What is Philippians 4:13 Really Saying?

Philippians 4:13 is one of the most popular verses in the Bible but also one of the most misused and misinterpreted.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” it’s everywhere; shirts, mugs, decals, journals- you name it. This verse is so famous that it is even known by non-believers. And while the verse is motivational and true, it is taken out of context more often than not. In order to understand the real meaning of this verse, we must first look at the context and some background facts.

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Paul was in prison at the time this was written. Prisons were not as nice then as they are today in America. Talk about mice and lice-infested, unsanitary cells- you get the not-so-pleasant picture. So we know that Paul was not living in the best of conditions. Add in Paul’s unnamed chronic illness he talks about in 2 Corinthians 12-suffice to say that Paul’s environment was gloomy. Yet…he did not complain.

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” Philippians 4:11-12 (ESV)

The key word here is content.

Paul learned to be content in every state that he was; in the good and in the bad. He lived in a perpetual state of thanksgiving no matter the situation he faced. And even when the brethren’s provision was tardy, Paul excused them by saying that their help had not come due to their needs. But alas, the brothers’ provision was here and he expressed his gratitude. And even when he was clearly in need he says “not that I am speaking of being in need” wow! Now, that is a man who has learned to be grateful! Even with what little he had.

A couple verses before this, Paul instructs the Philippians to set their minds on what is good and lovely. This is the key to a grateful heart and mind. The oppressed man has become the encourager and an example to follow.

This is the state in which Paul found himself when he penned “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

He meant it by way of praise and exaltation to God. In his illness, imprisonments, and persecution he gave all the credit to God. He knew that he could not move a single finger if God was not behind him.

By no means did Paul imply that God would give him material success or wealth as it is often used today. We hear athletes recite this verse before a game and students before a test or even ambitious individuals before launching into an endeavor. Of course, God can give us success and we can do all things in God’s strength but this verse is not talking about that sort of success.

People use this verse loosely as if it were a mantra or as if God were a genie in a bottle and reciting those words were a magical phrase to summon Him.

Paul was talking about contentment in times of wealth and in times of need 2 verses prior- he did not say “God will give me success.” No! In fact, he said this while living in bad conditions. But it is often used to imply that God will give success and wealth-completely contrary to the real meaning. So, Philippians 4:13 is a verse about depending on God for strength in hard times and praising Him with thanksgiving.

Even if we don’t have success in our plans or if we live in need, we can be sure that God will give us the strength to push forward. But living contently in every stage is the key. When we praise Abba for His provision and His bountiful blessings, we don’t have time to complain or ask for more.

Put contentment back into context, and see what a big difference it makes to the meaning of Philippians 4:13 and how we apply it to our lives.

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