Philippians 4:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Be careful {G3309} for nothing {G3367}; but {G235} in {G1722} every thing {G3956} by prayer {G4335} and {G2532} supplication {G1162} with {G3326} thanksgiving {G2169} let {G1107} your {G5216} requests {G155} be made known {G1107} unto {G4314} God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don’t worry about anything; on the contrary, make your requests known to God by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving.

Berean Standard Bible

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

American Standard Version

In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 4:6 serves as a foundational exhortation for believers to combat anxiety not through passive resignation, but through active, faith-filled engagement with God. It directs the Christian to replace worry with a disciplined approach to prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, ensuring that all needs and desires are transparently communicated to the Heavenly Father, thereby opening the door to divine peace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the concluding chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippians, a letter renowned for its themes of joy, unity, and steadfastness in Christ amidst adversity. Following the powerful commands to "[rejoice in the Lord always](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord")" and to let one's "[gentleness be evident to all](/philippians/4-5 "Philippians 4:5 - Let Your Gentleness Be Evident")", Paul transitions from a general disposition to a specific, practical discipline. Philippians 4:6 provides the actionable method for cultivating the joy and peace he advocates, directly preceding the profound promise of "[the peace of God, which transcends all understanding](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")" in the subsequent verse. It is the hinge between the call to Christian character and the experience of divine tranquility.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote this epistle from prison (likely Rome, though Caesarea or Ephesus are also possibilities), enduring confinement for the sake of the Gospel. The Philippian church, his beloved partners in ministry, faced external pressures, possibly persecution, and internal challenges, including disunity (e.g., [Philippians 4:2](/philippians/4-2 "Philippians 4:2 - Euodia and Syntyche")). In the Greco-Roman world, anxiety was a pervasive human experience, often addressed through philosophical stoicism or reliance on fate. Paul's instruction stands in stark contrast to these approaches, offering a radical alternative rooted in a personal, relational God. The cultural context also valued patronage, and Paul's encouragement to "make requests known" aligns with the concept of approaching a benevolent patron (God) with needs, trusting in His ability and willingness to provide.

* **Key Themes:** Philippians 4:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the letter and broader Pauline theology. It directly addresses the theme of **Overcoming Worry**, presenting prayer as the divinely appointed antidote to anxious thoughts, which can hinder Christian joy and effectiveness. It underscores the **Power of Prayer**, portraying it not merely as a religious ritual but as a vital, transformative means of communion and dependence upon God, as seen throughout Paul's writings (e.g., [Ephesians 6:18](/ephesians/6-18 "Ephesians 6:18 - Pray in the Spirit")). The inclusion of **Thanksgiving** highlights the importance of a grateful disposition, even amidst trials, reflecting a deep trust in God's faithfulness and sovereignty, a theme echoed in passages like [Colossians 3:17](/colossians/3-17 "Colossians 3:17 - Whatever You Do, Give Thanks"). Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Divine Provision and Care**, inviting believers to cast their burdens upon a God who is both able and willing to hear and respond to their specific needs, thereby fostering a life of confident reliance, as opposed to self-sufficient striving, which is a recurring message in the New Testament, notably in [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **careful (Greek, _merimnáō'_):** From μέριμνα, meaning to be anxious about, to be worried, or to have distracting cares. The command "Be careful for nothing" (μηδὲν μεριμνᾶτε) is an imperative, a direct prohibition against a state of anxious worry or being consumed by distracting concerns. It's not a call to indifference, but to freedom from debilitating anxiety that can paralyze faith and action.
* **supplication (Greek, _déēsis'_):** From δέομαι, meaning a petition or a specific request. While "prayer" (προσευχή, _proseuchḗ_) is a general term for addressing God in worship and communion, "supplication" narrows the focus to earnest pleas for particular needs or desires. The pairing emphasizes both the broad scope of our communication with God and the specific nature of our petitions.
* **thanksgiving (Greek, _eucharistía'_):** From εὐχάριστος, denoting gratitude or grateful language, especially to God as an act of worship. The inclusion of thanksgiving alongside prayer and supplication is crucial. It transforms the act of asking into an expression of faith and trust, acknowledging God's past faithfulness and anticipating His future goodness, even before the requests are answered. It shifts the focus from the problem to the Provider.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be careful for nothing;":** This is a direct, emphatic command to cease from anxious worry. The Greek construction implies a cessation of an ongoing state, urging believers not to allow any circumstance to induce a state of debilitating anxiety or distracting care. It sets the stage for the positive instruction that follows, highlighting the futility and ungodliness of worry.
* **"but in every thing":** This phrase establishes the comprehensive scope of the instruction. It means "in all circumstances," "in every situation," or "concerning everything." No area of life, no matter how trivial or overwhelming, is excluded from this divine directive. It contrasts sharply with the "nothing" of the preceding clause, emphasizing that while worry should be absent, God's involvement should be universal.
* **"by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving":** This tripartite phrase outlines the prescribed method for addressing life's challenges. "Prayer" refers to general communion and worship, while "supplication" denotes specific, earnest requests. The vital addition of "with thanksgiving" elevates the act from mere asking to an expression of faith, trust, and gratitude, acknowledging God's character and past provisions, even as new requests are made. This attitude of gratitude is foundational to a healthy prayer life.
* **"let your requests be made known unto God.":** This is the ultimate action. It's not that God is unaware of our needs, but that the act of articulating our "requests" (αἴτημα, _aítēma_, a thing asked or a petition) to Him is an act of dependence, humility, and trust. It is a conscious decision to relinquish control and entrust our concerns to the sovereign and loving Father. This transparency fosters intimacy and reinforces our reliance on His divine will and power.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in Philippians 4:6 to convey his message with clarity and force. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, directly contrasting "nothing" (no anxiety) with "every thing" (all matters brought to God), highlighting the complete shift in mindset and action required. The verse also utilizes a strong **Imperative** ("Be careful for nothing"), which is a direct command, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of this instruction. Furthermore, the phrase "prayer and supplication with thanksgiving" forms a powerful **Triad** or three-part structure, emphasizing the comprehensive and holistic nature of the prescribed spiritual practice. This combination of general prayer, specific petition, and an attitude of gratitude creates a robust framework for engaging with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 4:6 profoundly articulates the Christian's privilege and responsibility in prayer, rooted in the theological understanding of God's sovereignty, benevolence, and intimate knowledge of His children. It underscores that God is not a distant deity but a loving Father who invites His children to bring all their concerns to Him, not out of His ignorance, but out of His desire for relationship and our dependence. The command to pray "with thanksgiving" reflects a deep theological truth: gratitude acknowledges God's past faithfulness and anticipates His future provision, thus fostering a spirit of trust that transcends present anxieties. This passage affirms that true peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God amidst trouble, accessed through surrendered, grateful prayer.

* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry About Your Life"): Jesus's teaching on not worrying about material needs, emphasizing God's care for His creation and the priority of seeking His kingdom.
* [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast All Your Anxiety on Him"): An explicit command to "cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you," directly paralleling Paul's instruction to release worry to God.
* [Psalm 55:22](/psalm/55-22 "Psalm 55:22 - Cast Your Burden on the Lord"): An Old Testament echo of the principle, "Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 4:6 offers a profoundly liberating truth for the anxious heart: worry is not an inevitable state but a choice that can be transformed through intentional spiritual discipline. Instead of allowing concerns to fester internally, this verse calls us to an active, faith-filled response. It challenges us to shift our focus from the problem's magnitude to God's immense power and willingness to intervene. The inclusion of "thanksgiving" is a critical component, reminding us that even in our struggles, we can find reasons to be grateful, acknowledging God's past faithfulness and trusting His future grace. This practice is not a magical formula for instant problem-solving, but a profound spiritual discipline that aligns our hearts and minds with God's peace, fostering a deeper intimacy with Him. It encourages a lifestyle of constant, humble reliance on God, knowing that He desires to hear our every request and will respond according to His perfect will and love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific anxieties or concerns are you currently "careful for" that you need to surrender to God?**
* **How does incorporating "thanksgiving" into your prayers change your perspective on your requests and God's character?**
* **What does it truly mean to "let your requests be made known unto God" in a way that demonstrates trust rather than just information-sharing?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a habit of bringing "every thing" to God in prayer and supplication, rather than only major crises?**

### FAQ

**Does "Be careful for nothing" mean Christians should never plan or be concerned about future events?**

Answer: No, "Be careful for nothing" (μηδὲν μεριμνᾶτε) does not mean Christians should be irresponsible, indifferent, or fail to plan. The Greek word _merimnáō_ refers specifically to anxious worry, distracting cares, or being consumed by debilitating concern. It's a prohibition against a fretful, agitated state of mind that lacks trust in God's sovereignty and provision. It encourages a confident and peaceful reliance on God, even while we responsibly engage with life's challenges. We are called to be wise stewards and plan for the future (e.g., [Proverbs 6:6-8](/proverbs/6-6-8 "Proverbs 6:6-8 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard")), but without the burden of paralyzing anxiety. The command is to cast our anxieties on God, not to become apathetic.

**Why does Paul say "let your requests be made known" if God already knows everything?**

Answer: God, being omniscient, certainly knows our needs and desires before we even articulate them (as [Matthew 6:8](/matthew/6-8 "Matthew 6:8 - Your Father Knows What You Need") affirms). The purpose of "letting your requests be made known unto God" is not to inform Him, but to transform us. It is an act of humble dependence, acknowledging our limitations and His boundless power. It fosters intimacy in our relationship with Him, as we consciously choose to bring our burdens to Him rather than carrying them ourselves. This act of communication builds faith, deepens trust, and aligns our hearts with His will, preparing us to receive His peace and His answers, whether they are "yes," "no," or "wait." It is an expression of our active faith and reliance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 4:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment and enablement in Jesus Christ. It is through His finished work that believers gain the confidence and access to approach God with their requests. Christ Himself lived a life of perfect dependence on the Father, modeling prayer as the primary means of communion and trust, even in the face of immense suffering, as seen in His earnest prayers in [Gethsemane](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane"). He is our great High Priest, who sympathizes with our weaknesses and intercedes for us, allowing us to "[approach God's throne of grace with confidence](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach God's Throne of Grace")" to receive mercy and find grace in our time of need. The peace that is promised in the subsequent verse ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")) is not merely a human feeling, but the very peace of Christ, which He bequeathed to His disciples ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - My Peace I Give You")). Therefore, when we are commanded to cast our anxieties upon God through prayer and thanksgiving, it is because Christ has already borne our burdens and opened the way for us to live free from the bondage of worry, inviting us to "[come to Him, all who are weary and burdened, and He will give us rest](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")". Our ability to obey this command is a direct result of our union with Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Proverbs 3:6

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Matthew 6:25

¶ Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Psalms 55:22

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Matthew 7:7

¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: