King James Version

What Does Philippians 1:19 Mean?

Philippians 1:19 in the King James Version says “For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, — study this verse from Philippians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

Philippians 1:19 · KJV


Context

17

But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

18

What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

19

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

20

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

21

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (Οἶδα γὰρ ὅτι τοῦτό μοι ἀποβήσεται εἰς σωτηρίαν διὰ τῆς ὑμῶν δεήσεως καὶ ἐπιχορηγίας τοῦ πνεύματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, Oida gar hoti touto moi apobēsetai eis sōtērian dia tēs hymōn deēseōs kai epichorēgias tou pneumatos Iēsou Christou)—Oida ("I know," perfect tense) indicates settled confidence. Touto ("this") refers to his circumstances, especially imprisonment and contested preaching.

Salvation (σωτηρία, sōtēria) likely means vindication/deliverance (possibly from trial) rather than eternal salvation, echoing Job 13:16 LXX. Two means secure this: your prayer (τῆς ὑμῶν δεήσεως, tēs hymōn deēseōs) and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (ἐπιχορηγίας τοῦ πνεύματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, epichorēgias tou pneumatos Iēsou Christou). Epichorēgia ("supply, support") originally meant funding a dramatic chorus; here it's lavish divine provision through the Spirit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul frequently requested prayer (Rom 15:30-32; 2 Cor 1:11; Eph 6:19; Col 4:3), valuing partnership in ministry. The Job 13:16 allusion is significant—Job's vindication through suffering parallels Paul's confidence. The 'Spirit of Jesus Christ' (rare title) emphasizes the Spirit's christological focus and Christ's sovereign distribution of the Spirit (cf. Acts 16:7, 'Spirit of Jesus').

Reflection Questions

  1. How seriously do you take others' requests for prayer, knowing it's instrumental in their 'salvation'?
  2. What does the 'supply of the Spirit' look like practically in sustaining ministry through hardship?
  3. How does confidence in providential outcomes (v. 19) relate to the Spirit's work and intercessory prayer?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
οἶδα1 of 18

I know

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

γὰρ2 of 18

For

G1063

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

ὅτι3 of 18

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τοῦτό4 of 18

this

G5124

that thing

μοι5 of 18

my

G3427

to me

ἀποβήσεται6 of 18

shall turn

G576

literally, to disembark; figuratively, to eventuate

εἰς7 of 18

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

σωτηρίαν8 of 18

salvation

G4991

rescue or safety (physically or morally)

διὰ9 of 18

through

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῆς10 of 18
G3588

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

ὑμῶν11 of 18

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

δεήσεως12 of 18

prayer

G1162

a petition

καὶ13 of 18

and

G2532

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

ἐπιχορηγίας14 of 18

the supply

G2024

contribution

τοῦ15 of 18
G3588

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

πνεύματος16 of 18

of the Spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

Ἰησοῦ17 of 18

of Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ18 of 18

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus


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 1:19 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 1:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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