I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
“I Can Do All Things Through Christ” Bible Verse (Philippians 4:13)
Philippians 4:13 is one of the most quoted verses in the Bible. Paul wrote it from prison, not after a victory, and it is less a promise of success than a confession of contentment: whatever his circumstances, Christ gave him the strength to face them.
11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12I 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. 13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
9And 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. 10Therefore 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.
29He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
The context: contentment in every situation
In the verses just before, Paul explains that he has known both hunger and plenty, need and abundance. He says he has learned the secret of being content in each. Verse 13 is the source of that contentment — not his own grit, but Christ who strengthens him.
Read this way, the verse speaks to anyone going through a hard season. It is not a guarantee that every goal will be reached, but an assurance that you will not face your circumstances alone.
What it means for you today
The verse invites a shift from self-reliance to dependence. Other passages echo the same idea: God's power is made perfect in weakness, and those who wait on the Lord renew their strength. Strength in the Bible is often received rather than produced.
Common questions
What does Philippians 4:13 mean?
Paul is saying that, through Christ, he can be content and faithful in any circumstance — poverty or plenty, hunger or comfort. It is about endurance and contentment, not unlimited personal achievement.
Where is “I can do all things through Christ” in the Bible?
It is Philippians chapter 4, verse 13, in Paul's letter to the church at Philippi.
Who wrote Philippians 4:13?
The apostle Paul, writing while imprisoned, most likely in Rome.
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Scripture from King James Version. King James Version, public domain.