Philippians 4:6 — "Be Anxious for Nothing"
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
What Does Philippians 4:6 Mean?
Paul writes from prison to the Philippian church, urging them not to be anxious about anything. Instead of worrying, believers should bring every concern to God through prayer, petition, and thanksgiving. The inclusion of "thanksgiving" is key — it shifts focus from the problem to God's faithfulness. The following verse (4:7) promises that God's peace, which surpasses human understanding, will guard their hearts and minds.
Application: This verse offers a practical antidote to anxiety: prayer with gratitude. When worry arises, the response is to immediately turn to God, present the concern, give thanks for His past faithfulness, and trust Him with the outcome.
Philippians 4:6 in Context
Showing context from the King James Version (KJV)
Philippians 4:6 in 4 Translations
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
“In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
“In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does "be anxious for nothing" mean?
It means believers should not allow worry and anxiety to dominate their hearts and minds. Instead, every concern — large or small — should be brought to God through prayer. It is a call to trust God's sovereignty and faithfulness.
What is the "peace of God" in verse 7?
Philippians 4:7 says the peace of God "surpasses all understanding" and will "guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." This peace is supernatural — it doesn't depend on circumstances being resolved, but on trust in God's character.
Why is thanksgiving included with prayer?
Thanksgiving reorients our perspective. When we thank God for past faithfulness while presenting current concerns, it builds faith and reminds us that the same God who helped before is able to help again. It transforms prayer from anxious begging into confident trust.
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