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

PHILIPPIANS 4:6KJV
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Philippians 4:6 (KJV)

What does Philippians 4:6 mean?

Philippians 4:6 tells readers not to be anxious or overly worried about anything, but instead to bring every concern to God through prayer, asking for help and giving thanks. The verse encourages turning worries into prayers, trusting that God listens to every request.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Philippi, encouraging them as they face challenges and uncertainty. He urges them to replace anxiety with a habit of honest prayer and gratitude, showing that God welcomes their requests in every situation, not just in emergencies or special occasions.

The Greek behind Philippians 4:6

  • "careful" (μεριμνάω, merimnaō): This word is often understood as "anxious" or "worried." Paul is not talking about everyday planning, but about being consumed by anxiety or fear.
  • "supplication" (δέησις, deēsis): This word means a specific, earnest request for help. It highlights that God invites not just general prayers, but also personal and urgent needs.
  • "thanksgiving" (εὐχαριστία, eucharistia): This word means giving thanks. Paul links gratitude with prayer, suggesting that even when asking for help, remembering what God has already done is important.

Why Philippians 4:6 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that faith means never feeling anxious; instead, it shows what to do with anxiety—bring it to God honestly.
  • The emphasis on "in every thing" means no concern is too small or too big for prayer, which can be reassuring for anyone who feels their worries are unimportant.
  • Philippians 4:6 connects to the following verse, which promises God's peace, showing that prayer and gratitude are the path to inner calm, not just a religious duty.

Where else these words appear

“requests” