For decades, the word “prosperity” has sparked debate throughout the church. For some, it immediately brings thoughts of finances and material wealth.
For others, it raises concerns about excess and misuse.
According to veteran minister Kenneth Copeland, he believes many Christians have misunderstood what biblical prosperity truly means.
In a recent episode of the Kenneth Copeland Podcast, Copeland sat down with his granddaughter, Courtney Copeland, to discuss a topic that has shaped his ministry for decades: what prosperity really is according to Scripture.
“True prosperity, to begin with, is to be born again,” Copeland said.
Rather than limiting prosperity to money, Copeland pointed to 3 John 2, where the apostle John writes, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way.” He emphasized that God’s desire for His people encompasses every area of life—including spiritual growth, physical health, emotional well-being, family relationships and financial provision.
When defining prosperity, Copeland referenced Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, which describes it as “advance or gain in anything good or desirable” and “successful progress in any business or enterprise.”
“The first thing anybody thinks about is money,” Copeland noted. “But over many, many years, a whole lot more people [have been] not able to do what they are called to do just because they don’t have money enough to do it.”
For Copeland, prosperity is not about accumulating wealth for personal gain. Instead, it is about having the resources necessary to fulfill God’s calling.
He pointed to Deuteronomy 8:18, which declares that God gives His people “the power to get wealth.”
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“This is covenant business with God,” Copeland said. “It is He who gives you the power or the authority to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant.”
The veteran minister shared how God began speaking to him about reaching nations while he was still a student at Oral Roberts University. During a time of prayer, he sensed the Lord repeatedly speaking a single word: “Nations.”
Years later, that calling would expand into a worldwide television ministry that continues to reach millions.
“I heard nations, nations, nations,” Copeland recalled. “Then I realized what I was hearing in that riverbed in Tulsa, Oklahoma.”
Copeland also challenged teachings that portray God as the source of sickness, poverty or hardship. Instead, he pointed to Deuteronomy 28, which outlines the blessings promised to those who follow God’s ways.
“The Lord shall make you the head and not the tail,” he quoted. “You’ll be above only and not beneath.”
At the heart of his message is the conviction that Jesus redeemed believers from the curse through His sacrifice on the cross.
“Jesus went to that cross,” Copeland said. “Went to hell for three days and three nights, raised from the dead. The only thing He can’t do is pray your prayer.”
As the conversation concluded, Courtney Copeland summarized the family’s view of prosperity in a simple phrase: “Holistic prosperity.”
In other words, biblical prosperity isn’t merely about what’s in your bank account. It’s about experiencing God’s blessing in every area of life—spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially—as you walk in His purpose and covenant promises.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
