Philippians 4:13 Meaning of I Can Do All This Through Him Who Gives Me Strength

Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Explanation and Commentary of Philippians 4:13

Paul has been thanking the Philippians for their love for him and the material support they had been led to give to him. He has thanked God for their generosity, that they will be rewarded for their selfless act toward him. He also said that he didn’t mind being in need. He had experienced need to the point that it had no effect on him anymore than the abundance he experienced. He claimed to have learned the secret to being content whatever the situation, and he states the reason here in Philippians 4:13.

This is almost too simple to grasp. There is nothing that a Chrisitan is not supposed to be able to handle when they are in and with Christ. It isn’t just that Christ is strong enough to handle our trials, but that he will give us strength from his vast stores (Eph 1:19), so that we can continue to act as his ambassadors and image-bearers on the earth, awaiting his sure return.

Breaking Down the Key Parts of Philippians 4:13

#1 “I can…”
Unlike worldly philosophies and motivational platitudes, Paul’s “I can” is rooted in a strength that is not his own. Paul seems to have given up all confidence in the flesh (Phil 3:3) and learned to live his life fully in Christ.

#2 “…do all this…”
Paul is explaining why he does not get very concerned with his material needs. He said, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Phil 4:12). Paul can walk through all of this and more because the source of his strength is from without.

#3 “…through him who gives me strength.”
“Be strong and very courageous” (Josh 1:7). “Be strong, act like a man” (1 Kings 2:2). “Be strong and take heart” (Ps 31:24). In this and many other places, God connects being strong with obeying him. We are called to be strong, but to also know where our strength comes from, the strength of the Lord.

Bible Study on Philippians 4:13

Expert Overview of Philippians

Biblical Translations of Philippians 4:13

NIV
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

NLT
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

ESV
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

KJV
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

NKJV
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.