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Greek Lessons
- Verbal Aspect in New Testament Greek: Imperfective vs. Perfective
- Chiasmus, Inclusio, and Anaphora in New Testament Greek
- Numbered and Named: Genitive Constructions and Enumerated Tribes in Revelation 7:7
- Semantic Range of Greek Verbs in the New Testament: A Case Study on ἀγαπάω and φιλέω
- Released to Serve Anew: Aorist Passives, Participles, and the Tension of Transformation in Romans 7:6
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Category
Tag Archives: Philippians 4:13
Strength in the Messiah: A Greek Look at Philippians 4:13
πάντα ἰσχύω ἐν τῷ ἐνδυναμοῦντί με Χριστῷ.
I am able for all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
The Power of Sufficiency πάντα ἰσχύω – “I am strong for all things.” The verb ἰσχύω (present active indicative) means “to be strong,” “to have power or ability.” The direct object πάντα (“all things”) is accusative plural neuter, covering every situation Paul has discussed—from hunger to abundance. The emphasis is not on external achievement, but on inner spiritual sufficiency. Means of Empowermentἐν τῷ ἐνδυναμοῦντί με Χριστῷ – “in Christ who strengthens me.”
ἐν + dative indicates means or sphere—“by” or “through.”… Learn Koine GreekStrength Through Him: Present Tense and Empowered Endurance in Philippians 4:13
πάντα ἰσχύω ἐν τῷ ἐνδυναμοῦντί με Χριστῷ.
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.
Grammatical Focus: Present Tense and Instrumental ἐν with a Participial PhraseThe 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.”… Learn Koine Greek