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 King James Version
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Context
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in 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.”