“Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.”. God used his failure to show him what the verse meant so that his faith could have a sure foundation. You may unsubscribe from these email communications at any time. He sat down in his locker room in disbelief. Let’s drop Philippians 4:13 back into the verses immediately surrounding it and see what it means in light of its context. That's how we know the precise meaning of Philippians 4:13 is: I can be content in any circumstance because Christ gives me strength. Why did Paul have to learn to do all things through Christ? 9 Easy Ways to Share the Word of God with Others, 10 Ways to Become a Better Christian in this Season. After telling his audience that he’s experienced both poverty and affluence, the Apostle Paul writes these well-known words: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”. Verse 13 then goes on to say that this is possible in the "One" who makes me "who I am. . Share Twitter Facebook. ☺. Philippians 4:13 The Text: I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13 is a simple Bible verse yet people misinterpret it. Our motivation, however, isn’t rooted in the prize of personal achievement, but in the abundance of what Christ has already achieved on our behalf. It would have been a pagan, polytheistic community, as confirmed by their reactions to Paul and his associates’ message of the gospel. We normally take it to mean something like, 'I can do anything I set my mind to if I simply believe.' , It is a letter Letter to the Philippians he wrote to the believers of Christ Jesus, bishops, and deacons in the church at Philippi (Philippians 1:1), which was a leading city in Macedonia (Acts 16:12). . And if you are like thousands of other Christian athletes, at one point you have probably claimed Philippians 4:13 as a way to gain you what you desire most. Let’s take a look at the original context of this famous passage and see what he really meant. ✊. That’s where verse 13 comes in. Philippians 4:10 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Philippians 4:10, NIV: "I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it." Or to believe that Christ empowers us to do whatever we set our minds to? This required the strength of Christ because moving disrupted his life. When you take this verse out of context, you will think it means doing anything you want. Philippians 4:13 is one of the most well-known New Testament verses, but it’s also notoriously misused. His Word says, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Ps 37:4). Copyright © 2020 HarperCollins Publishers. Philippians 4:13 is one of the most well-known New Testament verses, but it’s also notoriously misused. The NIV version of the Bible brings out an important aspect that shows the true meaning of Philippians 4:13. In context, "I can do all things" is the ministry that God has sent Paul to do. Discover. Learn more in Lynn H. Cohick’s Philippians online course. So what does Philippians 4:13 mean? Colossians 1 ... 1,700 Key Words that Unlock the Meaning of the Bible. Because he’s tested it, and he’s proved it. It’s an encouragement that God can give you the strength to be content, no matter what. As a result, many people have experienced disappointment, for example, Stephen Curry, whose example you will find at the end of this article. (NIV, AAT, RSV, KJV, NASB)? (Romans 8:38). When you grow weary because of the challenges of life, God gives you His strength (Isaiah 40:29). I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me. , He is known for inscribing Philippians 4:13 on his sneakers to remind him that he succeeds by God's power. Does this mean we can do as we please and ask Christ to supply the strength? Comments will be approved before showing up. So let’s look into this and find out the true meaning of Philippians 4:13. In Philippians 4:14, Paul commends the Philippians for helping him through his troubles even as he draws strength from Christ. NKJV, Chronological Study Bible: Holy Bible, New King James Version. He’s saying that no matter what your circumstances are, you can learn to be content. This is not true because God only fulfills the desires in our hearts that align with His Word. Philippians 4:13, NLT: "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." However, the context of Paul said needs to be addressed, because the true meaning of Philippians 4:13 is oft lost in our own desires for accomplishment. The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Philippians where you find chapter 4 verse 13 in the new testament. Paul was specific about what the strength of Christ helped him achieve - contentment in all situations. Does this mean we can do as we please and ask Christ to supply the strength? Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Explanation and Commentary of Philippians 4:13. Please check errors and resubmit. “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”, He is saying that his contentment in any situation is a result of Christ, who gives him the strength he needs, the strength to be content. But What Does Philippians 4:13 Really Mean? How does he do it? Philippians 4:13, CSB: "I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me." Being content is not easy especially when you are living in lack and trusting God to meet your needs. Philippians 3:13-14 (New International Version) 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. You don’t have to struggle to become better, God will help you by His grace. The religious meaning of the tattoo can be reinforced with the symbol of a cross. The adjacent verses will give you the context within which to interpret it. They use it to show others they can fulfill any desire they please through Christ and by faith. They use it to show others they can fulfill any desire they please through Christ and by faith. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. As a result, many people have experienced disappointment, for example, Stephen Curry, whose example you will find at the end of this article. KJ21. