King James Version

What Does Philippians 4:6 Mean?

Philippians 4:6 in the King James Version says “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known ... — study this verse from Philippians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

4

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

5

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6

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

7

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. honest: or, venerable


Commentary

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

Mēden merimnate ("be anxious for nothing")—merimnaō ("worry, be anxious"). Instead: proseuchē kai deēsis meta eucharistias ("prayer and petition with thanksgiving"). Gratitude prevents entitled complaining. This verse contributes to Philippians chapter 4's themes of joy, peace, contentment, and gratitude—Paul's prison epistle climax showing joy transcending circumstances through Christ's sufficiency.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Philippians chapter 4 concludes Paul's most joyful letter, written from Roman imprisonment (c. AD 60-62). The Philippian church, Paul's most faithful financial partner, sent support via Epaphroditus. Paul's gratitude, exhortations to joy and peace, and contentment teaching modeled Christ-centered living regardless of external circumstances—a powerful witness in the Roman world.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge your perspective on Antidote to anxiety?
  2. What specific application can you make from this teaching this week?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ's sufficiency in all circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
μηδὲν1 of 19

for nothing

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

μεριμνᾶτε2 of 19

Be careful

G3309

to be anxious about

ἀλλ'3 of 19

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐν4 of 19

in

G1722

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

παντὶ5 of 19

every thing

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῇ6 of 19
G3588

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

προσευχῇ7 of 19

by prayer

G4335

prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)

καὶ8 of 19

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῇ9 of 19
G3588

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

δεήσει10 of 19

supplication

G1162

a petition

μετὰ11 of 19

with

G3326

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

εὐχαριστίας12 of 19

thanksgiving

G2169

gratitude; actively, grateful language (to god, as an act of worship)

τὰ13 of 19
G3588

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

αἰτήματα14 of 19

requests

G155

a thing asked or (abstractly) an asking

ὑμῶν15 of 19

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

γνωριζέσθω16 of 19

be made known

G1107

to make known; subjectively, to know

πρὸς17 of 19

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν18 of 19
G3588

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

θεόν19 of 19

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)


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 4:6 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 4:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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