Version: King James Version (public domain)
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”) is not a promise of success in any project: Paul, in prison, is speaking of the strength to be content in hunger and in plenty.
Bible text
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
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.
Original text
Panta ischyō en tō endynamounti me.
Historical context
A letter from prison. Paul writes in chains (Philippians 1:13), probably in Rome around AD 60–62. The church at Philippi had sent him a gift through Epaphroditus (4:18).
A thank-you note. Verses 10–20 are a note of thanks. Paul is glad for the help but stresses that he does not depend on it: “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (v. 11).
Hunger and plenty. Verse 12 describes both extremes: being full and being hungry, abounding and suffering need. Verse 13 comes in that setting.
Explanation
“All things”
In context, “all things” are the situations of verse 12: plenty and want, fullness and hunger. Paul is not saying he can achieve anything he wants, but that he can get through anything that comes.
“I have learned the secret”
In verse 12, the Greek verb memyēmai (“I am instructed”) comes from the language of the mystery cults: “I have been initiated”. Contentment is presented as something learned over time.
“Through him who strengthens me”
The strength does not come from Paul himself but from someone who keeps strengthening him (the verb is present tense). The oldest Greek manuscripts do not have the word “Christ” here; the KJV includes it because it follows the later Textus Receptus.
A popular reading, and a caution
The verse is widely used by athletes and in motivational messages. Reading it in context does not weaken it, but it shifts the focus: it is about endurance and contentment, not guaranteed victory.
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How each tradition reads it
Catholic
In the Catholic liturgy, Philippians 4:12–14, 19–20 is read on the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A). Catholic spiritual tradition links the verse to grace: the strength to do good comes from God and works together with human freedom.
Protestant
It is one of the most popular verses in evangelical culture, seen on T-shirts, tattoos and athletes’ posts. Many preachers insist on reading it with verse 11: Paul’s “secret” is contentment in Christ, not a guarantee of success.
Orthodox
In the Orthodox tradition, Philippians 4 is well known because verses 4–9 (“rejoice in the Lord alway”) are the Epistle reading for Palm Sunday. The strength Paul speaks of is read as the fruit of union with Christ.
Academic
The word translated “content” (v. 11) is autarkēs, a key term in Stoic philosophy for self-sufficiency. Paul uses the vocabulary but changes the source: sufficiency is not in himself but “in him who strengthens me”. The place of imprisonment (Rome, Ephesus or Caesarea) is debated.
Each reading is attributed to the tradition that holds it. VersePath does not take sides.
Reflect
Paul says he learned to be content. In which area of your life are you in that school right now: in want or in plenty? Read verses 11–13 together before quoting verse 13 on its own.
Did you know?
- In the critical Greek text, the verse has only six words: panta ischyō en tō endynamounti me.
- The word “Christ” is missing from the oldest manuscripts; it was added in later copies and entered the Textus Receptus, the basis of the KJV.
- Philippi was the first city in Europe where Paul founded a church (Acts 16).
- It is one of the most tattooed and printed Bible verses in the world.
Frequently asked questions
What does Philippians 4:13 mean?
That Paul, imprisoned and relying on others’ help, had learned to live well in any situation, hungry or full, because God was strengthening him.
Does Philippians 4:13 mean I can achieve anything?
In context, no. “All things” are the situations of plenty and need in verse 12. The focus is strength to endure, not a guarantee of success.
Why do some Bibles say “through Christ” and others don’t?
Because the oldest Greek manuscripts only say “through him who strengthens me”. “Christ” appears in later copies, followed by translations such as the KJV.
Where was Paul when he wrote Philippians?
In prison, as he says himself (1:13). Tradition points to Rome; some scholars suggest Ephesus or Caesarea.