Philippians 4:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} my {G3450} God {G2316} shall supply {G4137} all {G3956} your {G5216} need {G5532} according to {G2596} his {G846} riches {G4149} in {G1722} glory {G1391} by {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, my God will fill every need of yours according to his glorious wealth, in union with the Messiah Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

American Standard Version

And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 4:19 stands as a cornerstone promise of divine provision, assuring believers that God will comprehensively meet their every genuine need. This profound declaration, delivered by the Apostle Paul, emphasizes that God's supply is not limited by human scarcity but is boundless, flowing "according to his riches in glory," and is always channeled effectively and graciously through Christ Jesus, demonstrating God's infinite capacity and unwavering faithfulness to His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful declaration is situated at the conclusion of Paul's deeply personal and affectionate letter to the Philippian church. It immediately follows Paul's profound expression of gratitude for their generous financial support, which he received while imprisoned (Philippians 4:10-18). Paul characterizes their gift as a "fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God" ([Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - A Sacrifice Pleasing to God")). Having just taught them about his own contentment in all circumstances, whether abundance or want, through the strength Christ provides ([Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11-13 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Paul's Secret to Contentment")), verse 19 serves as a divine reciprocal blessing and guarantee. It assures them that their sacrificial giving will not lead to their own lack, but rather will be met with God's inexhaustible supply, directly addressing their practical needs in light of their spiritual partnership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philippian church was a vibrant community, known for its deep affection for Paul and its consistent support of his missionary endeavors, even from its inception ([Philippians 4:15-16](/philippians/4-15-16 "Philippians 4:15-16 - Philippians' Early Support")). Philippi was a Roman colony, and its citizens were proud of their Roman heritage, often reflecting Roman civic values. Paul's letter, written from prison (likely Rome or Ephesus), underscores the challenges faced by early Christians, including potential persecution and material hardship. In a society where patrons often provided for their clients, Paul presents God as the ultimate patron, whose provision far surpasses any earthly benefactor. The concept of "riches in glory" would resonate with a culture that understood wealth and honor, but Paul elevates this to a divine, spiritual plane, contrasting earthly limitations with God's boundless resources.
* **Key Themes:** Philippians 4:19 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout the letter and Paul's theology. Firstly, it highlights **God's unwavering faithfulness and abundant provision**, reinforcing the idea that God is the ultimate source of all good things, a theme Paul touches upon in his opening prayer for their growth in love and knowledge ([Philippians 1:9](/philippians/1-9 "Philippians 1:9 - Paul's Prayer for the Philippians")). Secondly, the verse underscores the **centrality of Christ Jesus** as the mediator and channel through whom all divine blessings flow, a foundational Christological truth woven throughout Paul's exhortations to live worthy of the gospel ([Philippians 1:27](/philippians/1-27 "Philippians 1:27 - Living Worthy of the Gospel")) and to emulate Christ's humility ([Philippians 2:5-11](/philippians/2-5-11 "Philippians 2:5-11 - The Kenosis Hymn")). Finally, it implicitly reinforces the theme of **reciprocal blessing in generous giving**, showing that partnership in the gospel ([Philippians 1:5](/philippians/1-5 "Philippians 1:5 - Partnership in the Gospel")) is met with God's own overflowing generosity, encouraging a cycle of faith, giving, and divine supply.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **supply (Greek, _plēróō'_):** From G4137, meaning "to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc." This word signifies more than merely giving a minimal amount; it conveys the idea of completely filling, satisfying, or bringing to completion. God's provision is not partial but comprehensive, filling up every deficit.
* **need (Greek, _chreía'_):** From G5532, meaning "employment, i.e. an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution." This term refers to what is genuinely necessary, useful, or required, distinguishing it from mere wants, desires, or luxuries. It implies a true necessity, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, that is essential for well-being and effective service.
* **riches (Greek, _ploûtos'_):** From G4149, meaning "wealth (as fulness), i.e. (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment." This word emphasizes the vast, inexhaustible abundance of God's resources. His supply is not limited by human economy or scarcity but is measured by His own infinite, glorious wealth, which is far beyond any earthly standard.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But my God shall supply all your need":** This clause establishes the divine agent of provision ("my God," highlighting Paul's personal relationship and trust) and the scope of that provision ("all your need"). The word "supply" (πληρόω) indicates a full and complete meeting of necessities, not just a partial fulfillment. It's a promise that every genuine requirement will be addressed.
* **"according to his riches in glory":** This phrase defines the standard and measure of God's provision. It is not "out of" His riches (as if diminishing them) but "according to" them, meaning His supply is commensurate with His infinite, inexhaustible wealth and glorious nature. "In glory" further emphasizes the divine, majestic, and perfect nature of these resources, reflecting God's inherent splendor and honor.
* **"by Christ Jesus":** This final phrase specifies the channel or means through which God's provision flows. Christ Jesus is the mediator, the one through whom all of God's blessings, including material and spiritual provision, are channeled to believers. This underscores the centrality of Christ in the believer's access to God's grace and resources, making the promise inherently Christ-centered.

