Devine Scripture

Philippians 2:13

What does Philippians 2:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 2:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 2:13 means

The reason believers can work out their salvation is that God Himself is at work within them, shaping both their desires (“to will”) and their actions (“to work”) in line with His good pleasure. Grace does not merely forgive; it empowers. This verse guards against both pride and despair: we cannot boast as if growth were self-generated, and we need not lose heart because God supplies strength and holy desires. Our willing cooperation matters because God is already moving in us. Sanctification is a partnership where divine initiative and human response meet, and the outcome is a life that pleases God and reflects His transforming presence.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For it is God who is the cause of your desires and of your acts, for his good pleasure.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for God it is who is working in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For it is God who worketh in you, both to will and to accomplish, according to his good will.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for it isGod who works in you both the willing and the working according to [his] good pleasure.

Context

Following the call to diligent obedience (v. 12), Paul supplies the crucial foundation: God’s active, inward work (v. 13). Together, these verses hold the biblical tension of effort and grace. Next, in verses 14–16, Paul will provide practical directives that show what God-enabled obedience looks like in community life—doing all without grumbling, living blamelessly, and holding forth the word of life. Then he will reflect on his own ministry and potential suffering as a cause for mutual joy (vv. 17–18), demonstrating the mindset he has been describing.

v.12So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

v.13This passage

v.14Do all things without murmurings and questionings:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • James 1:16

    Be not deceived, my beloved brethren.

  • John 6:45

    It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Every one that hath heard from the Father, and hath learned, cometh unto me.

  • Ephesians 1:9

    making known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:11

    To which end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfil every desire of goodness and every work of faith, with power;

  • Jeremiah 32:38

    And they shall be my people, and I will be their God:

  • 1 Corinthians 15:10

    But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not found vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

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