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

PHILIPPIANS 1:19KJV
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Philippians 1:19 (KJV)

What does Philippians 1:19 mean?

Philippians 1:19 expresses Paul’s confidence that his difficult situation—being in prison—will ultimately lead to his deliverance, thanks to the prayers of the Philippians and the help provided by the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Paul is sure that the support of his friends and God’s Spirit will work together for his good.

Paul is writing this letter from prison to the believers in Philippi, sharing how he sees meaning and hope even in hardship. He reassures them that their prayers matter and that God’s Spirit is actively at work. Paul’s use of “salvation” here can mean rescue or well-being, not just spiritual salvation, and he highlights the partnership between human prayer and divine help.

The Greek behind Philippians 1:19

  • σωτηρία (sōtēria, “salvation”): This word often means deliverance or rescue, not only eternal salvation. Here, Paul likely refers to being delivered from his present troubles, whether by release or by God’s help in facing them.
  • ἐπιχορηγία (epichorēgia, “supply”): This word means a generous provision or support. Paul emphasizes that the Spirit of Jesus Christ is not just present, but abundantly supplied to help him.
  • προσευχή (proseuchē, “prayer”): Paul directly connects the prayers of the Philippians to his hope for deliverance, showing he believes their prayers have real, practical impact on his situation.

Why Philippians 1:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul sees both human and divine roles in his deliverance: the prayers of believers and the Spirit’s help are both essential.
  • Paul’s confidence is not in his own strength, but in the ongoing support of his community and God’s Spirit, which encourages readers to value both prayer and spiritual help.
  • The verse connects to the wider theme of Philippians, where Paul finds joy and hope even in suffering, showing how faith and community support can change one’s outlook in hardship.

Where else these words appear

“supply” Greek G2024 · used in 2 verses

  • Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

“turn” Greek G576 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 5:2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
  • Luke 21:13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
  • John 21:9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

“prayer” Greek G1162 · used in 17 verses

  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
  • 1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

“salvation” Greek G4991 · used in 43 verses

  • Luke 1:69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
  • Romans 11:11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
  • Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;