#### Literary Devices
Philippians 4:19 employs several significant literary devices. **Hyperbole** is subtly present in "all your need," implying a comprehensive, exhaustive provision that extends to every facet of the believer's life, though qualified by "need" rather than "want." **Metonymy** is evident in "riches in glory," where "riches" stands for the boundless resources and wealth of God, and "glory" represents His divine nature, majesty, and honor, which are the source and standard of His provision. The phrase "by Christ Jesus" functions as a **Synecdoche**, where Christ represents the entire redemptive work and ongoing mediatorial role through which God's blessings are dispensed. Finally, the verse itself functions as a **Promise**, a declarative statement of future action by God, intended to inspire faith, assurance, and peace in the recipients.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 4:19 is a profound statement on divine providence, underscoring God's active and benevolent involvement in the lives of His children. It teaches that God's provision is not merely an act of charity but flows from His very nature—His infinite "riches in glory"—and is always mediated through the person and work of Christ Jesus. This promise assures believers that their needs, both material and spiritual, are known and will be fully met by a God who is both omnipotent and intimately concerned with their well-being, especially as they participate in His kingdom work. It links the practical realities of life with the grand theological truths of God's character and Christ's mediatorial role, fostering a deep trust that transcends worldly anxieties.

* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")
* [Psalm 23:1](/psalm/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd")
* [2 Corinthians 9:8](/2_corinthians/9-8 "2 Corinthians 9:8 - God's Abundant Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 4:19 offers immense comfort and a powerful call to faith for believers today. In a world often characterized by anxiety over financial security, health, and future uncertainties, this verse serves as a divine anchor. It redirects our focus from our limited resources to God's limitless abundance, reminding us that our ultimate provider is not our job, our savings, or any human institution, but "my God." This promise encourages a radical trust, inviting us to release our worries and instead lean into the certainty of God's unfailing care. Furthermore, in its immediate context, the verse implies a connection between generous giving and experiencing God's provision. It's not a transactional formula, but a spiritual principle: as we participate in God's work with open hands, we position ourselves to receive from His open hand, not just materially, but in every dimension of our "need." This fosters a spirit of contentment and gratitude, knowing that whatever our circumstances, God is faithful to supply what is truly necessary for our flourishing and for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "needs" in your life are you currently most anxious about, and how does the promise of Philippians 4:19 speak to those anxieties?**
* **How does understanding God's provision as "according to his riches in glory" change your perspective on what you can expect from Him?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's supply "by Christ Jesus" in your own life, both materially and spiritually?**
* **Considering the context of the Philippians' giving, how might your own generosity (of time, talent, or treasure) relate to your experience of God's provision?**

### FAQ

**Does "all your need" mean God will give me everything I want?**

Answer: No, the Greek word for "need" (_chreía_) specifically refers to what is necessary, useful, or required for well-being and effective living, not every desire or luxury. God promises to supply what is genuinely essential, according to His perfect wisdom and His glorious resources, not necessarily every fleeting wish. The focus is on fundamental requirements, both material and spiritual, that enable us to live faithfully and fulfill His purposes.

**Is this promise only for those who give financially, as the Philippians did?**

Answer: While the immediate context highlights the Philippians' financial generosity, the promise itself is a general declaration of God's character and provision for all believers who are "in Christ Jesus." The Philippians' giving served as an occasion for Paul to articulate this profound truth. It suggests that those who faithfully steward their resources and participate in God's work often experience God's reciprocal blessings, but the promise of provision is rooted in God's nature, not exclusively conditioned on human performance. It assures all who trust in Him that He will meet their needs.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 4:19 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ Jesus, who is not merely the channel but the very embodiment of God's glorious riches and the answer to humanity's deepest needs. The promise that "my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" points directly to the New Covenant reality where all of God's blessings are "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Jesus Himself is God's greatest provision, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), addressing humanity's most fundamental need for reconciliation with God. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ has secured for believers not only spiritual life but also access to every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing")). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, empowers believers and provides for their spiritual and practical needs, guiding them into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")) and equipping them for every good work ([2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-Breathed")). Thus, the comprehensive supply promised in Philippians 4:19 is realized in the person and ongoing work of Christ, who continually mediates God's boundless grace and provision to His redeemed people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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:

2 Corinthians 9:11

Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

Psalms 84:11

For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

1 Peter 5:10

¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

1 Timothy 6:17

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

Psalms 23:1

¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.

Psalms 23:5

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.