Philippians · Chapter 4 · Strength
Philippians 4:13 — Bible Verse Meaning & Context
For the day that asks more than you feel ready to give.
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About Philippians 4:13
Paul wrote these words from prison, likely in Rome, near the end of his life. The full passage (Philippians 4:10–13) is about a hard-won contentment — knowing both abundance and need, knowing how to be full and how to be hungry. The famous line is the conclusion of that lesson, not a slogan for limitless ambition.
The Greek verb translated strengthens (ischuō) carries the sense of being made sufficient — given the inner capacity to bear what is in front of you. The promise is not that Christ will help you do anything; it is that Christ will give you what you need to remain steady in every circumstance you actually face.
This verse is often pulled out of its setting and applied to athletic performance, business goals, or general motivation. Read in context, it is closer to a quiet vow of trust: whether the day brings plenty or scarcity, the strength to meet it comes from outside the self.
For believers walking through a hard season — illness, loss, financial pressure, a long stretch of waiting — this is the verse's natural home. It does not promise the season will be easy or short. It promises that the strength you need will be given as the season unfolds.
Paul wrote it while chained to a Roman guard. He had every reason to despair. Instead, he wrote a thank-you letter.
Both translations, side by side
WEB · World English Bible
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."
KJV · King James Version
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
How the translations differ: The WEB is a modern public-domain revision of the 1901 ASV; the KJV dates to 1611. The KJV uses which, strengtheneth, while the WEB renders these as who, strengthens. Both translate the same underlying Greek or Hebrew text — the differences are stylistic, not theological.
In context
Philippians 4:13 in Philippians 4
A Bible verse rarely stands alone. Here is Philippians 4:13 read with the verses immediately before and after — the surrounding flow of Philippians 4. Read the full chapter →
- v.11 Not that I speak in respect to lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.
- v.12 I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.
- v.13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
- v.14 However you did well that you shared in my affliction.
- v.15 You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only.
Book background
About the Book of Philippians
- Testament
- New Testament
- Genre
- Pauline epistle
- Author
- Paul
- Date written
- c. 61–62 AD
- Audience
- The church at Philippi — Paul's most affectionate relationship
- Chapters
- 4
Philippians is Paul's joy-saturated thank-you letter from prison. It contains the great Christ-hymn (2:5-11) describing his self-emptying and exaltation, the call to rejoice always (4:4), the secret of contentment "in any and every situation" (4:11-13), and the assurance that "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion" (1:6).
Setting: Written from Roman imprisonment.
Key themes: joy · humility · partnership · contentment · Christ
Memorisation aid
How to memorise Philippians 4:13
Philippians 4:13 contains 10 words in 2 clauses. Learn one clause at a time, then chain them. The first-letter mnemonic (FLM) under each clause is a memory hook — once you can speak the FLM from memory, the full clause follows.
- 1
I can do all things through Christ
ICDATT
- 2
who strengthens me.
WSM
Frequently asked
FAQ about Philippians 4:13
What does Philippians 4:13 say?
Philippians 4:13 reads: "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." — from the New Testament, Philippians (Pauline epistle). The full verse is shown above with both the World English Bible (WEB) and King James Version (KJV) translations side by side.
What book of the Bible is Philippians 4:13 in?
Philippians 4:13 is in the book of Philippians, traditionally attributed to Paul and written around c. 61–62 AD. Philippians is pauline epistle in the New Testament, originally addressed to The church at Philippi — Paul's most affectionate relationship. Best known for "I can do all things through Christ" and the Christ-hymn (2:5-11).
What is Philippians 4:13 about?
Philippians 4:13 is primarily a Bible verse about Strength, with related themes including Faith. Within Philippians, Philippians is Paul's joy-saturated thank-you letter from prison. Read the full passage above with surrounding context.
What is the difference between Philippians 4:13 in WEB and KJV?
Philippians 4:13 in the World English Bible (WEB) reads: "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.". The King James Version (KJV) reads: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.". The WEB is a modern public-domain translation that updates the KJV's 1611 English while keeping a similar formal-equivalence style. Both render the same underlying Greek or Hebrew text.
How long is Philippians 4:13?
Philippians 4:13 is 10 words in the WEB translation (55 characters), broken into 2 clauses. It is short and well-suited to memorisation. Estimated reading time is about 3 seconds.
How can I memorise Philippians 4:13?
To memorise Philippians 4:13, split it into its 2 natural clauses and learn one at a time. Repeat the full verse out loud five times, then write it from memory. Saving the verse as a photo wallpaper using our verse image studio helps daily review — the visual association with a memorable background dramatically improves recall.
Why does Philippians 4:13 matter in Philippians?
Philippians is Paul's joy-saturated thank-you letter from prison. It contains the great Christ-hymn (2:5-11) describing his self-emptying and exaltation, the call to rejoice always (4:4), the secret of contentment "in any and every situation" (4:11-13), and the assurance that "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion" (1:6). Philippians 4:13 sits within this larger story — Philippians as a whole emphasises joy, humility, partnership.
How can I apply Philippians 4:13 today?
Many readers use Philippians 4:13 as a daily reminder verse — saving it as a phone wallpaper, sharing it on Pinterest, or memorising it for prayer. The verse studio on this page lets you download Philippians 4:13 on 52 different backgrounds for free. Pair the verse with the surrounding chapter context shown above to understand its full meaning before applying it.
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10 verses to read next
A fresh set of verses every visit — each on its own photo background. Tap any card to open the full study page.
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Romans 8:28
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
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Psalm 23:1
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
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Isaiah 40:31
“But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and no…”
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2 Corinthians 12:9
“He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses,…”
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Joshua 1:9
“Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.””
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Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the…”
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Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them; for Yahweh your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.””
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Psalms 27:1
“By David. Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?”
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Psalms 46:1
“For the Chief Musician. By the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
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Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
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Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!””
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Philippians 4:6-7
“In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which sur…”
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Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”
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Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely,…”
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