What does Philippians 4:13 mean?
Paul wrote this from prison, thanking the church at Philippi for a gift. In the verses just before, he explains that he has learned to be content whether he has plenty or goes hungry. So "all things" is not a promise of winning every game or reaching every goal. It means that through every circumstance, good or bad, Christ gives the strength to endure, stay faithful, and remain at peace. The power comes from Jesus, not from self-confidence. For readers today, the verse is an invitation to depend on Christ in hardship and in success alike, finding him enough in both.
Philippians 4:13 in the World English Bible
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Context
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.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Philippians 4:13 mean?
Paul wrote this from prison, thanking the church at Philippi for a gift. In the verses just before, he explains that he has learned to be content whether he has plenty or goes hungry. So "all things" is not a promise of winning every game or reaching every goal. It means that through every circumstance, good or bad, Christ gives the strength to endure, stay faithful, and remain at peace. The power comes from Jesus, not from self-confidence. For readers today, the verse is an invitation to depend on Christ in hardship and in success alike, finding him enough in both.
What does Philippians 4:13 say in the KJV?
Philippians 4:13 (KJV) reads: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”