Philippians 2:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} it is {G2076} God {G2316} which {G3588} worketh {G1754} in {G1722} you {G5213} both {G2532} to will {G2309} and {G2532} to do {G1754} of {G5228} his good pleasure {G2107}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for God is the one working among you both the willing and the working for what pleases him.

Berean Standard Bible

For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 2:13 profoundly reveals the divine enablement behind Christian living, asserting that God Himself is actively at work within believers. This sovereign work encompasses both the inner disposition to desire what is good and the outward capacity to perform it, all in accordance with His benevolent will and ultimate purpose. This verse provides the essential theological foundation for the preceding command to "work out your own salvation," emphasizing that human effort is not self-generated but divinely empowered.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the crucial theological explanation and divine empowerment for the preceding command in [Philippians 2:12](/philippians/2-12 "Philippians 2:12 - Work Out Your Salvation") to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Far from advocating salvation by human effort, verse 13 clarifies that the very ability to obey and strive comes from God. The "fear and trembling" is therefore not a fear of losing salvation, but a profound reverence for the holy, powerful work God is accomplishing within the believer. It underscores that while believers are responsible to act, their capacity to do so is entirely dependent on God's indwelling power. This passage is nestled within Paul's broader exhortation for unity, humility, and Christ-like service, following the profound Christ hymn in [Philippians 2:5-11](/philippians/2-5-11 "Philippians 2:5-11 - The Humility of Christ").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote this letter from prison, likely in Rome, to the church in Philippi, a Roman colony. The Philippians faced external pressures, including potential persecution (as hinted in [Philippians 1:28-30](/philippians/1-28-30 "Philippians 1:28-30 - Suffering for Christ")), and internal challenges, such as potential disunity (addressed in [Philippians 4:2-3](/philippians/4-2-3 "Philippians 4:2-3 - Euodia and Syntyche")). In a culture that highly valued self-reliance and honor, Paul's emphasis on God's internal work would have been counter-cultural, shifting the focus from human performance to divine enablement. This message would have been particularly encouraging to a church striving to live faithfully amidst difficulties, reminding them that their strength was not their own, but divinely supplied.
* **Key Themes:** Philippians 2:13 is central to several profound theological themes within the letter and broader Christian theology. It beautifully articulates the **synergy between divine sovereignty and human responsibility**, illustrating that God's work does not negate human effort but enables it. The repeated emphasis on God's **active, internal work** (from the Greek _energéō_) highlights His continuous and dynamic involvement in the believer's life, transforming both their inner desires and outward actions. This leads to the theme of **holistic spiritual transformation**, where God aligns the believer's will and empowers their deeds. Ultimately, all of this divine activity is directed towards **God's "good pleasure"** (_eudokía_), underscoring His benevolent purpose and sovereign delight as the ultimate goal of our sanctification and obedience. This truth provides both comfort and motivation, assuring believers that their efforts are not in vain, but are part of God's perfect plan, as seen in the broader context of God's work in His people throughout scripture, such as when He promises to put His laws in their minds and write them on their hearts in [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **worketh (Greek, _energéō'_):** From G1754, meaning "to be active, efficient." This word denotes a powerful, dynamic, and effective operation. It emphasizes God's continuous, indwelling activity within the believer, not as a passive presence, but as a driving force that produces results. It is the source of spiritual vitality and effectiveness.
* **to will (Greek, _thélō'_):** From G2309, meaning "to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse), i.e., choose or prefer; by implication, to wish, i.e., be inclined to." This refers to the inner disposition, desire, intention, or purpose. God works within believers to shape their inclinations and align their desires with His own divine will, transforming their inner being.
* **good pleasure (Greek, _eudokía'_):** From G2107, meaning "satisfaction, i.e., (subjectively) delight, or (objectively) kindness, wish, purpose." This term signifies God's benevolent purpose, His sovereign will, and His gracious delight. The ultimate goal of God's internal work in believers is the fulfillment of His own perfect, pleasing, and good will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For it is God"**: This opening phrase unequivocally identifies the ultimate source of all spiritual power and initiative. It is not human willpower or striving, but the omnipotent and sovereign God Himself, who is the active agent in the believer's life. This establishes a foundational truth: our spiritual capacity is derived, not inherent.
* **"which worketh in you"**: This clause highlights God's continuous, dynamic, and internal operation within believers. The present tense of "worketh" (from _energéō_) signifies an ongoing, active process. God is not a distant observer but an indwelling, empowering presence, actively shaping and enabling His people from within.
* **"both to will"**: God's work extends to the deepest part of our being—our desires, intentions, and inclinations. He supernaturally transforms our inner disposition, aligning our "will" with His own. This means that even the desire to obey, to grow, or to serve is a gift and product of God's grace working within us.
* **"and to do"**: Beyond shaping our desires, God also provides the ability and strength to carry out those transformed intentions. This refers to the outward actions and practical obedience that flow from a Spirit-empowered will. God not only gives the desire but also the power to perform what is pleasing to Him.
* **"of [his] good pleasure"**: The ultimate aim and motivation for God's work in believers is the fulfillment of His "good pleasure." This refers to His benevolent, sovereign purpose and gracious delight. Our sanctification, obedience, and transformation are not for our own glory, but for His, reflecting His perfect character and bringing Him joy.

