King James Version

What Does Philippians 2:13 Mean?

Philippians 2:13 in the King James Version says “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Philippians 2:13 · KJV

Context

11

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

12

Wherefore, my beloved, 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.

13

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

14

Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; harmless: or, sincere ye shine: or, shine ye

Read Philippians 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (θεὸς γάρ ἐστιν ὁ ἐνεργῶν ἐν ὑμῖν καὶ τὸ θέλειν καὶ τὸ ἐνεργεῖν ὑπὲρ τῆς εὐδοκίας, theos gar estin ho energōn en hymin kai to thelein kai to energein hyper tēs eudokias)—Gar ("for") grounds v. 12: you work out salvation because God works in you. Ho energōn (present participle, "the one working") indicates continuous divine activity. En hymin ("in you") locates God's work internally. The scope: kai to thelein kai to energein ("both to will and to work")—God produces both desire (willing) and action (working).

Hyper tēs eudokias ("according to His good pleasure") identifies God's sovereign purpose as motive. This verse balances v. 12's human responsibility with divine enablement—the classic Reformed tension between God's sovereignty and human agency. We work because God works; divine working doesn't eliminate but enables human working. Augustine summarized: "God's commands are not against grace; commands are fulfilled by grace." The phrase resolves potential misunderstanding: working out salvation isn't self-sufficient moralism but Spirit-dependent obedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse became central in Augustinian-Pelagian debates (5th century) over grace and free will. Pelagius emphasized human ability; Augustine emphasized divine grace enabling human response. Philippians 2:12-13 holds both: genuine human responsibility (work out) and absolute divine priority (God works in you). Reformation theology (sola gratia) drew heavily on this balance. Monergism (God alone saves) and synergism (God and humans cooperate) find nuance here.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you hold together God's sovereign work 'in you' and your responsibility to 'work out' salvation?
  2. Can you identify God's work in you producing both desire (willing) and ability (doing)?
  3. How does knowing God produces your willing and working change your approach to obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
τῆς1 of 17

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεὸς2 of 17

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

γάρ3 of 17

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐστιν4 of 17

“it is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τῆς5 of 17

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐνεργεῖν6 of 17

“to do”

G1754

to be active, efficient

ἐν7 of 17

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὑμῖν8 of 17

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

καὶ9 of 17

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῆς10 of 17

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θέλειν11 of 17

“to will”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

καὶ12 of 17

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῆς13 of 17

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐνεργεῖν14 of 17

“to do”

G1754

to be active, efficient

ὑπὲρ15 of 17

“of”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

τῆς16 of 17

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εὐδοκίας17 of 17

“his good pleasure”

G2107

satisfaction, i.e., (subjectively) delight, or (objectively) kindness, wish, purpose

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Philippians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Philippians 2:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Philippians 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 13:212 Corinthians 3:52 Timothy 1:9Romans 9:161 Corinthians 15:10Ephesians 1:11

Test Your Knowledge

Philippians 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPhilippians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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