CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0; maximum-scale=1.0; user-scalable=0;"/><title>Philippians 4:13 Commentaries: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.</title><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newcom.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="../vmenus/philippians/4-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmcom/philippians/4-13.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="http://biblehub.com">Bible</a> > <a href="http://biblehub.com/commentaries/">Commentaries</a> > Philippians 4:13</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="../philippians/4-12.htm" title="Philippians 4:12">◄</a> Philippians 4:13 <a href="../philippians/4-14.htm" title="Philippians 4:14">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.</div><div id="jump">Jump to: <a href="/commentaries/alford/philippians/4.htm" title="Henry Alford - Greek Testament Critical Exegetical Commentary">Alford</a> • <a href="/commentaries/barnes/philippians/4.htm" title="Barnes' Notes">Barnes</a> • <a href="/commentaries/bengel/philippians/4.htm" title="Bengel's Gnomen">Bengel</a> • <a href="/commentaries/benson/philippians/4.htm" title="Benson Commentary">Benson</a> • <a href="/commentaries/illustrator/philippians/4.htm" title="Biblical Illustrator">BI</a> • <a href="/commentaries/calvin/philippians/4.htm" title="Calvin's Commentaries">Calvin</a> • <a href="/commentaries/cambridge/philippians/4.htm" title="Cambridge Bible">Cambridge</a> • <a href="/commentaries/chrysostom/philippians/4.htm" title="Chrysostom Homilies">Chrysostom</a> • <a href="/commentaries/clarke/philippians/4.htm" title="Clarke's Commentary">Clarke</a> • <a href="/commentaries/darby/philippians/4.htm" title="Darby's Bible Synopsis">Darby</a> • <a href="/commentaries/ellicott/philippians/4.htm" title="Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers">Ellicott</a> • <a href="/commentaries/expositors/philippians/4.htm" title="Expositor's Bible">Expositor's</a> • <a href="/commentaries/edt/philippians/4.htm" title="Expositor's Dictionary">Exp Dct</a> • <a href="/commentaries/egt/philippians/4.htm" title="Expositor's Greek">Exp Grk</a> • <a href="/commentaries/gaebelein/philippians/4.htm" title="Gaebelein's Annotated Bible">Gaebelein</a> • <a href="/commentaries/gsb/philippians/4.htm" title="Geneva Study Bible">GSB</a> • <a href="/commentaries/gill/philippians/4.htm" title="Gill's Bible Exposition">Gill</a> • <a href="/commentaries/gray/philippians/4.htm" title="Gray's Concise">Gray</a> • <a href="/commentaries/guzik/philippians/4.htm" title="Guzik Bible Commentary">Guzik</a> • <a href="/commentaries/haydock/philippians/4.htm" title="Haydock Catholic Bible Commentary">Haydock</a> • <a href="/commentaries/hastings/philippians/4-6.htm" title="Hastings Great Texts">Hastings</a> • <a href="/commentaries/homiletics/philippians/4.htm" title="Pulpit Homiletics">Homiletics</a> • <a href="/commentaries/icc/philippians/4.htm" title="ICC NT Commentary">ICC</a> • <a href="/commentaries/jfb/philippians/4.htm" title="Jamieson-Fausset-Brown">JFB</a> • <a href="/commentaries/kelly/philippians/4.htm" title="Kelly Commentary">Kelly</a> • <a href="/commentaries/king-en/philippians/4.htm" title="Kingcomments Bible Studies">King</a> • <a href="/commentaries/lange/philippians/4.htm" title="Lange Commentary">Lange</a> • <a href="/commentaries/maclaren/philippians/4.htm" title="MacLaren Expositions">MacLaren</a> • <a href="/commentaries/mhc/philippians/4.htm" title="Matthew Henry Concise">MHC</a> • <a href="/commentaries/mhcw/philippians/4.htm" title="Matthew Henry Full">MHCW</a> • <a href="/commentaries/meyer/philippians/4.htm" title="Meyer Commentary">Meyer</a> • <a href="/commentaries/parker/philippians/4.htm" title="The People's Bible by Joseph Parker">Parker</a> • <a href="/commentaries/pnt/philippians/4.htm" title="People's New Testament">PNT</a> • <a href="/commentaries/poole/philippians/4.htm" title="Matthew Poole">Poole</a> • <a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philippians/4.htm" title="Pulpit Commentary">Pulpit</a> • <a href="/commentaries/sermon/philippians/4.htm" title="Sermon Bible">Sermon</a> • <a href="/commentaries/sco/philippians/4.htm" title="Scofield Reference Notes">SCO</a> • <a href="/commentaries/ttb/philippians/4.htm" title="Through The Bible">TTB</a> • <a href="/commentaries/vws/philippians/4.htm" title="Vincent's Word Studies">VWS</a> • <a href="/commentaries/wes/philippians/4.htm" title="Wesley's Notes">WES</a> • <a href="#tsk" title="Treasury of Scripture Knowledge">TSK</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="comtype">EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)</div><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/philippians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) <span class= "bld">I can do all things.</span>—Properly, <span class= "ital">I have strength in all things, </span>rather (according to the context) to bear than to do. But the universal extension of the maxim beyond the immediate occasion and context is not inadmissible. It represents the ultimate and ideal consciousness of the Christian. The first thing needful is to throw off mere self-sufficiency, to know our weakness and sin, and accept the salvation of God’s free grace in Christ; the next, to find the “strength made perfect in weakness,” and in that to be strong.