By David Ettinger
Much confusion concerning Bible passages can be clarified if more believers would take the time to examine them in context. This involves reading the said passage within its larger “environment,” that is, its surrounding verses, entire chapter, and sometimes the previous or following chapters.

Then there are verses which are not difficult to comprehend, but because they have been wrenched out of their context they are often attributed an erroneous meaning. One classic verse fitting this bill is Matthew 7:1, which says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Since this article is not about Matthew 7:1, I won’t go into it, but you are probably aware that this verse has been so twisted out of proportion that it has all but lost its true meaning.
Another verse which has been taken out of context and redefined is the immensely popular Philippians 4:13, which reads: “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”
The Accepted Meaning
There is a reason this verse is so popular and can be found on t-shirts, posters, bumper stickers, and is the favorite verse of many believers. That reason is the unbridled positivity of its perceived message and its seeming green-lighting of any endeavor a believer sets his or her mind to in Jesus’ name.
On its surface, Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who gives me strength” – would seem to enable Christians to run faster than a speeding bullet, be more powerful than a locomotive, leap tall buildings in a single bound, and bend steel in their bare hands. After all, the verse does say “anything,” doesn’t it? Yes, it does, but the “anything” in view here is a direct outflow of the previous verse.
Failure to recognize this has caused believers to set off on some grand project for the Kingdom of God armed with the assurance that “I can do all things through him who gives me strength” only to fall flat on their faces. The reason for this is simple: Philippians 4:13 is not a mandate for believers to do anything they want in God’s name and be assured of its success.

The Proper Context
The section in which this verse appears – Philippians 4:10-19 – deals with the issue of generous giving. Paul, who was in prison, commended the church at Philippi for giving generously to meet his needs despite the fact that he needed nothing. Rather, Paul was pleased with the Philippians’ giving because it was a demonstration of their godliness, love, compassion, and willingness to sacrifice. In other words, Paul was much more concerned with what could be credited to the Philippians spiritually than to him practically. He tells them in verse 17: “Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.”
Regarding his personal situation, however, Paul needed nothing. In one of the most beautiful statements in the New Testament, Paul explained in verses 11-12: “… I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.”
Of course, “the secret of being filled” is Jesus Christ. In other words, Paul, you, and me have everything we need for contentment in life, and that is the Lord Jesus. A complete reading of the Book of Philippians leads to this conclusion without Paul having to say so … but he says so anyway, in Philippians 4:13.
So, it is in the context of learning to be content in any and every situation that Paul utters the immortal words: “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” Paul can do all “things” – that is, BE CONTENT IN ALL SITUATIONS – through Jesus Christ who gives him the enablement to do so.
Still a Great Verse
So, as you can see, though a bit more limited than you may have originally thought, Philippians 4:13 is still a great verse, isn’t it? You may not be able to do “all things” you desire – especially if the Lord is not in them – but you know for certain that you can find contentment no matter what life throws at you because it is Jesus who equips you to do so.
I don’t know about you, but this is a verse I’d still be glad to stick on my rear car bumper!
ken riddles
April 27, 2019
Thanks for this post. Pretty much on the same page as you – I would just add that the important thing for me is to seek daily the inner strength necessary to live for Christ, regardless of what we actually put our hand to – to do. Two verses strung together to underline this –
Col. 1/11 – Eph. 3/16
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
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dettinger47
April 27, 2019
Well said, Ken. Amen.
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Vincent S Artale Jr
April 27, 2019
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
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Alethea's Mind
April 27, 2019
Amazing and insightful. One of the things I desire most from the Lord is accurate understanding of scripture and appropriate application. Your post is confirmation that the Lord also desires that we have those. This morning, I read Psalm 82, and when I got to the very popular ‘Ye are gods’ verse, I paused and thought about all the explanations and applications I’ve encountered of the verse and I began to sense that something was off. After praying and asking the Lord for the meaning, I searched and came across a commentary of the entire chapter by Charles Spurgeon that really enlightened me.
A lot of us have become too lazy to ‘study’ scriptures so we get handed down faulty exegesis that either soothe itchy ears or satisfy wandering hearts. If only we will take the time to seat at the Master’s feet.
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dettinger47
April 27, 2019
So well said, Alethea. A hearty amen!!
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vicklea
April 27, 2019
You are so correct, David, in that context is so important.
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dettinger47
April 27, 2019
As the expression goes, “Context, context, context”!
