The Greek adjective autarkēs describes a person who is content or self-sufficient — one who has enough and is satisfied with their circumstances. In the New Testament it appears only in Philippians 4:11, in Paul's famous declaration that he has learned contentment.
Philippians 4:11: 'I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content (autarkēs).' The word 'learned' (emathon) reveals contentment is trained through experience and trust — not natural willpower. The Stoics prized self-sufficiency as philosophical achievement; Paul redefines it as the fruit of relational trust: 'I can do all this through him who gives me strength' (4:13).