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

Philippians 4:6 provides believers with a divine antidote to anxiety: instead of worrying about anything, they are to present all their concerns to God through prayer, supplication, and with an attitude of gratitude. It shifts the believer's focus from their burdens to God's omnipotence and loving care, promising His peace in return (as the following verse indicates).

Philippians 4 6 Context

Philippians is a letter of joy and encouragement written by Paul from prison, likely in Rome. Chapter 4 focuses on Christian conduct, especially internal dispositions and community relations. Verses 4-9 summarize much of Paul's teaching on maintaining joy and peace in the Lord, regardless of external circumstances. Paul instructs believers to "rejoice in the Lord always" (Phil 4:4), and directly before verse 6, he encourages moderation and kindness, stating, "Let your graciousness be known to everyone" (Phil 4:5a), followed by the assurance that "The Lord is near" (Phil 4:5b), which provides immediate context for the call to relinquish anxiety to Him. This instruction is not a mere suggestion but a vital aspect of experiencing the peace that "guards your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:7), the promised outcome of following this command. Culturally, the Roman world was steeped in various anxieties: political instability, economic pressures, personal safety concerns, and the challenges of being part of a minority religious group (Christians) facing potential persecution. This verse offered a radical counter-cultural alternative to pagan superstitions or Stoic attempts at emotional self-control by pointing believers to a personal, caring God.

Philippians 4 6 Word analysis

• Do not be anxious (μὴ μεριμνᾶτε, mē merimnate): This is a present prohibitive imperative, meaning "stop being anxious" or "do not habitually be anxious." The Greek term merimnaō means "to be drawn in different directions," "to be distracted by cares," hence, to worry or be anxious. It refers to an unhealthy, distracting, and paralyzing anxiety that is devoid of trust in God, contrasting sharply with proper thoughtful care. This command challenges believers to cease the mental fragmentation that worry brings.
• about anything (μηδὲν): A strong negative emphasizing the universality of the prohibition. No concern, no matter how big or small, should be permitted to generate anxiety. This implies a complete surrender of all worries to God.
• but (ἀλλ᾽): A strong adversative conjunction, indicating a clear contrast and a turn in thought from the negative prohibition to a positive instruction. It marks the alternative to anxiety.
• in every situation (ἐν παντὶ): Reinforces the idea of universality from "anything." This instruction applies to all circumstances, challenges, and moments in life, not just major crises.
• by prayer (τῇ προσευχῇ, tē proseuchē): This is the general Greek term for addressing God, referring to acts of worship and communion, often involving an attitude of reverence and adoration. It encompasses the broader sense of spiritual communication with God.
• and petition (καὶ τῇ δεήσει, kai tē deēsei): A more specific term, referring to supplication for particular needs, expressing earnest requests, often urgent in nature. It highlights the specific articulation of personal concerns or requests before God.
• with thanksgiving (μετ᾽ εὐχαριστίας, met eucharistias): An indispensable component of Christian prayer. It signifies gratitude, giving thanks, and acknowledgement of God's goodness and faithfulness, both for what He has done and what He is about to do. This element shifts the focus from the problem to God's character and past provisions, cultivating a perspective of trust and joy even amidst unanswered prayers or ongoing challenges.
• present your requests (τὰ αἰτήματα ὑμῶν γνωριζέσθω, ta aitēmata hymōn gnōrizesthō): Aitēmata means "requests" or "petitions." Gnōrizesthō is a passive imperative, meaning "let them be made known." The emphasis is on making known our specific requests, not demanding or persuading. God is aware of our needs, but the act of making them known to Him expresses our dependence and trust. The passive voice implies that God is the recipient of these made-known requests.
• to God (πρὸς τὸν Θεόν): Explicitly names the recipient of all prayer and petitions. It underlines that ultimate trust and recourse are in the personal, living God, not in human strength, wisdom, or earthly solutions.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Do not be anxious about anything: This phrase is a powerful, universal command. It attacks the very root of human fear and worry, which often arise from a perceived lack of control or an uncertain future. Paul provides a divine counter-cultural directive, implying that anxiety is not a passive human emotion but something a believer is actively commanded to avoid, relying on God's sovereignty rather than their own perceived capabilities or lack thereof.
• but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God: This forms the positive and comprehensive instruction that directly contrasts with anxiety. It defines the posture and process of dealing with all life's concerns. The threefold emphasis on "prayer," "petition," and "thanksgiving" highlights the holistic nature of Christian communication with God—it's not just about asking for things but engaging in reverent worship, specific pleading, and grateful acknowledgement of God's character and faithfulness. "In every situation" stresses the pervasive applicability, reminding believers that this is a constant spiritual discipline. The directive to "present your requests to God" underscores reliance on divine intervention and wisdom rather than self-effort or despair.

Philippians 4 6 Bonus section

The proximity of "The Lord is near" (Phil 4:5b) immediately preceding this verse is crucial. This assurance provides the foundation for releasing anxiety; because the sovereign, loving Lord is near, believers do not need to be anxious. His nearness signifies His presence, His availability, and His impending return, all of which underscore His active involvement in the lives of His people. The act of offering prayers with thanksgiving is not a mere pleasantry but a faith declaration. It affirms belief in God's goodness despite the presenting problems and anticipates His wise and loving response, even if it is not exactly what we requested. This radical trust contrasts sharply with the common human inclination to view thanksgiving only after a positive outcome. Instead, it invites gratitude in all circumstances, knowing that God works for the good of those who love Him (Rom 8:28). This proactive giving of thanks can fundamentally re-pattern the believer's emotional and spiritual landscape, cultivating a deep inner peace.

Philippians 4 6 Commentary

Philippians 4:6 offers a profound yet practical guide for believers confronting the inevitable anxieties of life. It begins with a strong, unambiguous command to stop being anxious, not as a passive emotional state, but as an active rejection of worry that divides the mind and corrodes faith. This isn't about ignoring problems, but about changing where we place our burdens. Instead of carrying them ourselves, we are directed to a vibrant and comprehensive engagement with God. The sequence of "prayer" (general worship and communication), "petition" (specific, urgent requests), and critically, "with thanksgiving" demonstrates that this approach to God is holistic. Thanksgiving transforms our perspective; it reminds us of God's past faithfulness and present goodness, fostering trust for the future even when circumstances remain challenging. By presenting our requests to God, we declare our dependence on Him, shifting the responsibility from our finite shoulders to His infinite power and wisdom. This process doesn't necessarily remove the problem, but it transforms our experience of it, allowing God's peace (Phil 4:7) to guard our hearts and minds, a peace that worldly solutions cannot provide.

• Examples:
  • A student worried about exams: instead of endless anxious thoughts, present specific fears about subjects in prayer, thanking God for past understanding and His wisdom for focus.
  • A parent anxious about a child's health: rather than constant worry, turn each fear into a specific prayer for healing and comfort, remembering God's love and sovereignty over life.
  • Someone facing financial uncertainty: present the detailed needs to God through petition, expressing gratitude for daily provisions and trusting His plan for the future.