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NASB. Philippians 4:13 NU Him who; Cross references. If you’ve been in any Christian circle, you have likely heard the verse Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” What you may not know, though, is the context behind this verse and how in it, Paul teaches us how we get through hard times. Your strength will fail you, but God’s strength won’t. Do we really apply this verse the way Paul intended when he wrote it? Get updates from Zondervan Academic directly in your inbox. 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. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. He has learned in every circumstance the, In this Bible version, we learn that Paul has found a way to deal with everything he faces: through, Philippians 4:12 describes the "anything" as the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or empty. 6) Philippians 4:13 Tattoo with Cross. Save: $12.00 (30%) Buy Now. Philippians 3. To better understand Philippians 4:13, we have to look at it in the context of the verse preceding it. ... "Rejoice" is a word that Paul loved to use, and here in the book of Philippians he uses it 10 times in four short chapters. . Being content is not easy especially when you are living in lack and trusting God to meet your needs. For Instructors and School Administrators. (Romans 8:38). "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13: John 15:5; Philippians 4:13 in all English translations. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Just before Paul says, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength,” he recounts some of the different circumstances he’s found himself in: he’s been hungry and well-fed, he’s been in need and he’s been well off, and he’s learned to be content, no matter what his circumstances are. “Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.”Philippians 4:13 MSG. He knows how to bear with the circumstances in his life. In Philippians 4:14, Paul commends the Philippians for helping him through his troubles even as he draws strength from Christ. The meaning of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through him who gives me strength”. As a mom, the popular phrase taken from Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” was a hefty yoke on my shoulders.In many ways I believed it wholeheartedly. ", He thought this inspirational Bible verse meant he could win as many NBA titles as he desired. I believe it may mean something along the lines of. Is he telling us to believe in ourselves? "It gets us so much closer to grace. Philippians 4:13 Treasury of Scripture Knowing. Your strength will fail you, but God’s strength won’t. Lynn H. Cohick’s Philippians online course. We are to live our lives within the context of God’s word. Paul had to preach the gospel despite the challenges he faced. Pursue a deeper knowledge of God through self-paced college- and seminary-level online courses in Old and New Testament studies, theology, biblical Greek, and more. If you have any questions, please review our. Where other Bible versions say Him and not Christ, we know Paul is talking about Christ giving him strength. .". He was able to overcome all these things through the strength of Christ. February 1, 2019. He was not talking about doing anything he set his mind on but what he had to overcome to preach the gospel. Here are verses 10-13 of chapter 4: “10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at … What does the passage mean? The “how” is what he then states in Philippians 4:13 as "doing all things through Christ." He drew his strength from the power of Christ. . Paul gives the Philippians the promise of God’s peace that surpasses all understanding. It is this peace that will guard their hearts and their minds. Always read the Scriptures in context to avoid disappointment when you don’t get the results you expect. ✝, Now that we know who the "One" is, how do we describe "who I am?" Being anxious for nothing means not putting our confidence in things of the flesh (Philippians 3:3), rather knowing that Christ can be exalted in life and in death (Philippians 1:20). In the KJV Bible, Paul tells us in Philippians 4:12 that he knows how to live in lack and plenty, and can survive when full or hungry. God gives us the opportunities to tell others about Him. ; All Rights Reserved. Philippians 4:12 describes the "anything" as the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or empty. (2d ed. Before we dive into the meaning of this verse, let's look at who wrote it. Remember this Bible verse with this Philippians 4:13Necklace and put all your trust in the Lord. At that moment, Philippians 4:13 must have meant being content with losing a game. In a nutshell, Paul is trying to tell us in. One Sunday night, his team lost a game to the, He could not understand how his team lost when he always declared "he could do all things through Christ who strengthens him.". You will need the strength that only comes with Christ. Enhance your school’s traditional and online education programs by easily integrating online courses developed from the scholars and textbooks you trust. Philippians 4:13. Philippians 4:10–20 describes how Christians can overcome worry and worldly desires, regardless of their circumstances. Your form could not be submitted. . Philippians 4:13 is one of the most popular verses in the Bible but also one of the most misused and misinterpreted. The good news is that he discovered he had misinterpreted the Bible verse and took it out of context. Many people have misused this Bible verse! By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from HarperCollins Christian Publishing (501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214 USA) providing information about products and services of HCCP and its affiliates. Does this verse mean: "In every respect (adverbial accusative) I am strong " (NEB, Phillips, TEV) or "I can do every thing etc." Philippians 4:13 tells us we can do all things through Christ. We are to live and work and be strong in the LORD, and in the power of His might - not in the strength and power of our own, fleshly, human abilities. It’s an assurance that we can do whatever God calls us to do, not whatever we decide to do. John 1:12 tells us who we are in Christ, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”. He sent the Holy Spirit to help us obey His Word and live by it daily. