King James Version

What Does Philippians 4:19 Mean?

Philippians 4:19 in the King James Version says “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:19 · KJV

Context

17

Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

18

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. I have all: or, I have received all

19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

20

Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

21

Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.

Read Philippians 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (ὁ δὲ θεός μου πληρώσει πᾶσαν χρείαν ὑμῶν κατὰ τὸ πλοῦτος αὐτοῦ ἐν δόξῃ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, ho de theos mou plērōsei pasan chreian hymōn kata to ploutos autou en doxē en Christō Iēsou)—Ho theos mou ("my God")—personal, possessive. Plērōsei ("will supply, fill")—future promise. Pasan chreian ("every need")—comprehensive provision. Kata to ploutos autou ("according to His riches")—kata ("according to") shows proportion: God gives not from but according to infinite resources. En doxē ("in glory")—the sphere or manner: glorious, lavish provision. En Christō Iēsou ("in Christ Jesus")—the means. This promise reciprocates their generosity: they supplied Paul's need (v. 18); God will supply theirs. The logic: generous givers never lack because God replenishes. This verse completes Paul's gratitude section (4:10-19): they gave sacrificially; God will supply abundantly.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This promise isn't prosperity gospel—God supplies 'need' (chreian), not greed or luxuries. Philippians were economically challenged (2 Cor 8:2) yet gave beyond ability. Paul promises divine provision for faithful givers, not guaranteed wealth. Context is contentment (vv. 11-13) and worship-giving (v. 18). God's 'riches in glory' are infinitely greater than earthly wealth—spiritual blessings and eternal inheritance (Eph 1:3, 18). The promise is certain (God's faithfulness) but may be fulfilled spiritually more than materially.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between God supplying 'every need' (pasan chreian) versus desires or greed?
  2. How does God supply 'according to His riches' (kata to ploutos) versus 'out of His riches'?
  3. What needs has God supplied for you in response to faithful generosity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ὁ1 of 17
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 17

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

θεός3 of 17

“God”

G2316

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

μου4 of 17

“my”

G3450

of me

πληρώσει5 of 17

“shall supply”

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

πᾶσαν6 of 17

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

χρείαν7 of 17

“need”

G5532

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

ὑμῶν8 of 17

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

κατὰ9 of 17

“according to”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὸν10 of 17
G3588

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

πλοῦτον11 of 17

“riches”

G4149

wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment

αὐτοῦ12 of 17
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐν13 of 17

“by”

G1722

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

δόξῃ14 of 17

“glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

ἐν15 of 17

“by”

G1722

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

Χριστῷ16 of 17

“Christ”

G5547

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

Ἰησοῦ17 of 17

“Jesus”

G2424

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

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 4:19 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 4:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 9:8-11Psalms 84:111 Peter 5:101 Timothy 6:17Psalms 23:1-5Micah 7:7

Test Your Knowledge

Philippians 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPhilippians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Philippians 4 with CommentaryAll Philippians ChaptersComplete Philippians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes