CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//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" /><title>Philippians 2:13 For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/philippians/2-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/50_Php_02_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Philippians 2:13 - Shining as Stars" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." /><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/2-13.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="/bmc/philippians/2-13.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="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/philippians/">Philippians</a> > <a href="/philippians/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 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><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/philippians/2-12.htm" title="Philippians 2:12">◄</a> Philippians 2:13 <a href="/philippians/2-14.htm" title="Philippians 2:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/philippians/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/philippians/2.htm">New International Version</a> for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. <a href="/nlt/philippians/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. <a href="/esv/philippians/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. <a href="/bsb/philippians/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose. <a href="/blb/philippians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For God is the One working in you both to will and to work according to His good pleasure. <a href="/kjv/philippians/2.htm">King James Bible</a> For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. <a href="/nkjv/philippians/2.htm">New King James Version</a> for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. <a href="/nasb_/philippians/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> for it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure. <a href="/nasb/philippians/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. <a href="/nasb77/philippians/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. <a href="/lsb/philippians/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. <a href="/amp/philippians/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure. <a href="/csb/philippians/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose. <a href="/hcsb/philippians/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose. <a href="/asv/philippians/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. <a href="/cev/philippians/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him. <a href="/erv/philippians/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. <a href="/gwt/philippians/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> It is God who produces in you the desires and actions that please him. <a href="/gnt/philippians/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose. <a href="/isv/philippians/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> For it is God who is producing in you both the desire and the ability to do what pleases him. <a href="/msb/philippians/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For God it is who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose. <a href="/net/philippians/2.htm">NET Bible</a> for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort--for the sake of his good pleasure--is God. <a href="/nheb/philippians/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. <a href="/wbt/philippians/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For it is God who worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. <a href="/wey/philippians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For it is God Himself whose power creates within you the desire to do His gracious will and also brings about the accomplishment of the desire. <a href="/web/philippians/2.htm">World English Bible</a> For it is God who works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/philippians/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for it is God who is working in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure. <a href="/blb/philippians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For God is the One working in you both to will and to work according to His good pleasure. <a href="/ylt/philippians/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for God it is who is working in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure. <a href="/slt/philippians/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For God is working in you also to will and to work by benevolence.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/philippians/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For it is God who worketh in you, both to will and to accomplish, according to his good will. <a href="/cpdv/philippians/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For it is God who works in you, both so as to choose, and so as to act, in accord with his good will. <a href="/nabre/philippians/2.htm">New American Bible</a> For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work. <a href="/nrsvce/philippians/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/philippians/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For it is God who inspires you with the will to do the good things which you desire to do. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philippians/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For God is carefully working in you both to desire and to do that thing which you desire.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/philippians/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> for it is God, who, of his good pleasure, works in you both the will and the power to perform. <a href="/godbey/philippians/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> for God is the one working in you both to will and to do, of his own good pleasure. <a href="/haweis/philippians/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For it is God who worketh effectually in you both to will and to perform of his good pleasure.<CM> <a href="/mace/philippians/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for it is God that influences your desires and endeavours, out of his benevolence to you. <a href="/wey/philippians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For it is God Himself whose power creates within you the desire to do His gracious will and also brings about the accomplishment of the desire. <a href="/worrell/philippians/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> for it is God Who is working in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure. <a href="/worsley/philippians/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> for it is God that worketh in you both to will, and to work, out of his own good-pleasure. <a href="/parallel/philippians/2-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mXomUhcrPbg?start=372" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/philippians/2.htm">Shining as Stars</a> 12Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 13<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">it is</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">who</a> <a href="/greek/1754.htm" title="1754: energōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- From energes; to be active, efficient.">works</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelein (V-PNA) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">to will</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1754.htm" title="1754: energein (V-PNA) -- From energes; to be active, efficient.">to act</a> <a href="/greek/5228.htm" title="5228: hyper (Prep) -- Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. ">on behalf of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">His</a> <a href="/greek/2107.htm" title="2107: eudokias (N-GFS) -- From a presumed compound of eu and the base of dokeo; satisfaction, i.e. delight, or kindness, wish, purpose.">good purpose.