Philippians 3 19

Philippians 3:19 kjv

Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

Philippians 3:19 nkjv

whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame? who set their mind on earthly things.

Philippians 3:19 niv

Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.

Philippians 3:19 esv

Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

Philippians 3:19 nlt

They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.

Philippians 3 verses

Philippians 3 19 Meaning

Philippians 3:19 describes those who are enemies of the cross of Christ, characterized by a specific set of destructive values and a perilous destination. Their ultimate destiny is destruction, indicating a ruinous end devoid of eternal life with God. Their primary devotion is given over to their carnal appetites and selfish desires, which they treat as their ultimate authority. They find pride and honor in actions or practices that should rightly bring disgrace or moral revulsion. Fundamentally, their entire mindset and focus are directed towards temporal, worldly matters rather than heavenly and eternal realities.

Philippians 3 19 Context

Philippians 3:19 serves as a stark warning within Paul's letter to the Philippians, following immediately after his lament in verse 18 regarding those who "live as enemies of the cross of Christ." This verse details the character and ultimate destiny of these individuals, whom Paul previously identified as promoting a righteousness based on human effort, law-keeping, or a focus on external practices (Phil 3:2-11), in contrast to righteousness found by faith in Christ. While the initial reference might point to "Judaizers" or legalists who relied on Jewish law and ritual circumcision, the characteristics described in verse 19—idolatry of appetite, glory in shame, and earthly-mindedness—suggest a broader application. It may include antinomian groups who interpreted Christian freedom as license for carnal indulgence, or simply those whose Christian profession lacked genuine spiritual transformation, leading to a life indistinguishable from worldly hedonism or materialism. Historically, this could also be a polemic against certain pagan philosophical views that disregarded moral boundaries, or against a pervasive cultural materialism where status and satisfaction were derived from worldly achievements and sensual pleasures.

Philippians 3 19 Word analysis

• Whose end (ὧν τὸ τέλος - hōn to telos):

  • ὧν (hōn): "whose" or "of whom," a genitive plural relative pronoun referring back to "enemies of the cross of Christ" from the previous verse.
  • τὸ τέλος (to telos): "the end," "the outcome," "the consummation," "the goal," or "the destiny." Here, it points to the ultimate outcome of their life choices. Its use emphasizes a definitive and irreversible conclusion. This is not a temporary setback but an ultimate destination.

• is destruction (ἀπώλεια - apōleia):

  • Meaning "destruction," "ruin," "loss," "perishing," or "utter waste." It denotes utter ruin and not annihilation in the sense of ceasing to exist, but a state of irreparable loss and spiritual death, eternal separation from God and His blessings. This outcome contrasts sharply with the "salvation" that believers await. It implies a moral and spiritual devastation, a total failure to achieve the purpose for which humanity was created.

• whose god (ὧν ὁ θεός - hōn ho theos):

  • ὁ θεός (ho theos): "the god." Indicates the supreme object of worship, loyalty, and ultimate value. The use of the definite article suggests it's their god, the ultimate reality they serve.

• is their belly (ἡ κοιλία - hē koilia):

  • Literal meaning "the belly," "stomach." Metaphorically, it represents the physical appetites, sensual desires, gluttony, and a self-indulgent lifestyle. This is an indictment against prioritizing physical gratification and worldly pleasure above all else, effectively making personal desires and comforts the driving force and object of one's life. This is a vivid picture of practical idolatry.

• and whose glory (καὶ ἡ δόξα - kai hē doxa):

  • ἡ δόξα (hē doxa): "the glory," "honor," "praise," "reputation," "boasting," or "pride." It signifies what one prides oneself in or seeks recognition for.

• is in their shame (ἐν τῇ αἰσχύνῃ - en tē aiskhynē):

  • αἰσχύνῃ (aiskhynē): "shame," "disgrace," "dishonor," "ignominy." This is a stark antithesis: they take pride in what should be a source of moral disgrace. It reveals a fundamental inversion of moral values, where their sinful practices or corrupt beliefs are flaunted rather than concealed, and are even considered a mark of distinction. This can refer to licentious behavior, immoral acts, or a rejection of biblical moral standards.

• who mind earthly things (οἱ τὰ ἐπίγεια φρονοῦντες - hoi ta epigeia phronountes):

  • οἱ (hoi): "those who," refers to the specific group of individuals.
  • τὰ ἐπίγεια (ta epigeia): "the earthly things," "things on earth," "terrestrial things," referring to matters of this world—material possessions, status, carnal desires, human traditions, temporal comforts. It encapsulates anything limited to the present human existence and opposed to divine or heavenly realities.
  • φρονοῦντες (phronountes): A participle meaning "minding," "setting one's affections on," "thinking about," "being intent on," or "valuing." It denotes the object of one's thoughts, values, aspirations, and understanding. This signifies a profound commitment and focus of their intellect, will, and emotions on worldly concerns. Their entire orientation and worldview are centered on the terrestrial, completely neglecting or rejecting the spiritual and eternal.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Whose end is destruction": This phrase highlights the inescapable consequence of their lifestyle and worldview, which culminates in eternal ruin, an utter waste of existence outside of God's presence.
  • "whose god is their belly": This powerfully communicates a self-idolatrous devotion where their own desires and physical appetites rule supreme, displacing God as the true object of worship and allegiance. It denotes a life driven by consumerism, hedonism, or base instincts.
  • "and whose glory is in their shame": This reveals a morally inverted worldview. What is objectively shameful or disgraceful is, for them, a source of pride and honor, indicating a deep spiritual blindness and corruption of conscience. They have lost the capacity to discern right from wrong or have actively rejected it.
  • "who mind earthly things": This serves as a summarizing characteristic of all the preceding descriptions. Their thoughts, values, and concerns are wholly terrestrial, demonstrating a fundamental disconnect from God's heavenly kingdom and purposes, contrasting sharply with those who "mind things above" (Col 3:2).

Philippians 3 19 Bonus section

The description of "enemies of the cross of Christ" with "destruction" as their end is not necessarily about non-believers, but those within or on the fringes of the Christian community whose lives contradict the very essence of Christ's sacrifice. The cross represents humility, self-denial, suffering for righteousness, and victory over sin. These "enemies" are characterized by self-indulgence, pride in sin, and an absorption with this temporal world, directly opposing the values and trajectory of the cross. Their focus on the "belly" can encompass not only physical gluttony or sexual immorality, but also an insatiable desire for wealth, power, or any material comfort that supplants devotion to God. This moral inversion, glorifying in shame, is particularly poignant in its indictment of those who may outwardly claim Christ but inwardly despise His counter-cultural demands.

Philippians 3 19 Commentary

Philippians 3:19 paints a stark portrait of those living contrary to the gospel, whose choices inevitably lead to spiritual devastation. These individuals are characterized by an idolatrous self-absorption: their end is total destruction, not because God is cruel, but because their lifestyle sets them on a course away from the source of life. They replace God with their own belly—a metaphor for carnal appetites, pleasures, and selfish desires, indicating a practical atheism where immediate gratification is paramount. Their moral compass is inverted, as they find glory in their shame, openly boasting in deeds or attitudes that believers would find repulsive. Ultimately, their lives are entirely consumed by earthly things, neglecting eternal realities for the fleeting present. This serves as a grave warning for Christians to examine their own focus and allegiances, ensuring their worship is for God, their glory in Christ, and their mind-set on heavenly citizenship. For example, a "Christian" who consistently prioritizes lavish material possessions or career advancement over spiritual growth, sacrificial giving, or serving others might unconsciously fall into "minding earthly things" and making their "belly" (i.e., desires for comfort and status) their god.