Philippians 3:19 - God as the Belly of Shameful Glory
Philippians 3:19 - Understanding the Passage
Philippians 3:19, as translated in the Geneva1599, reads: "Whose ende is damnation, whose God is their bellie, and whose glorie is to their shame, which minde earthly things" [1]. This verse is part of Paul's warning against false teachers who prioritize earthly desires over spiritual pursuits.
Literary Context
The passage is situated within Paul's discussion on the importance of spiritual focus and the dangers of false teachings in the Philippian church. In Philippians 3, Paul contrasts his own zeal for Christ with the complacency of those who consider their physical circumcision and adherence to Jewish law as sufficient for their salvation. He emphasizes the surpassing value of knowing Christ and the necessity of pressing on toward the goal of spiritual maturity (Philippians 3:7-14).
Historical Setting
The Philippian church, founded by Paul during his second missionary journey (Acts 16:9-40), was facing challenges from various directions, including false teachings that threatened to undermine the apostolic gospel. Paul's letter addresses these concerns, urging the Philippians to remain steadfast in their faith [2].
Key Terms and Exegetical Decisions
The phrase "whose God is their belly" is crucial. The term "belly" (Greek: κοιλία, koilia) is interpreted by some as referring to gluttony or sensuality, while others see it as a metaphor for self-interest or greed [3, 4]. The phrase "their glory is in their shame" suggests that these individuals take pride in behaviors or practices that are actually shameful. The word "glory" here may be contrasted with the true glory that comes from a relationship with Christ, as seen in the surrounding context (Philippians 3:3, 21) [5].
Range of Interpretations
Commentators across various traditions interpret Philippians 3:19 as a warning against those who prioritize earthly, carnal desires over spiritual pursuits. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, representing a Presbyterian perspective, understand "whose god is their belly" as referring to those who indulge in sensual pleasures, contrasting them with believers whose "body" will be transformed by Christ [3]. The Tyndale House commentary, from a Protestant academic viewpoint, similarly interprets this phrase as referring to greed, sensuality, or self-interest [4]. Adam Clarke, from a Methodist/Wesleyan perspective, sees these individuals as living for temporal gain and pleasure, with their "religion" centered on "eat[ing], drink[ing], and be[ing] merry" [6].
Function in Tradition
Philippians 3:19 has been used in various theological discussions to caution against the dangers of materialism and the pursuit of earthly glory at the expense of spiritual growth. It serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing one's relationship with Christ and living a life that reflects the values of the kingdom of God.
The contrast between those whose "god is their belly" and believers who await a Savior who will "transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body" (Philippians 3:21) underscores the eschatological hope that defines Christian identity. This hope is not limited to personal salvation but encompasses the transformation of all things under Christ's lordship [7, 8].
Sources
- Philippians “Philippians 3:19 (Geneva1599) — Whose ende is damnation, whose God is their bellie, and whose glorie is to their shame, which minde earthly things.”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Philippians 3:11 cross-references: Psalms 49:7, Luke 14:14, Luke 20:35, John 11:24, Acts 23:6, Acts 26:7, Acts 27:12, Romans 11:14, 1 Corinthians 9:22, 1 Corinthians 9:27, 2 Corinthians 11:3, 1 Thessalonians 3:5, 2 Thessalonians 2:3, Hebrews 11:35, Revelation 20:5”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 3:19: destruction--everlasting at Christ's coming. Phi 1:28, "perdition"; the opposite word is "Saviour" (Phi 3:20). end--fixed doom. whose god is their belly-- (Rom 16:18); hereafter to be destroyed by God (Co1 6:13). In contrast to our "body" (Phi 3:21), which our God, the Lord Jesus, shall "fashion like unto His glorious body." Their belly is now pampered, our body now wasted; then the respective states of both shall be reversed. glory is in their shame--As "glory" is often used in the Old Testament for God (Psa 106:20), so here it answers to "”
- Philippians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Philippians 3:19: 3:19 Their god is their appetite may refer to their greed, their sensuality, or their self-interest (cp. Rom 16:18). • they brag about shameful things: This is best understood as a reference to immorality rather than to pride in being circumcised. • Eternal destruction is the ultimate judgment of God for those who reject Christ and live self-centered, sinful lives (see 2 Thes 1:8-9; cp. Phil 1:28; Matt 7:13; Rom 9:22; 1 Cor 1:18; 2 Thes 2:10; 1 Tim 6:9; 2 Pet 2:3, 13; Jude 1:10; Rev 11:18). • They are unable to see beyond this life (cp. John 12:25; 1 Jn 2:15-”
- Zephaniah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Zephaniah 3:19: 3:19 God will turn his people’s former shame into glory and fame (see Deut 26:19; Isa 62:7; Mic 4:6-8; cp. 1 Pet 5:4).”
- Philippians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Philippians 3:19: Whose end is destruction - This is the issue of their doctrine and of their conduct. They are here described by three characters: 1. Their god is their belly - they live not in any reference to eternity; their religion is for time; they make a gain of godliness; and live only to eat, drink, and be merry. 2. Their glory is in their shame - they lay it down as a proof of their address, that they can fare sumptuously every day, in consequence of preaching a doctrine which flatters the passions of their hearers. 3. They mind earthly things - their whole study and a”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 3:21: Greek, "Who shall transfigure the body of our humiliation (namely, in which our humiliation has place, Co2 4:10; Eph 2:19; Ti2 2:12), that it may be conformed unto the body of His glory (namely, in which His glory is manifested), according to the effectual working whereby," &c. Not only shall He come as our "Saviour," but also as our Glorifier. even--not only to make the body like His own, but "to subdue all things," even death itself, as well as Satan and sin. He gave a sample of the coming transfiguration on the mount (Mat 17:1, &c.). Not a ch”
- Philippians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Philippians 3:21: 3:21 change them into glorious bodies: See 1 Cor 15:42-54; cp. Rom 8:23. • he will bring everything under his control: See 1 Cor 15:24-27.”