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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Paul writes from prison, yet the letter overflows with joy. These words come near the close, as he urges the Philippians toward peace in every circumstance.
What Does Philippians 4:6 Mean?
In one sentence: instead of carrying anxiety, hand every worry to God in prayer, with thanksgiving, trusting Him with the outcome. "Be careful for nothing" is older English for "do not be anxious about anything" -- not a command to stop caring, but to stop being ruled by worry.
Paul names the alternative to anxiety: prayer. "Supplication" is honest asking; "thanksgiving" remembers what God has already done. The very next verse promises the result -- a peace that "passeth all understanding" guards the heart (Philippians 4:7). Anxiety is not beaten by trying harder to relax, but by transferring the weight to God.
In the Original Language
The Greek "merimnao" (be careful) means to be anxious or pulled apart by care. "Deesis" (supplication) is specific, honest asking. "Eucharistia" (thanksgiving) is gratitude that remembers God's past faithfulness.
Cross References
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
- 1 Peter 5:7
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
- Philippians 4:7
“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.”
- Matthew 6:34
Application
When worry rises, turn it immediately into a specific prayer -- naming what you need and thanking God for what He has already done.