Philippians 4 6

Philippians 4:6 kjv

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Philippians 4:6 nkjv

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Philippians 4:6 niv

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6 esv

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6 nlt

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Philippians 4 verses

Philippians 4 6 Meaning

The verse speaks of casting all our anxieties onto God through prayer and supplication, accompanied by thanksgiving. It assures us that God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This peace is the result of actively handing over our worries and entrusting them to God’s care, while acknowledging His goodness and faithfulness.

Philippians 4 6 Context

This verse is situated within Philippians chapter 4, a section where Paul encourages the believers in Philippi. Having spoken of joy and standing firm in faith, he now addresses how to maintain that joy and stability amidst trials and anxieties. He advises practical Christian living, urging unity and overcoming personal grievances. Chapter 4:4-7 specifically provides instruction on maintaining a Godly peace, moving from the outward call to rejoice to the inward disposition of trust and prayer in response to anxious thoughts. Historically, the Philippian church faced persecution and internal strife, making Paul's counsel on anxiety particularly relevant.

Philippians 4 6 Word Analysis

• “Be anxious” (μεριμνάω - merimnáō): This Greek word carries the sense of being pulled in different directions by worries, a state of undue care, preoccupation, or distress that distracts from faith and God’s sufficiency. It is not about healthy concern but unhealthy preoccupation.

• “for nothing” (εἰς οὐδὲν - eis ouden): Emphasizes completeness; not for any reason, no matter how small or significant. It's a radical call to eliminate anxious preoccupation entirely.

• “but in everything” (ἀλλ’ ἐν παντί - all’ en panti): Contrasts the absence of anxiety with the comprehensive nature of prayer. All matters, big or small, should be brought to God.

• “by prayer” (τῇ προσευχῇ - te proseuchē): This refers to the general act of approaching God in worship and communion. It signifies a reverent address to the divine.

• “and supplication” (τῇ δεήσει - te deēsei): This signifies a more specific form of prayer, a plea or request for something needed, often indicating urgency or need. It is petitionary prayer.

• “with thanksgiving” (μετὰ εὐχαριστίας - meta eucharistias): This is crucial. Prayer is not just to ask, but also to thank God for what He has done and is doing. It’s an expression of gratitude, recognizing God’s character and past faithfulness.

• “let your requests” (τὰ αἰτήματα ὑμῶν - ta aitēmata hymōn): "Aitēmata" refers to specific desires, needs, or petitions that are presented.

• “be made known” (γνωσθήτω – gnōsthetō): Aorist passive imperative, meaning to cause something to be known, to make it clear and explicit. The requests are to be revealed to God.

• Group Analysis:

  • "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication": This pairing highlights the action to replace anxiety with comprehensive prayer. It’s not about suppression but redirection of the worried mind.
  • "by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving": These elements form the "how" of dealing with anxiety. Prayer (general communion) and supplication (specific requests) are to be framed by thanksgiving (gratitude). This posture reflects trust and acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness, countering fear and doubt.
  • "let your requests be made known to God": This completes the directive by specifying the recipient and the manner of making known—clearly and openly to God. It implies a personal and direct communication, recognizing His attentiveness.

Philippians 4 6 Bonus Section

The emphasis on "thanksgiving" (εὐχαριστίας - eucharistias) is pivotal. Gratitude is an antidote to fear and dissatisfaction, which often fuel anxiety. When we focus on what we lack and what might go wrong, we become anxious. By intentionally focusing on what God has done and is doing, we shift our perspective, grounding ourselves in His proven faithfulness. This act of thanksgiving is not mere politeness but a powerful statement of faith in God's character, even in the midst of difficulty. It acknowledges His power and His willingness to act for those who trust Him.

Philippians 4 6 Commentary

This verse offers a practical spiritual discipline for managing anxiety. It asserts that worry is not the Christian's default posture. Instead, believers are called to actively engage in prayer. This prayer life should encompass general communion with God ("prayer"), specific petitions for needs ("supplication"), and an overarching attitude of gratitude ("thanksgiving"). By presenting all our concerns to God with thankful hearts, we actively entrust them to His sovereign care. This proactive approach, rooted in recognizing God's nature and power, is the pathway to experiencing His unique peace. It's about entrusting worries rather than wrestling with them alone, knowing that God hears and cares.

• Practical Application: When facing a worrying situation, pause and name the specific worry. Then, consciously shift into prayer, not just asking for removal of the problem, but thanking God for His promises, His presence, and His character. Finally, articulate the specific request clearly. This is a practical spiritual exercise that trains the heart and mind to rely on God.