Part of Bible Verses Explained: famous verses read in context, in two public-domain translations.
Philippians 4:13 in the BSB and WEB
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 (BSB)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 (WEB)
What does Philippians 4:13 mean in short?
Paul, in chains, thanks the Philippian church for its support but says he is not writing out of need. He has learned contentment whether full or hungry. The strength Christ gives is the strength to stay steady and faithful in every condition, including the hard ones he was living through.
What is the context of Philippians 4:13?
- Speaker
- The apostle Paul, with Timothy named as co-sender (Philippians 1:1)
- First heard by
- The church in Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia, which had supported Paul since its founding
- Situation
- Written while Paul was imprisoned, traditionally in Rome in the early 60s AD; some scholars suggest Ephesus or Caesarea
The church in Philippi began during Paul’s travels in Acts 16, where he and Silas were themselves jailed. Years later Paul writes to them in chains again (Philippians 1:13). He mentions the palace guard and greets them from those in Caesar’s household (Philippians 4:22). His future is uncertain, and he openly weighs the possibility of death (Philippians 1:21–24).
The letter to the Philippians is warm and personal. Its theme of joy runs all the way through, which is striking given where Paul is. The Philippians had sent money and supplies with a man named Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25, 4:18). Chapter 4 is partly a thank-you note.
In Philippians 4:10 Paul rejoices that their concern for him has revived. Then he is careful not to sound like he is asking for more. In Philippians 4:11–12 he says he has learned to be content in any situation, full or hungry, with plenty or in need. Our verse explains how. Philippians 4:14 then thanks them again for sharing in his trouble.
Read it with the verses around it
The Generosity of the Philippians
10 Now I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.
11 I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances.
12 I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need.
13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction.
Philippians 4:10–14 (BSB). Section headings are from the Berean Standard Bible.
What does Philippians 4:13 mean, phrase by phrase?
“I can do all things”
The all things points back to Philippians 4:12: being filled and being hungry, having plenty and having need. Paul is talking about enduring every kind of circumstance. The context limits the phrase, and that limit is the key to the verse.
“through Christ”
The source of the ability is not Paul’s willpower. Some of the oldest Greek manuscripts read simply through the one who strengthens me, without naming Christ, but the meaning is the same. Paul’s confidence rests on his union with Christ.
“who gives me strength”
The verb describes being empowered or made strong from outside oneself. It is present and ongoing, strength given day by day. Paul connects it with what he has learned in verse 11, so contentment is both received and practiced.
What does Philippians 4:13 not mean?
Misreading: Philippians 4:13 promises success in sports, exams or any goal I choose.
In context: Paul is describing contentment while hungry and in prison. The verse is about endurance in every circumstance, including losing, not about guaranteed winning.
Misreading: The verse means a person of faith should never feel need or lack.
In context: Paul says plainly that he has known hunger and need in Philippians 4:12. The strength he describes is the ability to stay faithful through lack, not freedom from it.
Misreading: Paul was claiming self-sufficiency, needing no one.
In context: Right after this verse Paul thanks the Philippians for sharing his affliction. His contentment rests on Christ, and he still values their help and partnership.
How do different Christian traditions read Philippians 4:13?
- Many Protestant readers: Emphasize that the verse is about contentment through Christ’s strength and often use it as a corrective to success-centered readings.
- Catholic and Orthodox readers: Often read the passage alongside teaching on grace working within a person, so that Christ’s strength enables patient endurance and virtue in daily life.
- Readers interested in the ancient world: Note that Paul’s word for content in Philippians 4:11, autarkēs, was a favorite term of Stoic philosophers, though Paul roots contentment in Christ rather than in self-reliance.
How can you apply Philippians 4:13 today?
- When you quote this verse, read Philippians 4:11–13 together so the context comes with it.
- Think of one situation of lack and one of plenty in your life, and ask what contentment would look like in each.
- Thank someone who has supported you, as Paul thanks the Philippians, instead of only focusing on your own strength.
- Add this passage to your memory verse list with the reminder: plenty or need, Christ’s strength in both.
Which verses connect to Philippians 4:13?
11I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. 12I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need.
Philippians 4:11–12 BSB
The verses right before define all things: being full or hungry, in plenty or in need.
9But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. 10That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9–10 BSB
Paul hears that God’s power is perfected in weakness, so he says when I am weak, then I am strong.
Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:6 BSB
Godliness with contentment is described as great gain.
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5 BSB
Readers are told to be content with what they have because God will never leave them.
And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 BSB
Paul assures the Philippians that God will supply all their needs.
12Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel. 13As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
Philippians 1:12–13 BSB
Paul explains that his imprisonment has actually advanced the gospel.
Questions for reflection
- Where have you used this verse in a way its context does not support?
- Is contentment harder for you in times of plenty or in times of need?
- What would it mean to receive strength rather than generate it?
Can you remember it?
Read it out loud twice, then cover it and fill the gap.
Fill in the missing word
I can do all things through Christ who gives me ________.
Philippians 4:13 (BSB)
Show the answer
strength
More drills: 50 memory verses by theme and seven ways to memorize Scripture.
In summary
- Paul wrote Philippians 4:13 from prison while thanking the church for a gift.
- All things refers to every circumstance, plenty and hunger alike.
- The verse is about contentment and endurance, not achieving any goal.
- Strength comes from Christ, received day by day.
- Paul still values the help and partnership of others.