Philippians 4 13

Philippians 4:13 kjv

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4:13 nkjv

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13 niv

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13 esv

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13 nlt

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Philippians 4 verses

Philippians 4 13 Meaning

Philippians 4:13 is a powerful statement of reliance on Christ, conveying Paul’s profound understanding that his ability to endure all circumstances, whether poverty or prosperity, suffering or service, comes directly from the strength provided by Jesus Christ. It is not a declaration of personal invincibility or the power to achieve any self-desired goal, but rather a profound affirmation of God's enabling grace to face and fulfill His calling in every situation, demonstrating that divine strength is made perfect in human weakness and limitations.

Philippians 4 13 Context

Philippians 4:13 comes at the end of Paul's thank you letter to the Philippian church, expressing gratitude for their financial support during his imprisonment. The verses immediately preceding, Philippians 4:11-12, establish the crucial context: Paul declares that he has "learned to be content in whatever circumstances" (Phil 4:11) and knows how to live with both scarcity and abundance, hunger and fullness (Phil 4:12). This adaptability and contentment are not self-generated, but attributes developed through his walk with Christ. Thus, verse 13 is the profound theological explanation for how he achieved such remarkable equanimity amidst varied life conditions. It is a testament to the divine empowerment that sustained him through trials and prosperity, not an isolated claim of personal ambition. The historical context includes Paul’s own experience of suffering, imprisonment, shipwrecks, and daily burdens (2 Cor 11:23-28), all while continuing his fervent ministry, which makes his statement on Christ-empowered contentment all the more impactful.

Philippians 4 13 Word analysis

• I can do (Gk: ἰσχύω, ischyō): This word means "to be strong, to have power, to be able, capable." In this context, it doesn't signify inherent personal power or self-sufficiency, but rather the capacity granted by an external source. Paul is asserting an ability rather than a boast.
• all things (Gk: πάντα, panta): Interpreting "all things" requires careful attention to the preceding verses and the overarching theme of Paul's life and letters. It does not mean "whatever I want or desire," or "anything I attempt without divine leading." Rather, it refers to "all things" within the scope of God's will and purpose for Paul's life, specifically his ability to endure and thrive spiritually through varied material circumstances (hunger, abundance, hardship, service, persecution) as described in Philippians 4:11-12 and his ministry (e.g., Eph 6:13). It is not an assertion of achieving selfish ambitions, but enduring faithfully God-ordained situations.
• through Christ (Gk: ἐν τῷ ἐνδυναμοῦντί με Χριστῷ, en tō endynamounti me Christō - more precisely "in Him who strengthens me Christ"): This phrase points to the source of Paul's capability. The "through" or "in" indicates a deep union and reliance. It is not Paul's own effort but Christ's active role as the enabler. Christ is not a passive conduit but the active agent of empowerment.
• who strengthens (Gk: ἐνδυναμοῦντί, endynamounti - a present active participle): This word signifies "to empower, to infuse with strength, to make strong." The present active participle emphasizes continuous action; Christ is continually strengthening Paul. This strength is dynamic and ongoing, not a one-time event. It implies both internal fortitude and external enablement. This divine empowerment transcends mere physical ability and includes spiritual, emotional, and mental endurance for living according to God's will. This directly counters the Stoic ideal of self-sufficient apathy and Greek emphasis on human potential apart from deity.
• me: The pronoun "me" highlights Paul's personal experience and testimony, making the statement both intensely personal and relatable for believers.

• "I can do all things": This phrase, standing alone, can be profoundly misunderstood. However, when understood in the context of Paul’s life and theology, it represents the Spirit-filled believer's capacity to obey God, persevere through trials, and accomplish God’s purposes, not a blank check for human desires. It reflects a complete dependence on divine provision for the tasks and tests appointed by God.
• "through Him who strengthens me": This group of words is the critical qualifier and theological core of the verse. It unmistakably attributes the ability ("I can do all things") directly to the active, ongoing, and powerful intervention of Christ. It shifts the focus from human capability to divine enablement. Without this part, the verse loses its true biblical meaning and can be perverted. The empowering is an act of grace, enabling the believer to overcome obstacles and fulfill God's calling even when human strength falters.

Philippians 4 13 Bonus section

This verse is one of the most frequently quoted, yet often miscontextualized, passages in the Bible. A common misconception treats "I can do all things" as a guarantee for personal aspirations, worldly success, or extraordinary physical feats, divorced from its qualifying clause and the immediate context of enduring circumstances. The proper understanding aligns it with themes of perseverance through divinely appointed difficulties and the strength for godly living, not an entitlement to self-actualization outside of God's will. The original Greek uses en (in/through) for Christ's strengthening, emphasizing an internal, spiritual dynamic. The power comes from being in union with Christ. This verse served as a powerful reminder to the Philippian believers, who themselves faced persecution and suffering, that their ability to stand firm and advance the gospel came from an external, divine source, assuring them of victory over their spiritual battles and the adversities of life, as long as they remained reliant on Christ.

Philippians 4 13 Commentary

Philippians 4:13 is not a declaration of unlimited personal potential apart from God's will, but rather a deep theological affirmation rooted in Paul’s profound experience of Christ's all-sufficient grace. Following his discussion of learning contentment in all states (hunger, plenty, abasement, exaltation), this verse identifies the wellspring of that adaptability and spiritual resilience: a continuous, divine empowerment from Jesus Christ. The "all things" refers specifically to facing life's diverse circumstances, both positive and negative, and fulfilling God's purposes in them. It is an enduring principle that when a believer faces a task, trial, or demand that God has appointed, Christ will provide the necessary strength. This strength allows for faithfulness, endurance, joy in suffering, and sustained service—not for the attainment of every human ambition or personal whim. It underpins the reality that God calls us not only to tasks but also to trials, and in both, Christ's strengthening is paramount.

Examples of practical usage:

• A parent finding strength to patiently raise children amidst daily challenges.
• A believer enduring chronic illness with steadfast faith.
• Someone finding courage to speak the Gospel despite fear of rejection.
• An individual remaining faithful in a demanding and stressful work environment.