## Although previously you were thinking of me, there was no opportunity for you to help. ##

"I know you were thinking about me before now, but there had been no reason for you to send me help."

## to be content ##

"to be satisfied" or "to be happy"

## in all circumstances ##

"no matter what my situation is"

## I know how to live ##

Alternate translation: "I know how to have the right attitude"

## in times of need ##

"when I do not have all I need"

## in times of abundance ##

"when I have more than I need"

## the secret how both to have plenty and to be hungry, how both to abound and to need ##

The phrases "to have plenty and to be hungry" and "to abound and to need" mean basically the same thing. Paul uses these phrases to mean "all situations." Alternate translation: "the secret to being satisfied in all situations." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

## I can do all things through him who strengthens me. ##

"I can do all things because Christ gives me strength."