Πάντα ἰσχύω ἐν τῷ ἐνδυναμοῦντί με Χριστῷ. (Philippians 4:13)
I am able for all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Strength in the Present Tense
Philippians 4:13 is often quoted but rarely studied with precision. Its grammar reveals a quiet, ongoing strength—not one of bravado or spiritual self-sufficiency, but of present, continuous empowerment. Paul does not speak of sudden miracles or overwhelming force. The verb ἰσχύω and the participle ἐνδυναμοῦντι form a grammatical partnership that underlines steady, God-given resilience. This verse teaches that Christ is not merely a source of strength—He is the one actively strengthening in every moment.
Present Tense and Instrumental ἐν with a Participial Phrase
The core structure is: πάντα ἰσχύω (“I have strength for all things”) followed by the instrumental phrase ἐν τῷ ἐνδυναμοῦντί με Χριστῷ—“through the one strengthening me, Christ.” The verb ἰσχύω is in the present active indicative, indicating ongoing ability or spiritual endurance. The participle ἐνδυναμοῦντι is also present active and modifies the articular prepositional phrase governed by ἐν, showing the means or sphere of empowerment.
This is not about potential; it’s about present reality. Paul claims that, at every moment, in any circumstance, he is being strengthened—actively and continually—by Christ.
Detailed Morphological Analysis
- πάντα
- Root: πᾶς
- Form: Adjective – neuter accusative plural
- Literal Translation: “all things”
- Notes: Accusative of respect or object—refers to all circumstances or tasks
- ἰσχύω
- Root: ἰσχύω
- Form: Verb – present active indicative, 1st person singular
- Literal Translation: “I have strength” / “I am able”
- Notes: Indicates continual, inner spiritual capability
- ἐν
- Form: Preposition
- Translation: “in” / “through”
- Notes: Denotes means, source, or sphere of empowerment; governs dative participial phrase
- τῷ ἐνδυναμοῦντί
- Root: ἐνδυναμόω
- Form: Present active participle, masculine dative singular
- Literal Translation: “the one strengthening”
- Notes: Describes Christ as the continuous agent of empowerment; not a past event but ongoing action
- με
- Form: Pronoun – accusative singular
- Translation: “me”
- Notes: Direct object of the participle ἐνδυναμοῦντι; the one being strengthened
- Χριστῷ
- Root: Χριστός
- Form: Noun – masculine dative singular
- Literal Translation: “Christ”
- Notes: Identifies the agent and source of strength; placed at the end for emphasis
Table of Key Forms
| Greek Form | Parsing | Translation | Spiritual Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| πάντα | Neuter accusative plural | All things | No limit on what grace can sustain |
| ἰσχύω | Present indicative, 1st sg | I am strong / I am able | Continuous ability in real time, not potential or future |
| ἐν τῷ ἐνδυναμοῦντί | Preposition + present participle | In the one empowering | Strength is not innate—it flows from Christ moment by moment |
| με | Accusative singular pronoun | Me | Every believer is personally sustained |
| Χριστῷ | Dative singular | Christ | He is the agent of divine empowerment |
The Quiet Strength of the Present Tense
Philippians 4:13 is not about doing anything and everything at will—it is about enduring anything and everything with grace. The present tense verbs and participles make it clear: Paul’s strength is not in his personality or his plans, but in the uninterrupted strengthening work of Christ. He is strong because Christ is actively strengthening.
It’s not a burst of strength. It’s not a backup plan. It is a grammar of dependence: a present participle from a present Christ. So the believer doesn’t wait for a miracle of power, they walk in it, every moment, as Christ empowers.
This verse, rightly understood, does not promise worldly triumph but faithful perseverance. And that kind of strength – always available, always personal – is more than enough.