<p><span class= "bld">Through Christ which strengtheneth me.</span>—The word “Christ” is not found in the best MSS.; it is a gloss, perhaps suggested by <a href="/1_timothy/1-12.htm" title="And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;">1Timothy 1:12</a>, where we have exactly the same phrase, “Christ Jesus, our Lord, who hath enabled me.” The same word is used in <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm" title="Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.">Ephesians 6:10</a>, “Be strong (<span class= "ital">strengthened within</span>) in the Lord.” In this sentence we have the world-wide distinction between the Stoic and the Christian. Each teaches respect for the higher humanity in the soul; but to the one that humanity is our own, to the other it is “the Christ within,” dwelling in the heart, regenerating and conforming it to Himself. The words of St. Paul are but a practical corollary to the higher truth (comp. <a href="/philippians/1-21.htm" title="For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.">Philippians 1:21</a>) “To me to live is Christ.” In this consciousness alone is any thoughtful teaching of “self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-distrust,” intelligible and coherent.<p><a name="mhc" id="mhc"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/mhc/philippians/4.htm">Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary</a></div>4:10-19 It is a good work to succour and help a good minister in trouble. The nature of true Christian sympathy, is not only to feel concern for our friends in their troubles, but to do what we can to help them. The apostle was often in bonds, imprisonments, and necessities; but in all, he learned to be content, to bring his mind to his condition, and make the best of it. Pride, unbelief, vain hankering after something we have not got, and fickle disrelish of present things, make men discontented even under favourable circumstances. Let us pray for patient submission and hope when we are abased; for humility and a heavenly mind when exalted. It is a special grace to have an equal temper of mind always. And in a low state not to lose our comfort in God, nor distrust his providence, nor take any wrong course for our own supply. In a prosperous condition not to be proud, or secure, or worldly. This is a harder lesson than the other; for the temptations of fulness and prosperity are more than those of affliction and want. The apostle had no design to urge them to give more, but to encourage such kindness as will meet a glorious reward hereafter. Through Christ we have grace to do what is good, and through him we must expect the reward; and as we have all things by him, let us do all things for him, and to his glory.<a name="bar" id="bar"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/barnes/philippians/4.htm">Barnes' Notes on the Bible</a></div>I can do all things - From the experience which Paul had in these various circumstances of life, he comes here to the general conclusion that he could "do all things." He could bear any trial, perform any duty, subdue any evil propensity of his nature, and meet all the temptations incident to any condition of prosperity or adversity. His own experience in the various changes of life had warranted him in arriving at this conclusion; and he now expresses the firm confidence that nothing would be required of him which he would not be able to perform. In Paul, this declaration was not a vain self-reliance, nor was it the mere result of his former experience. He knew well where the strength was to be obtained by which to do all things, and on that arm that was able to uphold him he confidently relied.<p>Through Christ which strengtheneth me - See the notes at <a href="/john/15-5.htm">John 15:5</a>. Of the strength which Christ can impart, Paul had had abundant experience; and now his whole reliance was there. It was not in any native ability which he had; not in any vigor of body or of mind; not in any power which there was in his own resolutions; it was in the strength that he derived from the Redeemer. By that he was enabled to bear cold, fatigue, and hunger; by that, he met temptations and persecutions; and by that, he engaged in the performance of his arduous duties let us learn, hence:<p>(1) that we need not sink under any trial, for there is one who can strengthen us.<p>(2) that we need not yield to temptation. There is one who is able to make a way for our escape.<p>(3) that we need not be harassed, and vexed, and tortured with improper thoughts and unholy desires. There is one who can enable us to banish such thoughts from the mind, and restore the right balance to the affections of the soul.