I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Read it in contextFinal Exhortations, Thanksgiving, and Greetings
Start reading at Philippians 4:1 (Philippians 4:1 to Philippians 4:23).
The verse is part of Paul's concluding remarks, which include final exhortations, an expression of gratitude for the Philippians' financial support, and final greetings.
4:1Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
4:2I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
4:3And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
4:4Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
4:5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
4:6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
4:7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
4:8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
4:9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
4:10But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
4:11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
4:12I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
4:14Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
4:15Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
4:16For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
4:17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
4:18But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
4:19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
4:20Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
4:21Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.
4:22All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.
4:23The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul is the principal author, with Timothy named alongside him in the greeting. Biblical references: Philippians 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Philippians 4:1–4:23): Paul appeals particularly to Euodias and Syntyche for agreement, then addresses the whole church and thanks it for material support. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? All the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, including their bishops and deacons. Biblical references: Philippians 1:1. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? The main theme of Philippians 4:13, within its immediate context (4:10-19), is Paul's contentment in all circumstances and his ability to endure and thrive through Christ's strength, particularly in relation to the Philippians' financial support. More broadly, the chapter deals with exhortations to stand fast, rejoice, be moderate, pray, think on good things, and the peace and provision of God. The specific verse emphasizes the source of Paul's strength for all circumstances. stated in the text
What is God revealing? God is revealing that believers can find strength and contentment in all circumstances through Christ, who empowers them. This strength is not self-derived but comes from Christ. God also reveals His faithfulness to supply needs and the importance of Christian fellowship and support. stated in the text
What is the literary style? Epistle. book background
When
When was it written? c. A.D. 61. book background
When does the event take place? During Paul's imprisonment. book background
Where
Where did it happen? The events described (Paul's experiences of abounding and suffering need, and the Philippians' support) occurred in various places throughout Paul's ministry, including Thessalonica and Macedonia. stated in the text
Where was the author located? Rome (in prison). book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Final Exhortations, Thanksgiving, and Greetings (Philippians 4:1 to Philippians 4:23).
Start reading at Philippians 4:1. The verse is part of Paul's concluding remarks, which include final exhortations, an expression of gratitude for the Philippians' financial support, and final greetings.
How
How does it fit the broader context? Philippians 4:13 serves as the climax of Paul's explanation of his contentment (4:10-12). He has just stated that he has learned to be content in all states, whether abased or abounding, full or hungry, in need or having plenty. Verse 13 provides the divine source for this ability: 'I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.' It grounds his personal experience in Christ's power, leading into his appreciation for the Philippians' support as a demonstration of their partnership in the gospel. stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? This verse directly points to Christ as the sole source of strength and enablement for believers to navigate all of life's circumstances. It highlights His divine power working through His followers, allowing them to 'do all things' (endure, be content, serve, suffer, abound) not by their own might, but 'through Christ which strengtheneth me.' This demonstrates Christ's active role in the daily lives of His saints. interpretation
How do I apply it today? Believers today can apply this verse by recognizing that their strength for facing challenges, enduring hardships, or performing good works comes from Christ. It encourages reliance on Christ for contentment in all situations, trusting that He will provide the necessary spiritual and emotional fortitude to live a life pleasing to God, rather than relying on self-effort or external circumstances. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Philippians 4
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul and Timothy address the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Paul's imprisonment and the church's partnership form the setting for calls to unity, humility, endurance, and contentment.
Connection to the wholeThe appeal to steadfastness addresses a disagreement and directs the whole church toward rejoicing, prayer, worthy thought, and practiced teaching.
Connection to the wholePaul explains his learned contentment and strength in Christ within the concrete setting of need, provision, and the Philippians' support.
Connection to the wholeThe greetings bring the letter back to shared belonging in Christ across the distance between Paul and the church.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Philippians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul and Timothy address the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Paul's imprisonment and the church's partnership form the setting for calls to unity, humility, endurance, and contentment.