Philippians 3:19
Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
Original Language Analysis
ὧν
Whose
G3739
ὧν
Whose
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τὰ
who
G3588
τὰ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τέλος
end
G5056
τέλος
end
Strong's:
G5056
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel
ὧν
Whose
G3739
ὧν
Whose
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
5 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τὰ
who
G3588
τὰ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τὰ
who
G3588
τὰ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κοιλία
is their belly
G2836
κοιλία
is their belly
Strong's:
G2836
Word #:
9 of 20
a cavity, i.e., (especially) the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
who
G3588
τὰ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξα
whose glory
G1391
δόξα
whose glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
12 of 20
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
τὰ
who
G3588
τὰ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὰ
who
G3588
τὰ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὰ
who
G3588
τὰ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 16:18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.2 Peter 2:3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.Colossians 3:2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.2 Peter 2:1But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.2 Corinthians 11:12But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.2 Corinthians 11:15Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.2 Peter 2:13And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;Galatians 6:13For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.Hosea 4:7As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame.Psalms 17:14From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
Historical Context
Identifying these opponents is debated. If Judaizers: 'belly' may refer to dietary laws they insisted on; 'glory in shame' to circumcision (which Paul called 'concision,' v. 2); 'earthly things' to external rituals versus spiritual reality. Alternatively, if libertines: 'belly' is sensuality; 'glory in shame' is immoral boasting; 'earthly things' is worldliness. Context (ch. 3's polemic against Judaizers) suggests former. Their externalism opposed cross-wrought internal transformation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to have 'belly as god'—what appetites or comforts might rule you?
- How do religious people 'glory in their shame'—boasting in external observances versus Christ?
- What is the difference between 'minding earthly things' and legitimate earthly stewardship?
Analysis & Commentary
Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things (ὧν τὸ τέλος ἀπώλεια, ὧν ὁ θεὸς ἡ κοιλία καὶ ἡ δόξα ἐν τῇ αἰσχύνῃ αὐτῶν, οἱ τὰ ἐπίγεια φρονοῦντες, hōn to telos apōleia, hōn ho theos hē koilia kai hē doxa en tē aischynē autōn, hoi ta epigeia phronountes)—Four characteristics of cross-enemies:
This likely describes legalists whose religion is external, earthly, ritualistic—not Spirit-born transformation.