New Testament
Philippians 3:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame, and they focus on earthly things.
Compare translations
Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
What Philippians 3:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Philippians 3:19, Paul warns about those whose lives are driven by selfish desires and worldly pursuits. He describes them as having an end that leads to destruction, indicating that their choices lead to negative consequences. Their 'god' is their belly, symbolizing their focus on physical pleasures and materialism rather than spiritual growth. They take pride in things that should actually bring them shame, showing a misalignment of values. By focusing on earthly things, they miss out on the deeper, more fulfilling aspects of life that come from a relationship with God. This verse serves as a caution against prioritizing temporary, worldly pleasures over eternal truths and spiritual well-being.
How to apply Philippians 3:19 to your life
To apply this verse, reflect on what drives your decisions and priorities. Are you focusing on temporary pleasures or seeking deeper spiritual fulfillment? Strive to align your values with eternal truths, prioritizing your relationship with God over earthly desires.
Curated for this public verse page. Philippians Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Apostle
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Philippians 3:19
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Philippians 3:19
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Philippians
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 61
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- The church in Philippi
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Philippians 3:19 mean?
Philippians 3:19 warns against those who prioritize selfish desires and worldly pursuits, indicating that their choices lead to destruction. It highlights a misalignment of values, where physical pleasures are prioritized over spiritual growth.
What is the meaning of 'their god is their belly' in Philippians 3:19?
The phrase 'their god is their belly' symbolizes a focus on physical pleasures and materialism. It suggests that these individuals are driven by their appetites rather than seeking spiritual fulfillment.
How can I apply Philippians 3:19 to my life?
To apply this verse, examine what drives your decisions and priorities. Focus on aligning your values with spiritual truths and prioritize your relationship with God over temporary, earthly desires.
What themes are present in Philippians 3:19?
Key themes in Philippians 3:19 include destruction, selfishness, materialism, spiritual misalignment, and a focus on worldly things. These themes highlight the consequences of prioritizing temporary pleasures over eternal truths.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.