Philippians 4:6

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

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}.

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

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

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

Philippians 4:6 is a powerful and practical verse that offers a direct command and a clear pathway for navigating the anxieties of life through faith. It stands as a cornerstone passage on prayer and trust in God.

Context

This verse is situated in the final chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippians, a letter characterized by themes of joy, unity, and steadfastness in Christ despite challenging circumstances. Having encouraged the believers to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4) and to let their gentleness be evident to all (Philippians 4:5), Paul addresses the common human struggle with worry. Verse 6 provides the practical instruction on how to live out the joyful and peaceful life he advocates, leading directly into the promise of the peace of God that surpasses understanding in the subsequent verse.

Key Themes

  • Overcoming Worry: The initial command, "Be careful for nothing," directly confronts anxiety, which can cripple faith and joy. It's a call to release anxious thoughts.
  • The Power of Prayer: The verse presents prayer ("prayer and supplication") as the primary antidote to worry. It's the means by which believers communicate their needs and concerns to God.
  • Importance of Thanksgiving: Coupling prayer with "thanksgiving" highlights the importance of an attitude of gratitude, acknowledging God's past faithfulness and trusting His future provision even before requests are answered.
  • Bringing Requests to God: Believers are encouraged to make their specific needs and desires known to God, not because He is unaware, but as an act of dependence and trust in His willingness and ability to help.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Be careful for nothing" uses the Greek word merimnaō (μεριμνάω), which means to be anxious, worried, or to have distracting cares. The command is to cease from this state of anxious worry.

"Prayer" is proseuchē (προσευχή), a general term for prayer or worship directed towards God. "Supplication" is deēsis (δέησις), which specifically refers to a plea or request for a particular need. The combination suggests both general communion with God and specific petitions.

"Thanksgiving," eucharistia (εὐχαριστία), emphasizes gratitude. Presenting requests with thanksgiving demonstrates faith that God hears and will act according to His will and goodness.

Reflection and Application

Philippians 4:6 offers a timeless strategy for dealing with the worries of life: instead of dwelling on concerns, turn them into prayers. This involves a conscious act of choosing faith over fear. By bringing our "requests" to God through "prayer and supplication," we acknowledge our limitations and His sovereignty. The crucial addition of "with thanksgiving" transforms the act from merely asking to an expression of trust and gratitude, recalling God's past mercies and anticipating His future grace. This practice is not a magical formula but a spiritual discipline that aligns our hearts and minds with God's peace, as promised in the following verse. It is a call to live a life of confident reliance on God in all circumstances.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

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