• Philippians 3:19
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 19 ὧν of which ones τὸ the τέλος end ἀπώλεια, destruction, ὧν of which ones ὁ the θεὸς god ἡ the κοιλία cavity καὶ and ἡ the δόξα glory ἐν in τῇ the αἰσχύνῃ shame αὐτῶν, of them, οἱ the (ones) τὰ the ἐπίγεια earthly (things) φρονοῦντες. minding.

  • Philippians Study Notes—Chapter 3
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 3:19

      end: Or “final end; complete end.” That is, the final outcome for the “enemies of the torture stake of the Christ” is “destruction.”​—Php 3:18.

      their god is their belly: In a literal sense, the Greek word koi·liʹa, rendered “belly,” refers to a person’s “stomach” or inward parts. Here it is used figuratively to denote a person’s fleshly appetite, or desire. (See study note on Ro 16:18.) In Paul’s day, some Greek theater plays referred to a “belly god,” and characters in such plays said that their belly was “the greatest of divinities.” Latin philosopher Seneca, a contemporary of Paul, reproached a person who was “a slave to his belly.” It appears that for those whom Paul refers to at Php 3:18, indulging in fleshly desires was more important than serving Jehovah. Some may have overindulged in food or drink to the point of gluttony or drunkenness. (Pr 23:20, 21; compare De 21:18-21.) Others may have chosen to put the pursuing of opportunities available in the first-century world ahead of serving Jehovah. Some scholars suggest that Paul may here be referring to those who were scrupulously observing Jewish dietary laws. They were so concerned about observing such laws that what they ate became all important to them, became their god.