Meaning, commentary and cross references
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
NIV · New International Version
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
WEB · World English Bible
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
What does Philippians 4:13 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Philippians 4:13
I can do all things,.... Which must not be understood in the greatest latitude, and without any limitation; for the apostle was not omnipotent, either in himself, or by the power of Christ; nor could he do all things that Christ could do; but it must be restrained to the subject matter treated of: the sense is, that he could be content in every state, and could know how to behave himself in adversity and prosperity, amidst both poverty and plenty; yea, it may be extended to all the duties incumbent on him both as a Christian and as an apostle, as to exercise a conscience void of offence towards God and men; to take the care of all the churches; to labour more abundantly than others in…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Philippians 4:10–19
But how must we learn it? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, Phi 4:13. We have need of strength from Christ, to enable us to perform not only those duties which are purely Christian, but even those which are the fruit of moral virtue. We need his strength to teach us to be content in every condition.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Philippians 4:10–14
13. Omnia possum in Christo, qui me corroborat. 14. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 14. Caeterum benefecistis simul communicando afflictioni meae. 10 But I rejoiced He now declares the gratitude of his mind towards the Philippians, that they may not regret their beneficence, [246] as is usually the case when we think that our services are despised, or are reckoned of no account.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Philippians 4:10–16 (WEB)
10But I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity. 11Not that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. 12I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. 13I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 14However you did well that you shared in my affliction. 15You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only. 16For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need.
Cross references
- Isaiah 41:10
Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9–10
He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
- Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
- Colossians 1:11
strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy,
- Isaiah 40:29–31
He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might.
- Ephesians 3:16
that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person,
- John 15:7
If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you.
- 2 Corinthians 3:4–5
Such confidence we have through Christ toward God,