Philippians 2:13
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Original Language Analysis
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
2 of 17
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλειν
to will
G2309
θέλειν
to will
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
11 of 17
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπὲρ
of
G5228
ὑπὲρ
of
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
15 of 17
"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
Cross References
Hebrews 13:21Make 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 3:5Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;2 Timothy 1:9Who 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 9:16So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.1 Corinthians 15:10But 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.John 3:27John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.Ephesians 1:11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:1 Corinthians 12:6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.Ephesians 1:5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,2 Thessalonians 1:11Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you hold together God's sovereign work 'in you' and your responsibility to 'work out' salvation?
- Can you identify God's work in you producing both desire (willing) and ability (doing)?
- How does knowing God produces your willing and working change your approach to obedience?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.