<p>(4) that we need not dread what is to come. Trials, temptations, poverty, want, persecution, may await us; but we need not sink into despondency. At every step of life, Christ is able to strengthen us, and can bring us triumphantly through. What a privilege it is, therefore, to be a Christian - to feel, in the trials of life, that we have one friend, unchanging and most mighty, who can always help us! How cheerfully should we engage in our duties, and meet the trials that are before us, leaning on the arm of our Almighty Redeemer! Let us not shrink from duty; let us not dread persecution let us not fear the bed of death. In all circumstances, Christ, our unchanging Friend, can uphold us. Let the eye and the affections of the heart be fixed on him; let the simple, fervent, believing prayer be directed always to him when trials come, when temptations assail, when duty presses hard upon us, and when a crowd of unholy and forbidden thoughts rush into the soul: and we shall be safe. <a name="jfb" id="jfb"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/jfb/philippians/4.htm">Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary</a></div>13. 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].<p>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 (Ga 2:20). Compare 1Ti 1:12, whence probably, "Christ" was inserted here by transcribers.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/poole/philippians/4.htm">Matthew Poole's Commentary</a></div> Having written of the great things he had learned, that it might not be attributed to his proud conceit, or give occasion to any others’ vanity to boast, (as he had recourse before to the Divine efficiency to will and do, <span class="bld"><a href="/philippians/2-13.htm" title="For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.">Philippians 2:13</a></span>), he rests solely for power upon Christ, being found in whom, when he saith he <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="bld">can do all things, </span> we are not to understand it absolutely, but restrictively to the subject matter he had before mentioned in the precedent verses, intimating he could by the Lord’s help use well both prosperity and adversity: or, all those things the Lord called him to and put him upon. Not, as the papists urge, that any mere man since the fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God; but that he by faith being united to Christ, by the power of his Spirit dwelling in him, hath in the Lord righteousness and strength, <span class="bld"><a href="/isaiah/45-24.htm" title="Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.">Isaiah 45:24</a></span>; and thereupon hath a sincere respect to all God’s commands, as David had, <span class="bld"><a href="/psalms/119-6.htm" title="Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect to all your commandments.">Psalm 119:6</a></span>; so also had Zacharias and Elisabeth, <span class="bld"><a href="/luke/1-6.htm" title="And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.">Luke 1:6</a></span>; in opposition to Pharisaical obedience: not by any power he had of himself, but through Christ strengthening of him, so that God would accept of his sincere performance (though not every way perfect) of what was incumbent on him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="gil" id="gil"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/gill/philippians/4.htm">Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible</a></div>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, it may be extended to all the duties incumbent on him both as a Christian and as an apostle, as to exercise a conscience void of offence towards God and men; to take the care of all the churches; to labour more abundantly than others in preaching the Gospel; and to bear all afflictions, reproaches, and persecutions for the sake of it; yea, he could willingly and cheerfully endure the most cruel and torturing death for the sake of Christ: all these things he could do, not in his own strength, for no man was more conscious of his own weakness than he was, or knew more of the impotency of human nature; and therefore always directed others to be strong in the Lord, and in, the power of his might, and in the grace that is in Christ, on which he himself always depended, and by which he did what he did; as he adds here, <p>through Christ which strengtheneth me. The Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions leave out the word "Christ", and only read "him"; and so the Alexandrian copy and others; but intend Christ as those that express it: strength to perform duty and to bear sufferings is in Christ, and which he communicates to his people; he strengthens them with strength in their souls, internally, as the word here used signifies; by virtue of which they can do whatever he enjoins them or calls them to, though without him they can do nothing. <a name="gsb" id="gsb"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/gsb/philippians/4.htm">Geneva Study Bible</a></div><span class="cverse2">I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.</span></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><div class="comtype">EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)</div><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/meyer/philippians/4.htm">Meyer's NT Commentary</a></div><a href="/philippians/4-13.htm" title="I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.">Php 4:13</a>. After the <span class="ital">special</span> statement, the consciousness of the <span class="greekheb">αὐτάρκεια</span> now finds fresh utterance <span class="ital">generally;</span> and in the grand brevity of the latter how marked is the assurance, and, at the same time, the humility!