What does Philippians 4:6 mean?
Paul wrote this letter from prison, yet it is full of joy and peace. "Be careful for nothing" uses "careful" in its old sense of "full of care," so it means do not be anxious about anything. Paul does not simply tell people to stop worrying; he gives them something to do instead. "In every thing," large or small, they should pray, make specific requests ("supplication"), and give thanks. Thanksgiving matters, because remembering what God has already done builds trust for what we are asking now. The verse turns worry into prayer, handing our concerns to God rather than carrying them alone.
Philippians 4:6 in the World English Bible
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Context
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.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Philippians 4:6 mean?
Paul wrote this letter from prison, yet it is full of joy and peace. "Be careful for nothing" uses "careful" in its old sense of "full of care," so it means do not be anxious about anything. Paul does not simply tell people to stop worrying; he gives them something to do instead. "In every thing," large or small, they should pray, make specific requests ("supplication"), and give thanks. Thanksgiving matters, because remembering what God has already done builds trust for what we are asking now. The verse turns worry into prayer, handing our concerns to God rather than carrying them alone.
What does Philippians 4:6 say in the KJV?
Philippians 4:6 (KJV) reads: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”