Philippians 4:9
What does Philippians 4:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Philippians 4:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philippians 4:9 means
Paul calls the church to put into practice what they have learned, received, heard, and seen in him. Christian formation is not merely theoretical; doctrine must be embodied. Paul offers his life as a trustworthy pattern, not out of pride, but because he himself follows Christ. When teaching is embraced and example is imitated, the promise follows: “the God of peace shall be with you.” This shifts from peace as a gift to the Giver’s presence. Obedience and imitation become means of deeper fellowship with God. The Christian life grows through teaching, modeling, and doing, producing a settled communion with the God who calms and orders the believer’s life.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The things which came to you by my teaching and preaching, and which you saw in me, these things do, and the God of peace will be with you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862the things that also ye did learn, and receive, and hear, and saw in me, those do, and the God of the peace shall be with you.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The things which you have both learned and received and heard and seen in me, these do ye: and the God of peace shall be with you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890What ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, these things do; and theGod of peace shall be with you.
Context
Having oriented their hearts to prayer and their minds to virtuous meditation, Paul urges practical obedience shaped by his example. Stability does not come from thought alone but from consistent action. With this spiritual framework in place, Paul transitions to personal thanksgiving for the Philippians’ renewed concern and generosity. Verses 10–20 will weave gratitude, contentment, and assurance of God’s provision, showing how the gospel governs finances, partnerships, and needs.
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.
v.9This passage
v.10But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 5:19
to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:4
And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command.
- Luke 8:21
But he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these that hear the word of God, and do it.
- 1 Corinthians 14:33
for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,
- 1 Thessalonians 4:1
Finally then, brethren, we beseech and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as ye received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, even as ye do walk,—that ye abound more and more.
- Isaiah 8:10
Take counsel together, and it shall be brought to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us.
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