"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
— Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
Philippians 4:19 is the "my God will meet all your needs" verse, from the thank-you note at the end of Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. This page gives the verse, where it sits in Philippians 4, and a plain reading. For more on the theme, see Bible verses about provision, Bible verses about contentment, and Bible verses about generosity.
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The verse
The King James reads: "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
"Meet" (KJV "supply") is pleroo (G4137), to fill up or fill full. "Needs" is chreia (G5532), what is lacking or necessary. "Riches" is ploutos (G4149), wealth or abundance, and "glory" is doxa (G1391).
Where it sits in Philippians 4
Paul is writing from prison. In verses 11-12 he says he has learned to be content "whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want," and verse 13 follows: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).
Then he thanks the Philippians. They were the only church that shared with him in giving and receiving when he left Macedonia, and they sent aid more than once when he was in Thessalonica (4:15-16). Now they have sent gifts through Epaphroditus, and Paul says, "I am amply supplied" (4:18). He calls their gift "a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." Verse 19 is his answer, and verse 20 closes with praise: "To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
What the verse is saying
The Philippians gave generously to meet Paul's need. Paul tells them God will do the same for them. The word he uses for "amply supplied" in verse 18 is the same verb he uses for "meet" in verse 19: they filled up his need, and God will fill up theirs.
The measure is not the size of their gift or their bank balance. It is "the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." The promise is about needs, not every want, and Paul has just said he learned contentment in hunger and in plenty. He is sure God will not leave them short.
Questions people ask
What does Philippians 4:19 say?
In the NIV it says, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." The KJV says, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
What does Philippians 4:19 mean?
It is Paul's promise to a church that had given generously to support him: God will fill up what they lack, out of his own riches in Christ. In context it follows Paul's teaching on contentment in Philippians 4:11-13.
Does Philippians 4:19 mean God will give me everything I want?
The verse speaks of needs, not every desire. Just before it, Paul says he learned to be content in hunger and in plenty (Philippians 4:12). The promise is that God will not fail to supply what his people truly need.
Who was Philippians 4:19 written to?
The church in Philippi, a city in Macedonia. They had sent Paul gifts through Epaphroditus while he was in prison (Philippians 4:18).
What other verses are like Philippians 4:19?
Matthew 6:33 (seek first his kingdom, and these things will be given), Psalm 23:1 (the Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing), and 2 Corinthians 9:8 (God is able to bless you abundantly) are close companions.
