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

PHILIPPIANS 4:19KJV
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Philippians 4:19 (KJV)

What does Philippians 4:19 mean?

Philippians 4:19 promises that God will meet every need of the believers, drawing from the abundance and glory found in Christ Jesus. The verse assures the Philippian Christians that God’s provision is not limited by human resources but is as rich and generous as God Himself.

Paul is writing to the church in Philippi, thanking them for their financial support of his ministry. In this verse, Paul reassures them that just as they have cared for his needs, God will take care of theirs. The focus is on God’s ability and willingness to provide for every genuine need, not just material but spiritual as well.

The Greek behind Philippians 4:19

  • "supply" (πληρώσει, plērōsei): This word means to fill up or make complete. Paul is saying that God will not just give a little, but will fully meet every need.
  • "need" (χρείαν, chreian): This word refers to something that is necessary or required, not just a want or desire. The promise is about real needs, not luxuries.
  • "riches" (πλούτου, ploutou): This word points to great abundance or wealth. Paul emphasizes that God’s provision comes from His own limitless resources.
  • "in glory" (ἐν δόξῃ, en doxē): This phrase means that God’s giving is marked by His majesty and honor, showing that the provision is not ordinary but reflects God’s glorious nature.

Why Philippians 4:19 matters

  • Philippians 4:19 clarifies that God’s provision is not based on human effort or limited supply, but on His own unlimited riches and glory.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that generosity and trust in God go hand in hand; as the Philippians gave to Paul, they could trust God to care for them.
  • This verse helps correct the idea that God promises to fulfill every wish; instead, it focuses on true needs and God’s wise, abundant care.

Where else these words appear

“riches” Greek G4149 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
  • Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
  • Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

“need” Greek G5532 · used in 47 verses

  • Matthew 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
  • Luke 19:34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.
  • Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

“supply” Greek G4137 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
  • Acts 19:21 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.