Philippians 4:13

What Philippians 4:13 means

The all things of verse 13 are named in the verse just before it. Paul says he knows how to be abased and how to abound, how to be full and how to be hungry, how to have plenty and how to suffer need. He can face every one of those conditions, and stay content in them, because Christ gives him the strength.

So the verse is less a promise of winning and more a confession of where Paul's strength comes from. He says he has learned contentment in whatsoever state he is in. Learned is the key word: contentment was something he had been taught by experience, not something he was born with.

Paul was writing as a prisoner. Earlier in the letter he mentions his bonds being known in all the palace (Philippians 1:13). The church at Philippi had sent him a gift by the hand of Epaphroditus, and chapter 4 is partly his thank-you note. He wants them to know he is grateful, but that his peace did not depend on the gift arriving.

Christians have long used the verse for courage in any hard task, and it does speak of real strength from Christ. Read in context, though, its first meaning is the strength to be content and faithful in every circumstance, including want.

Background and context

Before: Philippians 4:10-12. Paul rejoices that the Philippians' care for him has flourished again. He says he does not speak out of want, for he has learned to be content in whatever state he is in. He knows how to be abased and how to abound, to be full and to be hungry, to abound and to suffer need.

After: Philippians 4:14-19. Paul thanks them for sharing in his affliction. He recalls that when he left Macedonia, no other church gave to him but theirs, and that they sent help to him more than once in Thessalonica. He has received their gift from Epaphroditus, and he assures them that God will supply all their need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Earlier in the same chapter come two other well-known passages: the call not to be anxious but to pray with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7), and the list of things to think on (Philippians 4:8).

Key verses

Cross references

• 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Paul learns that Christ's strength is made perfect in weakness.And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: 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 upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
• 1 Timothy 6:6-8 Paul writes that godliness with contentment is great gain.But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
• Hebrews 13:5 Be content with such things as ye have, because God will never leave nor forsake.Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
• Philippians 1:12-14 Paul explains how his imprisonment has helped spread the gospel.But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
• Philippians 2:25 Epaphroditus, the messenger who brought the church's gift.Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
• Acts 16:12 Paul first arrives in Philippi, the chief city of that part of Macedonia.And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.