Lexical Summary autarkés: Self-sufficient, content Original Word: αὐτάρκης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance content. From autos and arkeo; self-complacent, i.e. Contented -- content. see GREEK autos see GREEK arkeo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 842 autárkēs (the adjectival form of 841 /autárkeia, "contentment") – properly, self-sufficient, content in the sense of being satisfied because living in God's content (fulness). This inward sufficiency is as valid in "low times" (suffering) as in "high times" (temporal prosperity). See 841 (autarkeia). 842 /autárkēs ("sufficiency within") occurs only in Phil 4:11 where it refers to positive self-sufficiency (inward adequacy) – i.e. that comes through the indwelling power of Christ. [842 (autárkēs) comes from autos ("self") and arkein ("sufficient") meaning "self"-sufficiency, which is entirely God-produced.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom autos and arkeó Definition self-sufficient, sufficient NASB Translation content (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 842: αὐτάρκηςαὐτάρκης (on the accent see Chandler § 705), ἀυταρκες, (αὐτός, ἀρκέω) (from Aeschylus down), "sufficient for oneself, strong enough or possessing enough to need no aid or support; independent of external circumstances"; often in Greek writings from (Aeschylus and) Herodotus 1, 32 down. Subjectively, contented with one's lot, with one's means, though the slenderest: Philippians 4:11 (so Sir. 40:18; Polybius 6, 48, 7; (Diogenes Laërtius 2, 24 of Socrates, αὐτάρκης καί σεμνός). (Cf. αὐτάρκεια). Topical Lexicon Meaning in the First-Century Setting The adjective describes a state of inward sufficiency in which a person rests satisfied, independent of outward circumstances. In wider Greco-Roman usage it could denote the ideal of the self-reliant individual. The New Testament, however, reshapes the idea so that the believer’s adequacy is rooted not in the self, but in the gracious provision of God in Christ. Biblical Occurrence and Immediate Context (Philippians 4:11) The term appears once, when Paul writes, “I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). He is acknowledging the Philippians’ financial gift (Philippians 4:10, 4:14-16) while declaring that his joy is ultimately grounded elsewhere. Verses 12-13 unfold the secret of this contentment: “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” The surrounding passage reveals three facets of Christian contentment: 1. It is learned over time (“I have learned”). Relationship to Related Terms Paul uses the cognate noun in 2 Corinthians 9:8 and 1 Timothy 6:6, while Hebrews 13:5 employs the verb ἀρκέω. Together these texts form a cluster of teaching that binds contentment to divine grace, godliness, and freedom from material greed. Contrast with Stoic Philosophy Stoicism prized autarky—freedom from external influence achieved through emotional detachment. Paul’s use both engages and subverts that ideal. The apostle models an “other-sufficiency,” anchored in the indwelling Christ and the covenant faithfulness of God. Thus Christian contentment is relational rather than merely psychological; it flourishes through dependence, not isolation. Old Testament Background Though the exact Greek term is absent from the Septuagint, the concept saturates Wisdom literature and Psalms. Passages such as Psalm 23:1 (“The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want”) and Proverbs 30:8-9 express reliance on God’s provision and the rejection of covetousness. Paul stands within this biblical stream, showing that the same God who shepherded Israel supplies the needs of those in Christ. Theological Significance 1. Providence: Contentment flows from confidence that God governs every circumstance (Romans 8:28). Practical Ministry Applications • Pastoral Care: Philippians 4:11-13 undergirds counseling for anxiety (Philippians 4:6-7) and financial strain. Historical Reception Early church fathers such as Chrysostom appealed to Philippians 4:11 when exhorting believers under persecution. Monastic writers sought true contentment not in ascetic feats but in resting in God’s love. Reformers highlighted the text against the backdrop of indulgence abuses, while Puritan pastor Jeremiah Burroughs produced the classic “The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment,” expositing Paul’s words for a suffering English church. Connection to Other Biblical Themes • Joy in Christ (Philippians 4:4) Summary The lone New Testament use of this adjective, together with its cognates and surrounding theology, presents contentment as a learned, grace-fueled mindset in which believers rest secure in Christ’s sufficiency. Far from Stoic detachment, it is a vibrant confidence in the Father’s providence, enabling joyful generosity and steadfast endurance in every season of ministry and life. Forms and Transliterations αυτάρκη αυταρκης αυτάρκης αὐτάρκης αυτόθι autarkes autarkēs autárkes autárkēsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |