What does Philippians 4:13 mean?
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
PHILIPPIANS 4:13 · BEREAN STANDARD BIBLE
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” is often quoted on its own. In the letter it closes a paragraph about learning to be content with plenty and with hunger, which is why every commentator below reads “all things” against verses 11 and 12.
Three commentaries, quoted, not summarized.
JAMIESON, FAUSSET & BROWN · 1871verified
I can do all things--Greek, "I have strength for all things"; not merely "how to be abased and how to abound." After special instances he declares his universal power--how triumphantly, yet how humbly! [MEYER]. through Christ which strengtheneth me--The oldest manuscripts omit "Christ"; then translate, "In Him who giveth me power," that is, by virtue of my living union and identification with Him, who is my strength (Gal 2:20). Compare Ti1 1:12, whence probably, "Christ" was inserted here by transcribers.
MATTHEW HENRY · 1721verified
…I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, Phi 4:13. We have need of strength from Christ, to enable us to perform not only those duties which are purely Christian, but even those which are the fruit of moral virtue. We need his strength to teach us to be content in every condition. The apostle had seemed to boast of himself, and of his own strength: I know how to be abased (Phi 4:12); but here he transfers all the praise to Christ. "What do I talk of knowing how to be abased…
JOHN GILL · 1748verified
I can do all things,.... Which must not be understood in the greatest latitude, and without any limitation; for the apostle was not omnipotent, either in himself, or by the power of Christ; nor could he do all things that Christ could do; but it must be restrained to the subject matter treated of: the sense is, that he could be content in every state, and could know how to behave himself in adversity and prosperity, amidst both poverty and plenty; yea…
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Philippians 4 · 5 printable lessons