What does Philippians 4:13 mean?
Quick answer
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Often misquoted as a guarantee for personal success, the verse is actually Paul’s testimony that, with Christ’s strength, he could be content in plenty or in want.
Context matters: Paul has just said, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content" (4:11). "All things" means "any circumstance" — not "anything I dream up."
The strength offered is Christ’s, given to do God’s will. It is not a sports verse; it is a perseverance verse.
For Christians: in poverty or wealth, ease or hardship, Jesus is enough. That is what we can "do."
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Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.