Philippians 4:6
What does Philippians 4:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Philippians 4:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philippians 4:6 means
Paul counters anxiety not by denying problems but by directing the church to pray in everything. He names prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, showing a full approach: adoration and communion, specific petitions, and grateful remembrance. Gratitude is not an afterthought; it reshapes requests by recalling God’s past faithfulness. Making requests “known unto God” is relational, not informational—he already knows, but invites trust. The call is sweeping: nothing is too small for prayer, and nothing is too great for his care. The alternative to anxious self-reliance is honest, thankful dependence. This posture acknowledges God’s sovereignty and goodness and prepares the heart to receive his promised peace.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Have no cares; but in everything with prayer and praise put your requests before God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for nothing be anxious, but in everything by prayer, and by supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Be nothing solicitous: but in every thing, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Be careful about nothing; but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known toGod;
Context
This instruction grows out of the assurance that the Lord is near and the call to public gentleness. If believers hand worries to God through thankful prayer, they will experience something beyond human calculation. Verse 7 will describe the peace that follows—a guarding presence in Christ Jesus. Then Paul will guide their thinking toward what is true and beautiful, ensuring that anxiety is displaced not only by prayer but also by disciplined meditation on God-honoring realities.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 7:32
But I would have you to be free from cares. He that is unmarried is careful for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord:
- 1 Samuel 7:12
Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath Jehovah helped us.
- Jeremiah 33:3
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and will show thee great things, and difficult, which thou knowest not.
- 2 Corinthians 1:11
ye also helping together on our behalf by your supplication; that, for the gift bestowed upon us by means of many, thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf.
- Ephesians 5:20
giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
- Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
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