</a> 14Do everything without complaining or arguing,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a> And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. <a href="/ephesians/3-20.htm">Ephesians 3:20</a> Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, <a href="/hebrews/13-21.htm">Hebrews 13:21</a> equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. <a href="/2_corinthians/3-5.htm">2 Corinthians 3:5</a> Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God. <a href="/colossians/1-29.htm">Colossians 1:29</a> To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-6.htm">1 Corinthians 12:6</a> There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. <a href="/john/15-5.htm">John 15:5</a> I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-13.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:13</a> And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is also now at work in you who believe. <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:11</a> To this end, we always pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of His calling, and that He will powerfully fulfill your every good desire and work of faith, <a href="/1_peter/4-11.htm">1 Peter 4:11</a> If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. <a href="/ezekiel/36-27.htm">Ezekiel 36:27</a> And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. <a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a> “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. <a href="/isaiah/26-12.htm">Isaiah 26:12</a> O LORD, You will establish peace for us. For all that we have accomplished, You have done for us. <a href="/psalms/37-23.htm">Psalm 37:23</a> The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey. <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9</a> A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.God.<a href="/2_chronicles/30-12.htm">2 Chronicles 30:12</a> Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the LORD.<a href="/isaiah/26-12.htm">Isaiah 26:12</a> LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.<a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a> But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.to will.<a href="/1_kings/8-58.htm">1 Kings 8:58</a> That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers.<a href="/1_chronicles/29-14.htm">1 Chronicles 29:14-18</a> But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee… <a href="/ezra/1-1.htm">Ezra 1:1,5</a> Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, … good.<a href="/luke/12-32.htm">Luke 12:32</a> Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.<a href="/romans/9-11.htm">Romans 9:11,16</a> (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) … <a href="/ephesians/1-5.htm">Ephesians 1:5,9,11</a> Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/8-11.htm">Accomplishment</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-9.htm">Act</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/philippians/1-29.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/romans/14-20.htm">Creates</a> <a href="/philippians/1-23.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/philippians/2-4.htm">Good</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-5.htm">Gracious</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/philippians/2-1.htm">Power</a> <a href="/philippians/2-2.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/galatians/4-21.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/philippians/1-6.htm">Within</a> <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Work</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-20.htm">Worketh</a> <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Working</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/16-4.htm">Accomplishment</a> <a href="/colossians/2-6.htm">Act</a> <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/philippians/2-17.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/numbers/16-30.htm">Creates</a> <a href="/philippians/2-26.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/philippians/2-19.htm">Good</a> <a href="/colossians/1-19.htm">Gracious</a> <a href="/colossians/1-19.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/philippians/3-10.htm">Power</a> <a href="/philippians/3-14.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-8.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/colossians/1-29.htm">Within</a> <a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">Work</a> <a href="/colossians/1-29.htm">Worketh</a> <a href="/philippians/2-22.htm">Working</a> <a href="/colossians/1-21.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Philippians 2</div>1. <a href="/philippians/2-1.htm">Paul exhorts them to unity, and to all humbleness of mind, by the example of Christ's humility;</a> 12. <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">to a careful proceeding in the way of salvation, that they be as lights to a wicked world,</a> 16. <a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">and comforts to him their apostle, who is now ready to be offered up to God.</a> 19. <a href="/philippians/2-19.htm">He hopes to send Timothy to them, and Epaphroditus also.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philippians/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philippians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/philippians/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For it is God who works in you This phrase emphasizes the divine initiative in the believer's life. The Greek word for "works" (energeo) suggests active, effective, and continuous action. This aligns with the biblical theme that God is the primary agent in salvation and sanctification (<a href="/philippians/1-6.htm">Philippians 1:6</a>). The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a key aspect of this work, as seen in passages like <a href="/romans/8-9.htm">Romans 8:9-11</a>, where the Spirit empowers and transforms believers. This divine work is not limited to external actions but includes internal transformation, aligning with <a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26-27</a>, where God promises to give a new heart and spirit.to will and to act Here, the focus is on both the desire ("to will") and the execution ("to act") of God's purposes. This dual aspect highlights that God not only gives believers the desire to follow Him but also the ability to carry it out. This reflects the biblical teaching that human will is involved in cooperation with divine grace, as seen in <a href="/james/2-17.htm">James 2:17</a>, where faith is shown through works. The transformation of the will is a fulfillment of the promise in <a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a>, where God writes His law on the hearts of His people.on behalf of His good purpose This phrase underscores that the ultimate goal of God's work in believers is His own good purpose. The "good purpose" refers to God's redemptive plan, which is consistent with His character and will. This aligns with <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a>, where all things work together for good for those who love God. The concept of God's purpose is also seen in <a href="/ephesians/1-11.htm">Ephesians 1:11</a>, where believers are predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will. This purpose is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who is the embodiment of God's plan for redemption and reconciliation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Philippians, writing to encourage and instruct the believers in Philippi. 2. <a href="/topical/p/philippi.htm">Philippi</a> A city in Macedonia where the church to whom Paul is writing is located. It was the first European church founded by Paul. 3. