Philippians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσευχῇ
by prayer
G4335
προσευχῇ
by prayer
Strong's:
G4335
Word #:
7 of 19
prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
εὐχαριστίας
thanksgiving
G2169
εὐχαριστίας
thanksgiving
Strong's:
G2169
Word #:
12 of 19
gratitude; actively, grateful language (to god, as an act of worship)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
17 of 19
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,
Cross References
1 Peter 5:7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.Psalms 55:22Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.Matthew 6:8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.Jeremiah 33:3Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.Psalms 62:8Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.Proverbs 16:3Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.Colossians 3:17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.Colossians 4:2Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;Ephesians 6:18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;Luke 18:1And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Historical Context
Philippians chapter 4 concludes Paul's most joyful letter, written from Roman imprisonment (c. AD 60-62). The Philippian church, Paul's most faithful financial partner, sent support via Epaphroditus. Paul's gratitude, exhortations to joy and peace, and contentment teaching modeled Christ-centered living regardless of external circumstances—a powerful witness in the Roman world.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse challenge your perspective on Antidote to anxiety?
- What specific application can you make from this teaching this week?
- How does this verse point to Christ's sufficiency in all circumstances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Mēden merimnate ("be anxious for nothing")—merimnaō ("worry, be anxious"). Instead: proseuchē kai deēsis meta eucharistias ("prayer and petition with thanksgiving"). Gratitude prevents entitled complaining. This verse contributes to Philippians chapter 4's themes of joy, peace, contentment, and gratitude—Paul's prison epistle climax showing joy transcending circumstances through Christ's sufficiency.