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="greekheb">ἰσχύω</span>] of <span class="ital">moral</span> strength, homogeneous as to category with <span class="greekheb">ἔμαθον</span> in <a href="/philippians/4-11.htm" title="Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content.">Php 4:11</a>, and with <span class="greekheb">οἶδα</span> and <span class="greekheb">μεμύημαι</span> in <a href="/philippians/4-12.htm" title="I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.">Php 4:12</a>, because these predicates also were <span class="ital">dynamically</span> meant, of the understanding of ethical practice. There is therefore the less reason for limiting <span class="greekheb">πάντα</span> in any way (van Hengel: “omnia memorata;” comp. Weiss); there is <span class="ital">nothing</span> for which Paul did not feel himself morally strong; for <span class="ital">every</span> relation he knew himself to be morally adequate. <span class="greekheb">πάντα</span> is the accusative of the <span class="ital">object</span>. <a href="/galatians/5-6.htm" title="For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love.">Galatians 5:6</a>; <a href="/james/5-16.htm" title="Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.">Jam 5:16</a>. The opposite to it: <span class="greekheb">μηδὲν ἰσχύωσιν</span>, Plat. <span class="ital">Crit</span>. p. 50 B, Ael. <span class="ital">V. H</span>. xii. 22, <span class="ital">et al</span>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="greekheb">ἐν τῷ ἐνδυν</span>. <span class="greekheb">με</span>] Not in his own human ability does Paul feel this power, but it has its basis <span class="ital">in Christ</span>, whose <span class="greekheb">δύναμις</span> the apostle experiences in his fellowship of life with Him (<a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm" title="And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest on me.">2 Corinthians 12:9</a>). Comp. <a href="/1_timothy/1-12.htm" title="And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;">1 Timothy 1:12</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/2-1.htm" title="You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.">2 Timothy 2:1</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/4-17.htm" title="Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.">2 Timothy 4:17</a>. Thus he is able to do all things <span class="greekheb">ἐν τῷ κράτει τῆς ἰσχύος αὐτοῦ</span>, <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm" title="Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.">Ephesians 6:10</a>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/egt/philippians/4.htm">Expositor's Greek Testament</a></div><a href="/philippians/4-13.htm" title="I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.">Php 4:13</a>. <span class="greekheb">π</span>. <span class="greekheb">Ισχ</span>. It is difficult to decide whether <span class="greekheb">π</span>. is accusative or merely adverbial. <span class="ital">Cf.</span> <a href="/james/5-16.htm" title="Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.">Jam 5:16</a> (where apparently <span class="greekheb">ἰσχύει</span> has the accusative), and <a href="http://apocrypha.org/wisdom_of_solomon/16-20.htm" title="Instead whereof thou feddest thine own people with angels' food, and didst send them from heaven bread prepared without their labour, able to content every man's delight, and agreeing to every taste.">Wis 16:20</a>, <span class="greekheb">ἄρτον</span> … <span class="greekheb">ἀπʼ οὐρανοῦ ἔπεμψας</span> … <span class="greekheb">πᾶσαν ἡδονὴν ἰσχύοντα</span>. For the other alternative see Hom., <span class="ital">Odyss.</span>, 8, 214.—<span class="greekheb">ἐνδυν</span>. <span class="ital">Cf.</span> <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm" title="Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.">Ephesians 6:10</a>, <span class="greekheb">ἐνδυναμοῦσθε ἐν Κυρίῳ</span>; Jud. 6:34 (cod. A), <span class="greekheb">πνεῦμα Θεοῦ ἐνεδυνάμωσεν τὸν Γεδεών</span>. It is a rare word. The adjective <span class="greekheb">ἐνδύναμος</span>, from which it springs, is only found in late Byzantine Greek. An apt parallel to the whole context is Ps. Sol. 16:12, <span class="greekheb">ἑν τῷ ἐνισχῦσαί σε τὴν ψυχήν μου ἀρκέσει μοι τὸ δοθέν</span>.—<span class="greekheb">Χριστῷ</span> must be omitted. See crit. note <span class="ital">supr.</span><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/cambridge/philippians/4.htm">Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges</a></div><span class="bld">13</span>. <span class="ital">I can do all things</span>] More exactly, <span class="bld">I have strength for all things</span>; whether to do or to bear. The Latin versions, beautifully, render, <span class="ital">omnia possum</span>. The “all things” are, of course, not all things absolutely; he is not the Omnipotent. They are “all things” with which he has to do, as the will of God brings them to him; not the boundless field of possibilities, but a straight line across it, the actual path of duty and suffering, chosen not by himself but by his Lord and Master. The reference is thus limited and practical; but <span class="ital">within</span> that reference it is, observe, not “<span class="ital">some</span>” but “<span class="ital">all</span>” things that he can meet in peace and strength. Cp. