WHAT IT MEANS
Strength in Christ
Paul is saying that Christ gives him strength to remain faithful through changing circumstances.
VERSE STUDY • KJV
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
CONTEXT
What is happening here?
The surrounding verses are about contentment in both need and abundance. This is not a promise that every ambition will succeed; it is confidence that Christ sustains us.
APPLY IT
For today
Ask for strength to obey and endure in the situation you actually face today.
Read it in 5 translations
KJV King James Version
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
BSB Berean Standard Bible
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
WEB World English Bible
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
ASV American Standard Version
I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.
YLT Young’s Literal Translation
For all things I have strength, in Christ’s strengthening me;
Surrounding context — Philippians 4
10 But 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.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content.
12 I 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.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
15 Now 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.
16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
Topics connected to this verse
Original-language word links
These Hebrew/Greek tokens are linked by Strong's number. Click one for its lexicon definition and other occurrences.
Cross-references
Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.2 Corinthians 12:9-10And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.Colossians 1:11Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;Ephesians 6:10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.Isaiah 40:29-31He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength.Ephesians 3:16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;John 15:7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.2 Corinthians 3:4-5And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:John 15:4-5Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.Isaiah 45:24Surely, shall [one] say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: [even] to him shall [men] come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.
CLASSIC COMMENTARY & PREACHING
Spurgeon on Philippians 4:13
Read Charles H. Spurgeon material whose primary Scripture is this verse or passage.
HISTORICAL INTERPRETATION
Compare classic commentaries on Philippians 4:13
Put Matthew Henry, Adam Clarke, Calvin, Wesley, Barnes, Jamieson–Fausset–Brown, Aquinas’ Catena and other public-domain sources beside the passage.
Compare commentaries →