## 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"

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

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them to emphasize that he has learned how to be content in any situation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] 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."