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The central figure in this verse, emphasizing His active role in the lives of believers. 4. <a href="/topical/p/philippian_church.htm">Philippian Church</a> The recipients of the letter, a community of believers who are being encouraged to live out their faith. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_work_of_god.htm">The Work of God</a> The divine activity within believers, enabling them to desire and perform His will.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_enablement.htm">Divine Enablement</a> Recognize that it is God who empowers us to desire and perform His will. Our efforts are not solely our own but are supported by His divine power. <a href="/topical/p/purposeful_living.htm">Purposeful Living</a> Understand that God's work in us is directed towards fulfilling His good purpose. Our lives have meaning and direction when aligned with His will. <a href="/topical/c/cooperation_with_god.htm">Cooperation with God</a> While God works in us, we are called to cooperate with His Spirit, actively participating in His plans for our lives. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_weakness.htm">Encouragement in Weakness</a> In moments of doubt or weakness, remember that God is actively working within us, providing strength and guidance. <a href="/topical/h/holistic_transformation.htm">Holistic Transformation</a> God's work in us affects both our desires ("to will") and our actions ("to act"), leading to a comprehensive transformation of our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_philippians_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Philippians 2</a> <a href="/q/why_does_god_need_angels.htm">If God is all-powerful, why does He need angels to do His work?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_perennialism_in_education.htm">Did He start a good work in you?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_mantra.htm">What defines a mantra?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_atonement_signify.htm">What defines being spiritually minded?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/philippians/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do.--In this famous paradox St. Paul calls on men to work by their own will, just because only God can grant them power both to will and to do. The origination of all in God, and the free action (which is in some sense origination) of man, are both truths recognised by our deepest consciousness, but to our logic irreconcilable. In one passage only (<a href="/context/romans/9-14.htm" title="What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.">Romans 9:14-24</a>) does St. Paul touch, and that slightly and suggestively, on their reconcilement: generally Holy Scripture--in this confirming human reason--brings out each vividly and profoundly in turn, and leaves the problem of their reconcilement untouched. Here the paradoxical form of the sentence forces on the mind the recognition of the co-existence of both. If that recognition be accepted, the force of the reasoning is clear. The only encouragement to work, in a being weak and finite like man, is the conviction that the Almighty power is working in him, both as to will and deed.The word "worketh in you" is constantly applied to the divine operation in the soul (see <a href="/1_corinthians/12-6.htm" title="And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which works all in all.">1Corinthians 12:6</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/12-11.htm" title="But all these works that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.">1Corinthians 12:11</a>; <a href="/galatians/2-8.htm" title="(For he that worked effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)">Galatians 2:8</a>; <a href="/ephesians/1-11.htm" title="In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will:">Ephesians 1:11</a>; <a href="/ephesians/1-20.htm" title="Which he worked in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,">Ephesians 1:20</a>; <a href="/ephesians/2-2.htm" title="Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience:">Ephesians 2:2</a>); rarely, as here (in the word rendered "to do") to the action of men. It must necessarily extend to the will as well as the action; otherwise God would not be sovereign in the inner realm of mind (as, indeed, Stoic philosophy denied that He was). We are familiar with the influence of one created will over another--an influence real, though limited, yet in no sense compulsive. From this experience we may catch a faint glimpse of the inner working of the Spirit of God on the spirit of man. Hence, while we cannot even conceive the existence of freedom under an unbending impersonal law or force, the harmony of our will with a Supreme Personal Will is mysterious, indeed, but not inconceivable. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philippians/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 13. - For it is God which worketh in you. "Prmsens vobis," says Bengel, "etiam absente me." Worketh (ἐνεργῶν); not the same word as "work out" (κατεργάζεσθε) in Ver. 12; acts powerfully, with energy. In you; not lnerely among you, but in the heart of each individual believer. Both to will and to do; translate, with R.V., to work; the same word as before, ἐνεργεῖν. "Nos ergo volumus, sed Deus in nobis operatur et velle: nos ergo operamur, sed Deus in nobis operatur ct operari" (Augustine, quoted by Meyer). The grace of God is alleged as a motive for earnest Christian work. The doctrines of grace and free-will are not contradictory: they may seem so to our limited understanding; but in truth they complete and snpplement one another. St. Paul does not attempt to solve the problem in theory; he bids us solve it in the life of faith (comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24</a>. he "So run that ye may obtain;" and <a href="/romans/9-16.htm">Romans 9:16</a>, "It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy"). Of his good pleasure (εὐδοκίας). As the glory of God is the ultimate end (Ver. 11), so the good will of God is the first cause of our salwttiou: "God will have all men to be saved" (<a href="/1_timothy/2-4.htm">1 Timothy 2:4</a>.). <a href="/commentaries/philippians/2-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γάρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. it is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. God Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. who ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. works ἐνεργῶν (energōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1754.htm">Strong's 1754: </a> From energes; to be active, efficient. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. to will θέλειν (thelein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. to act ἐνεργεῖν (energein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1754.htm">Strong's 1754: </a> From energes; to be active, efficient. on behalf of ὑπὲρ (hyper) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5228.htm">Strong's 5228: </a> Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. [His] τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. good pleasure. εὐδοκίας (eudokias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2107.htm">Strong's 2107: </a> From a presumed compound of eu and the base of dokeo; satisfaction, i.e. delight, or kindness, wish, purpose. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/philippians/2-13.htm">NT Letters: Philippians 2:13 For it is God who works (Philipp. Phil. Php.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philippians/2-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philippians 2:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philippians 2:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philippians/2-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philippians 2:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philippians 2:14" /></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>