New Testament
Philippians 2:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Because it is God who is at work inside you, giving you both the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Compare translations
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
What Philippians 2:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse emphasizes that God is actively involved in the lives of believers. It highlights that He not only inspires us with the desire to do good but also empowers us to carry out those desires. This means that any good intentions or actions we have are ultimately rooted in God's influence. It reassures us that we are not alone in our efforts to live according to His will; rather, He is working within us to help us fulfill His purposes. This divine assistance is crucial because it reminds us that our ability to please God comes from Him, not solely from our own strength or willpower. Therefore, we can trust that as we seek to align our lives with His desires, He will provide the necessary motivation and capability to do so. This understanding encourages believers to rely on God's presence and power in their daily lives, fostering a deeper relationship with Him as we pursue righteousness and good works.
How to apply Philippians 2:13 to your life
Recognize that you are not alone in your spiritual journey. Pray for God to instill in you the desires that align with His will and to empower you to act on those desires. Trust in His guidance and strength as you strive to live a life that pleases Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Philippians Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Mary, Jesus' mother
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Philippians 2:13
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Philippians 2:13
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Philippians
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 61
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- The church in Philippi
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Philippians 2:13 mean for believers?
Philippians 2:13 teaches that God is actively working within believers, instilling both the desire and the ability to do what pleases Him. This means that any good intentions or actions stem from God's influence, reassuring us that we are not alone in our spiritual journey. It emphasizes the importance of relying on God's power to fulfill His purposes in our lives.
How can I apply Philippians 2:13 in my daily life?
To apply Philippians 2:13, start by recognizing that you are not alone in your spiritual journey. Pray for God to align your desires with His will and to empower you to act on those desires. Trust in His guidance and strength as you strive to live a life that pleases Him, knowing that He is working within you to help you grow and fulfill His purposes.
How does God empower us to do His will?
God empowers us to do His will by providing the strength, motivation, and guidance necessary to act on the desires He places in our hearts. This empowerment comes through the Holy Spirit, who equips believers to carry out good works and live according to God's purposes, reminding us that our ability to please Him is not solely based on our own efforts.
Why is it important to rely on God's work in us?
Relying on God's work in us is important because it fosters a deeper relationship with Him and encourages spiritual growth. It reminds us that we are not acting alone; instead, we are collaborating with God, who provides the desires and strength needed to fulfill His will. This reliance helps us to trust in His guidance and empowers us to live lives that truly please Him.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.