Philippians 4:19 Text
King James Version (KJV)
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
World English Bible (WEB)
My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
What Philippians 4:19 Means
Paul promises that his God will supply every need of the Philippians, according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Two words matter. Need is not the same as want, so the verse is not a guarantee of luxury. And the measure is God's riches, not the readers' circumstances; the supply flows from what he has, not from what they can spare. The KJV says all your need and the WEB says every need of yours, which are close. Some preachers promise wealth from it, but the context points elsewhere. Paul is thanking this church for a financial gift sent to him while he was in prison, and he says God will care for those who gave generously. He also says in the same chapter he has learned contentment in plenty and in lack. The promise is about God's faithful provision, including through other people, not a prosperity formula.
Context of Philippians 4:19
Paul wrote Philippians while under arrest, traditionally in Rome though some suggest Ephesus, probably around AD 60 to 62. The church in Philippi, which he helped start, had sent him a gift through Epaphroditus. In the closing section of the letter he thanks them and assures them of God's care. Closing greetings and a blessing follow right after this verse, and the letter ends soon after. To read the whole book, see random verse from Philippians.
How to Apply Philippians 4:19
When money or resources feel tight, this verse invites trust without a guarantee of comfort. Distinguish needs from wants, ask for what you need, and look for ways provision may come through other people. Where you have extra, giving to someone else is a fair way to live out the same verse.
Related Verses
- Matthew 6:31-33 – Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
- Psalm 23:1 – The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
- 2 Corinthians 9:8 – And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things , may abound to every good work:
- Philippians 4:11-12 – Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Looking for more verses on this theme? Browse Bible Verses About Trust, each with a short note on its context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Philippians 4:19 promise wealth?
No. The verse speaks of needs, not wants, and was written to thank a church that had given generously. Paul himself knew hunger and plenty. It is an assurance of God's care, not a promise of riches.
Why does Paul say my God in Philippians 4:19?
Paul speaks personally, saying my God, because he has experienced God's faithfulness himself, including through the Philippians' gift. He is telling them that the God who has provided for him will also care for them as they trust him.
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