We see the verse on coffee mugs, t-shirts, and wall decor. It’s probably the most well-known and oft-quoted verse from Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13, NKJV
Unfortunately, it’s also one of the verses most often misunderstood and misused. We love that one verse so much we pull it out of its home in the surrounding verses. We hold it out on its own and say, “Jesus gives me strength to do all things.” But is that what it means?
Unfortunately, when we take it out of context we lose the original meaning. We even begin to assign meanings to it God never intended. (See “How Literary Context Helps Us Understand the Bible” and “What is the Metanarrative of the Bible?”)
Let’s say, for instance, I desire to do something big for the Kingdom of God. I have an idea, a vision, of what I’d like to do. But it’s big, really big! Well, if “Jesus gives me strength to do all things,” then doesn’t that mean He will give me the power and opportunities to not only pursue this dream, but also to succeed?
Is that what Philippians 4:13 means? Does it mean that Jesus will give me the power and strength to do whatever I desire to do for Him? Or maybe it means Jesus will give me the power and strength to do what He calls me to do?
We know from other Scriptures that God does gift and guide, equip and empower His children to carry out His purposes for our lives (2 Thessalonians 1:11; Ephesians 1:19-20; 1 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 4:11-13). But Philippians 4:13 does not promise us that God will give us strength to follow our desires or even to carry out His purposes.
So what does Philippians 4:13 mean?
Let’s drop Philippians 4:13 back into the verses immediately surrounding it and see what it means in light of its context. (For more on the “context” of a biblical passage, check out this post: “4 Things to Consider for Biblical Context.“) In Philippians 4:10-14, Paul thanked the Christians in Philippi for the financial gift they sent him. He appreciated their gift, but he was not in desperate need at the moment. In fact, he had learned to be content no matter his physical circumstances. Paul had discovered the secret of contentment whether he was in physical want or plenty.
And what was his secret of contentment, whether he was well fed or hungry? Paul had experienced Christ’s strength within him to endure any and every situation. He found total sufficiency in trusting Christ. Paul gained strength from Jesus to be content with whatever God provided for him.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” never meant Paul could do anything because Jesus would give him the power to do it. It meant Paul could endure any difficult circumstance or physical need through the strengthening power of Christ.
Great, incredible truth. Philippians 4:13 does not obligate God to empower our plans. Oh no, it’s far better than that! Jesus will give us the strength we need to endure desperate need. His empowering presence will be with us through every difficult circumstance.
Have you gained a better understanding of Philippians 4:13? Does it encourage you today?
Want to learn more about the proper approach to Bible study? See “4 R Bible Study Method.“
Other posts you might find helpful:
- “What do I do with Philippians 3:14?”
- “The Real Promise of 1 Corinthians 10:13”
- “The Delight and Desire of Psalm 37:4”
- “Why Philippians 4:13 doesn’t Mean What You Think”
Perfect explanation! This made a tremendous impact on me when I read it! Please do more like this!
Hi Cindy, so glad the post encouraged your walk today! I have thought about doing a series on verses that are often taken out of context. Maybe I’ll do it!
I think a series like this would be great. Another would be to compile all the quotes and sayings that get attributed to the Bible. I once asked people in Facebook to share their favorite scripture, one person quoted this saying “I’m to blessed to be stressed..” I can’t remember the whole saying. Their are do many.
Hi Judi, thanks for coming by! I’ve done quite a few posts on commonly misunderstood passages. I love digging deep into those! Thanks for sharing that idea about sayings that aren’t in Scripture. One I’ve heard is “God helps those who help themselves!”
Thank you for the information and the elaborate explanation.
I have enjoyed having the knowledge of knowing what exactly this verse means. I was about to post it carelessly. Thank you Kathy
Thank you Kathy for this explanation.I enjoy all of your studies and reading plans and I think it is a great idea versus taken out of context. I am looking forward to it! God Bless All you do!
Beverly, thank you for your encouraging words!
That was great. It really helped me to understand the real meaning of this verse because actually this is my favorite verse and knowing the fact that i misinterpret it is so sad. Thank you Kathy and I hope that you do more like this. God bless!
Verse 10 – 13 of this chapter has me releasing tears of joy and relief. It reinforces the earlier verse 6 that is also heavily referenced. Prayers, meditation in reflection of that listed in verse 8 is truly the path to connecting to God.
Thank you..especially the last pharagraph
Thank you Kathy for this post.
About a year ago, I was meditating on this verse and in my spirit I begin to see it in a different light.
It seemed the Spirit was clarifying it to mean, if I may paraphrase it,
“I can GO through all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
This understanding appeared to fit within the context of the verses before it.
Again, thank you
Angie, thank you for sharing your experience. I love that you were willing to allow the Holy Spirit to correct a misunderstanding you had held. And yes, we must always consider the context!
This is so helpful. In light of the possible return of my granddaughter’s leukemia this verse comforts me and tells me I can get through it with Christ’s help. Thank you.
This is a very clear explanation of Phil. 4:13, Kathy. As you say, it is often misused, and certainly misunderstood. I’m glad to have these words to share with people in my orbit who may need help in understanding this verse and what it is really saying. Thank you!
Thank you sooo much, Kathy for this explanation! I now have a better understanding of what that verse really means. So many times we take one verse and apply it, or think it applies, in error. I’m thankful to have a better understand of Philippians 4:13. Also I really like Angie’s (above) restatement of it. “I can GO through all things…”.
Thank you for all the time you put into helping us all understand God’s Word better.