Devine Scripture

Philippians 4:4

What does Philippians 4:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 4:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 4:4 means

Paul issues a clear, repeated call: rejoice in the Lord always. This joy is not shallow cheerfulness or denial of hardship. Its source is “in the Lord”—his character, salvation, and nearness. Because he does not change, joy can be constant even when circumstances vary. Paul’s repetition signals importance and the tendency to forget. The command implies discipline: believers choose to set their hearts on the Lord’s goodness. Such joy strengthens endurance, disarms complaints, and displays the gospel’s power to outsiders. From prison, Paul models what he commands. His joy is not anchored to freedom or comfort, but to Christ, whose grace sustains him and the church at all times.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Be glad in the Lord at all times: again I say, Be glad.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Rejoice in the Lord always: again, I say, rejoice.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Rejoice in [the] Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.

Context

Coming after appeals for unity, this call to rejoice provides the positive atmosphere in which reconciliation can mature. Paul will immediately connect joy with a gentle public witness and with the assurance that “the Lord is at hand.” Then he will address anxiety, prescribing prayerful thanksgiving as the way to experience God’s guarding peace. The sequence is pastoral: joy turns the heart Godward, gentleness turns the church outward, and prayer draws God’s peace inward. All of this prepares for the focus on rightly ordered thoughts and consistent practice, which continue to stabilize the congregation.

v.3Yea, I beseech thee also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

v.4This passage

v.5Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 16:25

    But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns unto God, and the prisoners were listening to them;

  • 1 Peter 4:13

    but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.

  • Psalms 146:2

    While I live will I praise Jehovah: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

  • Matthew 5:12

    Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.

  • James 1:2

    Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations;

  • Psalms 34:1

    I will bless Jehovah at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

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