King James Version

What Does Philippians 1:4 Mean?

Philippians 1:4 in the King James Version says “Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, — study this verse from Philippians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

Philippians 1:4 · KJV


Context

2

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, remembrance: or, mention

4

Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

5

For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

6

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: perform: or, finish


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy (πάντοτε ἐν πάσῃ δεήσει μου, pantote en pasē deēsei mou)—The repetition of pas ("all/every") emphasizes comprehensiveness: always...every prayer...for you all. Making request (δέησις, deēsis, specific petition) distinguishes from general prayer (proseuchē), suggesting Paul had particular needs in mind for this congregation.

With joy (μετὰ χαρᾶς, meta charas)—the first of 16 references to joy/rejoicing in Philippians. Paul prays joyfully despite chains, establishing the letter's dominant theme: joy independent of circumstances, rooted in Christ. The preposition meta ("with") shows joy accompanies, permeates, characterizes his intercession. True prayer should be joyful labor, not grim duty.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul wrote from imprisonment (probably Rome, AD 60-62), facing possible execution (1:20-23, 2:17). Yet joy pervades this prison epistle. Roman detention allowed visits and correspondence (Acts 28:30-31), explaining how Epaphroditus delivered the Philippians' gift and Paul could send this letter. Ancient imprisonment was harsh—prisoners depended on outside support for food.

Reflection Questions

  1. What would it take for you to pray 'with joy' in circumstances like Paul's imprisonment?
  2. Do your prayers for others include specific requests (deēsis) or remain vague generalities?
  3. How can the joy-theme of Philippians reshape your perspective on current trials?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
πάντοτε1 of 13

Always

G3842

every when, i.e., at all times

ἐν2 of 13

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πάντων3 of 13

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

δέησιν4 of 13

prayer

G1162

a petition

μου5 of 13

of mine

G3450

of me

ὑπὲρ6 of 13

for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

πάντων7 of 13

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑμῶν8 of 13

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

μετὰ9 of 13

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

χαρᾶς10 of 13

joy

G5479

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

τὴν11 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δέησιν12 of 13

prayer

G1162

a petition

ποιούμενος13 of 13

making

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Philippians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Philippians 1:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Philippians 1:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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