King James Version

What Does Philippians 4:9 Mean?

Philippians 4:9 in the King James Version says “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be wit... — study this verse from Philippians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Philippians 4:9 · KJV


Context

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

9

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

10

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. hath: or, is revived

11

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Fourfold learning: emathete, parelabete, ēkousate, eidete (learned, received, heard, saw). Prāssete ("practice")—do what you learned. Result: ho theos tēs eirēnēs ("God of peace") with you. 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 Imitate and experience?
  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 · 21 words
1 of 21

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ2 of 21

and

G2532

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

ἐμάθετε3 of 21

learned

G3129

to learn (in any way)

καὶ4 of 21

and

G2532

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

παρελάβετε5 of 21

received

G3880

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

καὶ6 of 21

and

G2532

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

ἠκούσατε7 of 21

heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

καὶ8 of 21

and

G2532

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

εἴδετε9 of 21

seen

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἐν10 of 21

in

G1722

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

ἐμοί11 of 21

me

G1698

to me

ταῦτα12 of 21

Those things

G5023

these things

πράσσετε·13 of 21

do

G4238

to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,

καὶ14 of 21

and

G2532

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

15 of 21
G3588

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

θεὸς16 of 21

the God

G2316

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

τῆς17 of 21
G3588

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

εἰρήνης18 of 21

of peace

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

ἔσται19 of 21

shall be

G2071

will be

μεθ'20 of 21

with

G3326

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

ὑμῶν21 of 21

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you


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 4:9 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 4:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study