Philippians 4:7
What does Philippians 4:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Philippians 4:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philippians 4:7 means
God’s peace, surpassing understanding, will guard hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus. This peace is not merely the absence of trouble but God’s own calming rule applied within. It “surpasses understanding” because it does not arise from changed circumstances or human strategy. The verb “guard” evokes a military sentry; God’s peace stands watch over the inner life, protecting it from the assaults of fear and confusion. The sphere is “in Christ Jesus”—union with him is where this protection is enjoyed. Prayer does not always remove the storm, but God’s peace keeps the believer steady within it, aligning emotions and thoughts under the Lord’s care.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the peace of God, which is deeper than all knowledge, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the peace of God, that is surpassing all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and the peace ofGod, which surpasses every understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts by Christ Jesus.
Context
This promise follows the command to trade anxiety for prayerful, thankful dependence. Peace is God’s gracious response to trusting prayer. Having addressed the heart under pressure, Paul next instructs the mind: what to set it upon. Verse 8 lists worthy objects for meditation, shaping a mental diet that sustains the peace just described. Then verse 9 will connect thought to practice, anchoring peace not only in what we pray and ponder but also in what we do, following apostolic example.
v.6In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
v.7This passage
v.8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 55:11
so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
- Revelation 1:4
John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from him who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits that are before his throne;
- Psalms 29:11
Jehovah will give strength unto his people; Jehovah will bless his people with peace.
- Luke 2:14
Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.
- Numbers 6:26
Jehovah lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
- Isaiah 48:22
There is no peace, saith Jehovah, to the wicked.
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