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-13.htm" title="There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.">1 Corinthians 10:13</a>; <a href="/ephesians/2-12.htm" title="That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:">Ephesians 2:12</a>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="ital">through Christ which strengtheneth me</span>] With the best attested reading, and more exactly, <span class="bld">in Him who enableth me</span>. The verb occurs elsewhere in the active, <a href="/1_timothy/1-12.htm" title="And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;">1 Timothy 1:12</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/4-17.htm" title="Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.">2 Timothy 4:17</a>. It occurs in the middle or passive, <a href="/acts/9-22.htm" title="But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelled at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.">Acts 9:22</a>; <a href="/romans/4-20.htm" title="He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;">Romans 4:20</a>; <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm" title="Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.">Ephesians 6:10</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/2-1.htm" title="You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.">2 Timothy 2:1</a>; <a href="/hebrews/11-34.htm" title="Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.">Hebrews 11:34</a>. It imports the supply on the one hand and reception and realization on the other of a supernatural ability (<span class="ital">dynamis</span>), coming out in action.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span>Observe the phrase, “<span class="bld"><span class="ital">in</span></span> Him.” It is in vital union with his Head that the “member” is thus able for “all things,” and in no other way (cp. <a href="/context/john/15-4.htm" title="Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in me....">John 15:4-5</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/9-8.htm" title="And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:">2 Corinthians 9:8</a>; <a href="/context/2_corinthians/12-9.htm" title="And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest on me....">2 Corinthians 12:9-10</a>). But this way is open to the submissive faith of every true Christian, not of Apostles and Martyrs only.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span>The word “<span class="ital">Christ</span>” is not in the true text, but is manifestly a true “gloss.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="pul" id="pul"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philippians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me</span>; rather, as R.V., <span class="accented">in him that strengtheneth me.</span> The best manuscripts omit the word "Christ" in this place. <span class="accented">In him.</span> It is only in Christ, in spiritual union with him, that the Christian is <span class="greek">αὐτάρκης</span>, self-sufficient. His presence gives strength to do and suffer all things (comp. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9</a>). Philippians 4:13<a name="vws" id="vws"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/vws/philippians/4.htm">Vincent's Word Studies</a></div>I can do (ἰσχύω)<p>See on <a href="/luke/14-30.htm">Luke 14:30</a>.<p>Strengtheneth (ἐνδυναμοῦντι)<p>More literally, infuses strength into me, as the old verb inforce. <div class="vheading2">Links</div><a href="/interlinear/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13 Interlinear</a><br /><a href="/texts/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13 Parallel Texts</a><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/niv/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="http://bibleapps.com/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13 Bible Apps</a><br /><a href="/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13 Parallel</a><br /><a href="http://bibliaparalela.com/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="http://holybible.com.cn/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="http://saintebible.com/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="http://bibeltext.com/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13 German Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/">Bible Hub</a><br /></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td align="center"><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script><br /><br /> </div> <div id="left"><a href="../philippians/4-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philippians 4:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philippians 4:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="../philippians/4-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philippians 4:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philippians 4:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>