#### Literary Devices
Philippians 2:13 employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. **Causality** is evident in the opening "For," which introduces the divine reason and enablement for the preceding command to "work out your salvation." This establishes a cause-and-effect relationship, where God's internal work is the cause of our ability to respond in obedience. The verse also presents a subtle **paradox** or **tension** between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While believers are commanded to act, the verse simultaneously asserts that the very capacity to "will and to do" comes from God, thus resolving the apparent contradiction by showing divine empowerment as the basis for human action. Furthermore, there is an element of **emphasis** through the repetition of the root idea of "work" (from _energéō_) in both "worketh" and "to do," underscoring the active and effective nature of God's involvement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 2:13 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the nature of Christian sanctification and the interplay between divine grace and human effort. It fundamentally teaches that spiritual growth and obedience are not solely human endeavors but are supernaturally empowered by God Himself. This truth liberates believers from the burden of self-reliance, assuring them that God is actively engaged in transforming their desires and enabling their actions. It underscores the reality that true spiritual fruitfulness flows from an internal, divine wellspring, aligning human will with God's perfect purpose. This divine enablement ensures that our efforts are not in vain, but are aligned with God's perfect plan, leading to genuine transformation that brings glory to Him.

* [1 Corinthians 12:6](/1_corinthians/12-6 "1 Corinthians 12:6 - God's Diverse Workings") - "And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all."
* [Hebrews 13:21](/hebrews/13-21 "Hebrews 13:21 - God Equips for His Will") - "Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
* [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformation by Renewing the Mind") - "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 2:13 offers profound encouragement and a vital perspective for every believer's walk. It reminds us that our spiritual journey, our ability to desire what is right, and our capacity to live obediently are not dependent on our fluctuating willpower or limited strength, but on the unfailing, active power of God working within us. This truth should cultivate a deep sense of humility, recognizing that any good within us or accomplished through us originates from Him, not ourselves. It fosters a posture of constant dependence, prompting us to pray, seek, and rely on God for both the desire and the ability to live for Him. Furthermore, it provides immense encouragement in moments of weakness, doubt, or spiritual struggle, assuring us that even when our own will falters, God is still at work, able to ignite desire and provide strength. Understanding that our lives are being shaped according to God's "good pleasure" imbues our daily choices and efforts with profound meaning and purpose, knowing we are participating in His divine, glorious plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's active work in you change your approach to spiritual disciplines or challenging commands?**
* **In what areas of your life do you most need God to "work in you both to will and to do"?**
* **How does the knowledge that God is working "of His good pleasure" impact your perspective on setbacks or unanswered prayers?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater awareness of and reliance on God's indwelling power?**

### FAQ
**Does Philippians 2:13 negate human free will or responsibility?**

Answer: No, Philippians 2:13 does not negate human free will or responsibility; rather, it provides the divine enablement for it. The verse immediately follows the command to "work out your own salvation" in [Philippians 2:12](/philippians/2-12 "Philippians 2:12 - Work Out Your Salvation"), which clearly implies human agency. Philippians 2:13 explains *how* believers are able to fulfill that command: God is the one who empowers both the desire ("to will") and the ability ("to do"). This creates a beautiful synergy where human effort is not independent but divinely sourced. God does not force us against our will, but transforms our will and enables us to choose and act in accordance with His good pleasure, making our obedience a genuine, Spirit-empowered response.

**How does God "work in us to will"?**

Answer: God "works in us to will" primarily through the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Spirit illuminates our minds to understand God's truth, convicts us of sin, and regenerates our hearts, giving us new desires that align with God's character and purposes. This transformation of desire is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of sanctification. As we yield to the Spirit, He softens our hearts, redirects our affections, and instills in us a longing for righteousness and obedience that was not naturally present. This divine influence leads us to genuinely desire what is good and pleasing to God, as promised in passages like [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - New Heart and Spirit").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 2:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "good pleasure" of God, which is the ultimate aim of His work in believers, is perfectly embodied and accomplished in Christ. Paul's exhortation for believers to "work out their salvation" is immediately preceded by the profound Christ hymn in [Philippians 2:5-11](/philippians/2-5-11 "Philippians 2:5-11 - The Humility of Christ"), which details Christ's ultimate act of humility, obedience, and exaltation. Christ Himself perfectly exemplified what it means to "will and to do" according to God's good pleasure, willingly emptying Himself, taking the form of a servant, and becoming obedient to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humility")). His entire life and sacrificial death were the perfect manifestation of God's will. Now, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, the same power that raised Christ from the dead ([Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - God's Mighty Power")) is at work within believers, transforming them to be more like Him. God's "good pleasure" is ultimately our conformity to the image of His Son ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")), enabling us to live out the very humility, obedience, and self-sacrificial love that Christ demonstrated, all for the glory of God the Father.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 13:21

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

2 Corinthians 3:5

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;

2 Timothy 1:9

Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Romans 9:16

So then [it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

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 in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

James 1:16

Do not err, my beloved brethren.

James 1:18

Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.