(Hmm… no discussion about citizenship yesterday. Maybe we’ve said all there is to say on the point on this blog, at least for now.) On Facebook yesterday, I had a discussion with Keith Brenton about Philippians 4:13. He had posted a clip from the upcoming movie “Soulsurfer,” and I made the snide comment: “I can quote all texts out of context through Christ who strengthens me.” Keith pointed out that, despite being misused, that verse has helped a lot of people. [Edit, 9:20 a.m.: I should note that Keith expressed no disagreement with any of the points presented in this blog; his post was merely a springboard for these thoughts.]

I’ll concede that point, yet I’m not sure that the end justifies the means. Quoting words from the Bible because they support some idea we already have seems like a dangerous practice.

Let’s look at Philippians 4. In this part of the chapter, Paul is talking about money, about dealing with abundance and dealing with hardship. Verses 10-12 read

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Then in verse 13 he says, “I can do all through Christ who gives me strength.” The problem, of course, is that just saying “all” in English doesn’t make sense. We have to do something there.

But before we look at that, let’s get the rest of the context, verses 14-19:

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

It’s obvious, isn’t it, that verse 13 is about being able to deal with difficult financial circumstances. So how have different versions translated this verse?

Wycliffe gave it this shot: “I may all things in him that comforteth me.” Yeah, I can see why the KJV revisers saw fit to make that a little more readable. They gave us the famous: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” That phrasing became so popular that it was copied time and again, from translation to translation, particularly the “all things” part, even though “things” isn’t in the original.

That’s not an unreasonable way to translate this verse. The problem arose not from the translating but from the use given to the words themselves. Stripped from context, the verse came to be an inspiration to mountain climbers and wannabe millionaires, to pregnant moms and fearful soldiers. The fact that Paul was talking about being able to face financial hardship was ignored by the vast majority of the people quoting that verse.

A few translations have tried to help us:

“I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.” (GNT)
“Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” (CEV)
“Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” (The Message)
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (TNIV)
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (NIV 2010)


Personally, I think that the last two translations are on to something. Using “this” instead of “things” directs people back to the context. It lets them see that Paul has something specific in mind: enduring hardship. It’s not meant as a self-motivation phrase. It certainly wasn’t coined to be used in multilevel marketing seminars. It’s not a pick-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps aphorism.

It’s about being able to be content with whatever life sends. I can be content with abundance or want, because Christ gives me strength.

When your nephew is going to bat in Little League and his mom says, “Remember, you can do all things through Christ,” don’t feel that you need to stop and have a theology lesson. But now and again, you can remind your friends that this text, like all biblical texts, has a context. Without that context, it’s just a bunch of words.