Philippians 4:6

Authorized King James Version

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

μηδὲν

G3367

for nothing

not even one (man, woman, thing)

μεριμνᾶτε

G3309

Be careful

to be anxious about

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

παντὶ

G3956

every thing

all, any, every, the whole

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προσευχῇ

G4335

by prayer

prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

δεήσει

G1162

supplication

a petition

#11

μετὰ

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#12

εὐχαριστίας

G2169

thanksgiving

gratitude; actively, grateful language (to god, as an act of worship)

#13

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

αἰτήματα

G155

requests

a thing asked or (abstractly) an asking

#15

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

#16

γνωριζέσθω

G1107

be made known

to make known; subjectively, to know

#17

πρὸς

G4314

unto

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

#18

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

θεόν

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ 1 Peter 5:7 1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
— Casting all your care upon him
² Matthew 6:25 Matthew 6:25
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought 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 meat, and the body than raiment?
— Take no thought for your life

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Philippians. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Philippians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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Topics

Peace