Devine Scripture

Philippians 4:5

What does Philippians 4:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 4:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 4:5 means

Believers are to let their forbearance—gentle reasonableness—be evident to all. This is not weakness but a gracious strength that yields personal rights for the sake of peace. It commends Christ to onlookers by reflecting his patience. The motivation follows: “The Lord is at hand.” His nearness may mean his present help or his impending return; both truths press us toward gentleness. Knowing he sees, helps, and will set things right frees us from harshness and panic. Publicly recognizable gentleness complements inner joy and contributes to unity. It is the relational fruit of trusting the Lord’s timing and presence rather than insisting on vindication or control.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Let your gentle behaviour be clear to all men. The Lord is near.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

let your forbearance be known to all men; the Lord <FI>is<Fi> near;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Let your modesty be known to all men. The Lord is nigh.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Let your gentleness be known of all men. The Lord [is] near.

Context

After the command to rejoice, Paul turns to the church’s outward demeanor. Unity requires a recognizable spirit of graciousness. The reminder of the Lord’s nearness bridges to the next theme: anxiety. If the Lord is close, the Philippians need not be ruled by worry; instead, they can pray. Verses 6–7 will outline the pattern and promise of prayerful dependence that results in God’s guarding peace. The flow from joy to gentleness to prayer shows how inner orientation to the Lord transforms both public witness and private burdens.

v.4Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.

v.5This passage

v.6In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 5:39

    but I say unto you, Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

  • Titus 3:2

    to speak evil of no man, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all meekness toward all men.

  • Matthew 6:25

    Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious 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 the food, and the body than the raiment?

  • Hebrews 13:5

    Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee.

  • Matthew 24:48

    But if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord tarrieth;

  • Hebrews 10:25

    not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.

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