Philippians 4:19
Bible Verses. Also called Phil. 4:19, Philippians 4.19, My God shall supply all your need, According to his riches in glory.
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Scripture quotation from the King James Version (KJV). Read this chapter
"But my God shall supply all your need" is a promise of the apostle Paul. Cherished as a verse of comfort about God as provider, it has also been criticized for being used, contrary to its context, to speak of offerings and material blessing.
About this articleAI draft from a Korean source. Notes on Korean Protestant practice. No sources listed. Not yet reviewed by a person.
- Origin
Drafted by AI from the Korean church.wiki article, then translated and adapted for English readers on 5 November 2026.
- Perspective
Includes notes on Korean Protestant practice; other traditions are noted where they differ.
- Sources
None listed yet. The article draws on the biblical text and general reference works. Add a source
- Review
Not yet reviewed by a person. Last edited by a person: never. Translation updated 5 November 2026. Edit history
Context
Philippians 4:10–20 is a note of thanks for the gift the Philippian church sent to Paul. Paul calls what the believers sent by Epaphroditus "an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable" (4:18), and then in verse 19 says that God will supply the needs of those who shared in this way. The promise, then, is addressed to a community that gave for the sake of mission even in the midst of poverty. Just before this, Paul states that he has learned to be content in whatever state he finds himself (4:11–13).
Interpretation
- Read as a promise of provision: This view holds that the verse expresses a general truth that God knows and meets the needs of His people. It is cited, together with Matthew 6, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness," as a basis for trust in God's providence.
- Read as a response to generosity: Because in context the promise is addressed to those who gave for the gospel, this view holds that it illustrates a principle of reciprocity in which God cares for the needs of those who give.
- The scope of "need": The word translated "need" (Greek chreia) denotes necessity, and the common interpretation is that it refers not to everything one desires but to what is needed to live and to carry out one's calling. Some, pointing to the phrase "by Christ Jesus," hold that it includes spiritual as well as material needs.
Debates and Issues
When this verse is preached to mean that giving an offering will be repaid with greater material wealth, critics of prosperity theology point out that the context concerns contentment and gratitude and that Paul himself experienced want. Others hold that it is in itself biblical for those who give to God to expect His provision. The difference lies in whether the promise is understood as "provision for need" or as "material reward."
Perspective: Korean Protestant practiceHow this idea is used in Korean churches, kept from the original Korean article.
In Korean Protestant churches, the verse is frequently read at services commissioning missionaries, at founding services for new church plants, and during pastoral visits to places of business. It is also widely used as a New Year's motto and on framed Scripture plaques in homes.
Related Passages
See also 6
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