ὅτι — literally “not that…” This is an idiom used to deny a misunderstanding of what was just said. – καθ’ ὑστέρησιν — “according to need” or “from a place of lack.” The preposition κατά with the accusative implies cause or standard. – λέγω — “I say” (present active indicative of λέγω).… Learn Koine Greek