King James Version

What Does Philippians 4:9 Mean?

“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.”

Context

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

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

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.

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

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

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Topics in This Verse

Peace

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Ye have both learned, and received.**—The reference is here to St. Paul’s teaching, which he “delivered” to them (see 1Corinthians 15:1-3; Galatians 1:12) as a message, “received” by revelation of God, and which they “received” accordingly. **Heard, and seen in me.**—Here the reference is to his example, as subsidiary to his teaching and confirmatory of its truth. **The God of peace.**—The inversion (compared with Philippians 4:7) is striking. To have the “peace of God” with us is much; to have “the God of Peace” Himself with us is more. With this promise the Letter itself ends. What follows is but postscript.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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.