### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G842}}` αὐτάρκης (autárkēs) is a compound adjective derived from `{{G846}}` αὐτός (autos), meaning "self," and `{{G714}}` ἀρκέω (arkeō), meaning "to be sufficient" or "to suffice." Literally, it conveys the idea of "self-sufficient" or "sufficient in oneself." In classical Greek, its semantic range could extend from a negative connotation of arrogance or self-satisfaction—implying a lack of need for others—to a positive philosophical virtue, particularly in Stoicism, where it denoted an internal state of contentment and independence from external circumstances. For the Stoics, autárkēs was the ideal of the wise person, one who found all necessary resources within themselves, thus becoming impervious to fortune. In the New Testament, its solitary occurrence refines and reorients this classical meaning within a distinctly Christian theological framework.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G842}}` αὐτάρκης appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle to the Philippians:
* **[[Philippians 4:11]]**: "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
In this pivotal verse, the Apostle Paul declares his learned state of contentment (αὐτάρκης). The context is Paul's expression of gratitude for the Philippians' financial support, yet he immediately qualifies his thanks, asserting that his joy is not born of personal need. His contentment is not circumstantial; it is a profound internal disposition that he has "learned." This learning process implies a spiritual discipline and growth, rather than an innate human capacity. Paul emphasizes that this state of being autárkēs is not a result of having all needs met externally, but rather an internal sufficiency that transcends material conditions, whether in abundance or in want ([[Philippians 4:12]]). This is crucial, as it sets Christian contentment apart from a mere absence of desire or a Stoic detachment. Paul's contentment is not rooted in his own inherent strength, but implicitly, and then explicitly in the subsequent verse ([[Philippians 4:13]]), in the strength provided by Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and concepts illuminate the meaning of `{{G842}}` αὐτάρκης:
* **`{{G714}}` ἀρκέω (arkeō):** The verbal root, meaning "to be sufficient" or "to be satisfied." This verb appears more frequently in the New Testament, often in contexts emphasizing adequacy or sufficiency, such as "it is enough" ([[Matthew 25:9]], [[John 6:7]]). Most notably, in [[2 Corinthians 12:9]], Christ tells Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you," directly linking divine sufficiency to human experience.
* **Contentment:** This is the primary English translation and a core concept. While `{{G842}}` specifically means "self-sufficient" in a positive sense of contentment, the broader idea of contentment is also conveyed through other theological concepts like trust in God's provision and freedom from anxiety.
* **Patience and Endurance (`{{G5281}}` ὑπομονή):** The learned nature of Paul's autárkēs suggests a connection to patient endurance through various trials and circumstances, a hallmark of Christian maturity.
* **Sufficiency in Christ:** The deeper theological context for Christian autárkēs is not human autonomy but divine empowerment. Paul's declaration in [[Philippians 4:13]], "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," directly follows his statement of contentment, revealing the true source of his sufficiency. This resonates with [[2 Corinthians 3:5]], where Paul states, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G842}}` αὐτάρκης in [[Philippians 4:11]] is profound, redefining a classical philosophical concept through a Christian lens:
1. **Christian Contentment vs. Worldly Self-Sufficiency:** Unlike the Stoic ideal of autárkēs, which derived from human reason and detachment, Paul's contentment is not a product of inherent human strength or philosophical indifference. It is a *learned* state, implying a process of spiritual growth and reliance on a source outside oneself—namely, Christ. This distinguishes Christian contentment from worldly self-reliance or pride.
2. **The "Secret" of Contentment:** Paul speaks of having "learned the secret" ([[Philippians 4:12]]) to being content in every situation. This "secret" is not a mystical technique but an experiential knowledge of Christ's enabling power ([[Philippians 4:13]]). It underscores that true contentment is a gift and a discipline cultivated through a dynamic relationship with God, not merely a mental attitude.
3. **Trust in Divine Providence:** The ability to be autárkēs in the Christian sense reflects a deep trust in God's sovereign care and provision, regardless of external circumstances. It frees the believer from the anxieties of want and the temptations of covetousness, fostering a spirit of gratitude and peace.
4. **Spiritual Maturity:** Paul's statement is a testament to his spiritual maturity. It signifies a profound reorientation of desires and priorities, where the believer finds their ultimate satisfaction and security not in possessions or comfort, but in their relationship with Christ. This maturity allows for steadfastness and joy even amidst hardship.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G842}}` αὐτάρκης (autárkēs), meaning "self-sufficient" or "content," appears uniquely in the New Testament in [[Philippians 4:11]]. Here, the Apostle Paul declares he has "learned" to be content in all circumstances, whether in abundance or want. This Christian understanding of autárkēs fundamentally reinterprets its classical philosophical meaning. It is not a self-reliance born of human strength or Stoic detachment, but rather a learned spiritual disposition rooted in Christ's enabling power ([[Philippians 4:13]]). This contentment signifies spiritual maturity, a profound trust in God's provision, and a freedom from dependence on external conditions for inner peace and joy. It highlights that true sufficiency for the believer is found not in themselves, but in their unwavering reliance on divine grace.
TRV