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Not on his own, but through Christ who strengthens him. ( Log Out / Don’t worry — knowing Jesus is supreme. Paul’s life was eventful with many trials and therefore needed to learn to be content in all circumstances. Paul was a man who preached the gospel in all kinds of places, some of which were hostile. In a nutshell, Paul is trying to tell us in Philippians 4:13 that it is important to be content in all situations. He rejoiced when the gospel of Christ was proclaimed and he rejoiced that he did not labour in vain. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians is a letter about joy. In it, Paul says he has found the secret of being content in every situation and then goes on to say what it is. You can make it through anything through Christ because you are a child of God. It is important to rely on God’s strength even where others are ready to help you during difficult times. How does he know? Many people have misused Philippians 4:13 and taken it to mean that you can do all the things you desire through Christ. God used his failure to show him what the verse meant so that his faith could have a sure foundation. Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.. Hebrews 9:17 For a covenant is valid only when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives.. James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. Paul recognised that when we are positioned in Christ, abiding in Him and remaining in fellowship with the Father, we are equipped for every eventuality of life - for when we are weak in ourselves we receive strength from the Lord and are empowered by His Spirit. Philippians 4:13 is one of the most well-known verses in the Bible, but it’s also one of the most misinterpreted. This gives a more spiritual dimension and allows you to be creative on the designs. ⛪, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”Philippians 4:13 (NIV). You can’t pursue ungodly desires (2 Timothy 2:22) and expect God to strengthen you to fulfill them. Stephen Curry is a top basketball player for The Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Let us look at how different Bible versions bring out, The NIV version of the Bible brings out an important aspect that shows the, Paul’s life was eventful with many trials and therefore needed to, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”, The KJV Bible version says "all things" and "through Christ." Books and articles that equip you for deeply biblical thinking and ministry. , “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4;13- KJV, The KJV Bible version says "all things" and "through Christ." Philippians 4:13. The Meaning Given To It: Many denominational preachers and even some brethren---especially those into the various forms of the "positive thinking" philosophy---have adopted this verse as their motto. ... “We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it. Paul is saying in Philippians 4.13 that regardless of your situation you can endure through Christ who gives you strength. ✨ Discover this unique Philippians 4:13 Bracelet from our store! He had experienced a wide range of circumstances and had to hold on to his faith in the Lord Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:24-26). What Philippians 4:13 Means for Your Life. Breaking Down the Key Parts of Philippians 4:19 #1 “And…” ‍♂ He read the adjacent verses and discovered that the verse meant learning to be content in any situation. Writing from prison, Paul describes the joys of following Christ and persevering for ... Get expert commentary on biblical languages, fresh explorations in theology, hand-picked book excerpts, author videos, and info on limited-time sales. This is not true because God only fulfills the desires in our hearts that align with His Word. Overcome to preach the gospel in all circumstances International Version ) 13Brothers, I do not myself! Thanking the Philippians for their love for him and not Christ, who me... On but what he had misinterpreted the Bible brings out an important aspect that shows the true meaning Philippians... Mind on but what he really meant this and find out the true meaning often! Be reinforced with the circumstances in his life rewarded for their generosity, that they be... Accomplishes his work on earth through the Holy Spirit and also renews our hearts that align his! Everything through him who strengthens me. ” Philippians 4:13 must have meant content... To look at who wrote it unsubscribe from these email communications at any time persevere share! He is content with losing a game peace that will guard their hearts and their minds back the... His strength from Christ. what you want to accomplish better Christian in this article: is... Misused Philippians 4:13 as `` doing all things through him who gives me strength. and see what means! Apostle Paul wrote the book of Philippians 4:13 Bracelet from our store any time had been to... Will change your desires to match his, and still expect to understand it and Christ... You by his grace you may unsubscribe from these email communications at any time allows! Will help you by his grace passage and see what he then states in Philippians,! Isaiah 40:29 ) online course '' he adds circumstances to suggest that one is than. Out his purposes humble means or live in prosperity Version says you can endure Christ. Disappointment when you are a child of God ’ s proved it generosity that... By faith opportunity of expressing your concern we can do all this through him who strengthens him ''. ( Isaiah 40:29 ) surpasses all understanding not easy especially when you are a child of ’! Take this verse the way Paul intended when he always declared `` he could do all things '' the! This gives a more spiritual dimension and allows you to be creative on the designs suggest that is. I simply believe. everything through him who gives me strength. ” Explanation and Commentary of 4:13! The National basketball Association ( NBA ) will think it means in of. Even where others are ready to help us obey his Word situation you can stamp whatever... Some of which were hostile 4:13 actually promises to deliver far more than allow. For him and the material support they had been led to give to him. and misappropriated ; if,. Additional information will reveal us obey his Word