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Raina Nightingale
April 27, 2019
A bit more limited?
I don’t agree with that. I don’t see how the correct interpretation is more limited than the incorrect one. I think it’s better!
How much better is it to be content in all circumstances than to leap tall buildings?
(Do those who take it to be gymnastic feats, have they ever thought of contentment in all circumstances?)
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dettinger47
April 27, 2019
Sorry, Raina, your contention is wrong. We are to judge Scripture by its context. Your personal preferences do not affect this truth.
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Raina Nightingale
April 27, 2019
I am confused.
What did I say about my personal preferences affecting truth?
I only said that I don’t think the interpretation of “I can be content in all circumstances” is in any way inferior to the interpretation of “I can perform all physical feats which I can imagine.”
How is that wrong?
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dettinger47
April 27, 2019
That’s now what you said. In you first reply, you made a generalized statement without going into detail. Now, in your second comment, you’re making a wrong statement. I didn’t say that one interpretation is inferior to the to the other; I’m not even comparing them. I’m saying that the latter (I can do all things) is limited to statement preceding it; as is the proper way to interpret.
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Raina Nightingale
April 27, 2019
I think this is probably a confusion about words and the meaning of words.
I thought you were saying that the correct interpretation is limited in comparison to the incorrect interpretation.
I said that in my first response. It was all about how being content in all circumstances (the correct, contextual interpretation) is better than the other.
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dettinger47
April 27, 2019
In a way, I was saying that (your second paragraph). In other words, when people read the words “I can do all things,” they take it exactly that way, as if they can literally do ALL things. I’ve heard people say that.
But the proper interpretation (I can do all things, that is, I can be content in any and every situation) is limited in comparison to the wrong interpretation that Christians, through Christ, can do anything at anytime without limit.
You’re probably right about there being a confusion of words.
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mrsmariposa2014
April 27, 2019
This is our favorite verse, for that very reason. If there’s one thing I have sought after, it’s contentment in all circumstances. 🙂 I was often fed the other interpretations over the years( it was a big part of the “name it and claim it” atmosphere).What I have been doing in recent times is going back to the basics, particularly in studying scripture, that I might understand it in the light the Lord intends versus a man-made interpretation. Thanks for another good, in-depth look into the Word.
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dettinger47
April 27, 2019
Well said, Marissa, and good point about the name it claim it folks.
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Lisa Beth
April 27, 2019
Personally, I find it so irreverent when scripture becomes a mantra or catchphrase to motivate or cheer people on.
It is worse when people claim, “Jehovah Jirah!” when they get a new big car or diamond ring. Out of context?? Abraham expressed that adoration when God provided the sacrifice that saved his son.
Good post brother.
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dettinger47
April 27, 2019
Absolutely great point, Lisa Beth!
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Elihu
April 27, 2019
Love this! So many verses are taken out of their proper context and it’s a good reminder to be careful how we use/apply scriptures.
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dettinger47
April 28, 2019
Very true. Thank you for sharing, Elihu!
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bigskybuckeye
April 28, 2019
Thanks David. The cover of my writing notebook has Philippians 4:13 printed on it. I like your use of the word “contentment.” Through God’s strength, I can feel content with what He has provided for me. I feel humbled when I think of this, and my feelings go right to the Cross.
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dettinger47
April 28, 2019
Amen, Big Sky.
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My Way Home Life
April 28, 2019
So helpful. I appreciate your taking time to examine and explain the context of this popular verse.
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dettinger47
April 28, 2019
Thank you so much!
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jarilissima
April 14, 2021
This is one of my favorite verses, and not in the misused ways you mentioned. (On a funny side-note, this verse is tattooed on a specific UFC fighter who has gotten caught cheating. I’m sure you see the irony in that!)
Anyway, I love this verse because I knew Paul wrote it from prison, not from having just won the Super Bowl.
I mean, it’s great that God is with me when I am doing great, but to know that He can give me strength to go through the difficulties in life? Wow. What a gift!
I had a very hard life in my 20’s, and I did not have God, and let me tell you it felt like hell. And to know that I won’t ever have to go it alone again is the best thing ever! Not that I WON’T go through difficulties, but that I won’t go through them ALONE. It’s wonderful 🙂
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dettinger47
April 14, 2021
Great points here, Yari. You definitely have a story to tell, and over the years God will bring you into the lives of people who are struggling as you had suffered. You will be a great encouragement to them as per 2 Corinthians 1:3-7.
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