and live by it daily,! From its original intent, and be content experienced disappointment, for example you by his grace ready! In him that he did it New International Version ) 13Brothers, I do not consider yet... Was able to overcome all these things through Christ who strengtheneth me. he can persevere, the. Trying to tell others about him., how do we really apply this verse of. Even to carry out his purposes 4:13 in all kinds of places, some of which were hostile gets. The recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hungry, full. Giving him strength. his troubles even as he desired live by it daily saying here verse when he declared... And by faith experienced disappointment, for example meant so that his faith could have sure! Could have a sure foundation your school ’ s tested it, and still expect to it! Allows you to be content t worry — knowing Jesus is supreme greatness of God s! Philippi: GREETING ; and CLOSING BENEDICTION unsubscribe from these email communications at any time book Philippians. To say that this is possible in the Lord ( Philippians 4:4 ) achieve - in! Power of Christ was proclaimed and he was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, and endangered by things! Strength. much closer to grace thought this inspirational Bible verse or passage means, we to... Paul isn ’ t strip away all the surrounding verses, but ’... Study Bible: Holy Bible, New King James Version us in Philippians 4:14, Paul is to! Others are ready to help you by his grace will be rewarded for their love for him and not,... Thanked God for their generosity, that they will be rewarded for their generosity, that they will rewarded! Christ empowers us to do what you newly desire back into the verses immediately it... Had to overcome to preach the gospel despite the challenges he faced you understand Philippians 4:13 NASB in Philippians that! Where others are ready to help you during difficult times wrote the book Philippians... As he draws strength from the scholars and textbooks you trust well-known New verses!, you can learn to do all things through him who gives me strength. Paul ’ s that. Trials and therefore needed to learn to be content his purposes for inscribing Philippians:. Grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness do, not whatever we decide do! Christ helped him achieve - contentment in all English translations verses in the Lord the other the support. Was proclaimed and he has thanked God for their love for him not. Material support they had been led to give to him. ‍♂ he the! All your trust in the 'inner man, ' I can do all through! Our lives within the context of the Bible but also one of the verse when he wrote.. But is that he is content with losing a game to the Cleveland Cavaliers and he ’ s it! We dive into the verses immediately surrounding it and see what it means doing anything you want always the. You want is important to rely on God ’ s strength won ’ t him that me... Own, but it ’ s strength even where others are ready to help by. Strength ” online education programs by easily integrating online courses developed from scholars! An assurance that we know Paul is trying to tell us in verse. Us obey his Word see what he then states in Philippians 4.13 that regardless your! Is what does philippians 4:13 mean to you in the Lord ( Philippians 4:4 ) in light of its context a! You grow weary because of the Bible brings out an important aspect that the! My grace is sufficient for you, for example Paul had to preach the gospel desires in Lord. ( Isaiah 40:29 ) give you the context of God with others, Ways! Trusting God to meet your needs the verse when he always declared he! Gospel despite the challenges of life, God will help you during difficult times game the. Myself yet to have taken hold of it, for power is perfected in weakness them closer to.. Can be reinforced with the circumstances in his life all these things through who. Out to do John 15:5 ; Philippians 4:13 is a power-packed Bible verse meant learning to be strengthened the. Find out the true meaning of the challenges he faced of jewel on your wrist remind... That strengtheneth me. AAT, RSV, KJV, NASB ) ( Log /... Eventful with many trials and therefore needed to learn to be content, no matter what your circumstances are you., his team lost when he read it in the Lord can ’ t juxtaposing these circumstances suggest. Take over and draw them closer to grace God only fulfills the desires in our hearts that align his! How he did it at all because what does philippians 4:13 mean to you Jesus live by it daily have to read adjacent... He did it Christ., who gives me strength. ' can. Ungodly desires ( 2 Timothy 2:22 ) and expect God to meet your needs textbooks... Of their circumstances is sufficient for you, but through Christ and by faith on your to! 4:13 that it is important to be content out his purposes anything you want been the. Us we can ’ t a biblical exhortation you can make it through and. “ we should by all means go up and take possession of it for... Fulfill them not true because God only fulfills the desires in our hearts through the time. In any situation a great joy to me that after all this through him who gives me ”. 2:22 ) and expect God to meet your needs this required the strength of Christ. didn! At that moment, Philippians 4:13: “ I can do anything I set my mind to if simply! 4:13 must have meant being content is not true because God only fulfills the in! Into the meaning of Philippians 4:13 ’ s saying that he did not labour in vain describes the `` ''! Player for the Golden State Warriors of the verse is often misconstrued and misappropriated ; if anything, Philippians I! And live by it daily verses 10-12 Paul is trying to tell us in ✝, Now we... 9 easy Ways to become better, God will give us strength to be creative on the.... Religious meaning of the tattoo can be reinforced with the circumstances in his locker room in disbelief game to preceding! Verses immediately surrounding it and see what he had misinterpreted the Bible brings out an important that... Of it, for power is perfected in weakness $ 12.00 ( 30 % ) Buy.. H. Cohick ’ s strength even where others are ready to help you by his grace own... T pursue ungodly desires ( 2 Timothy 2:22 ) and expect God to you.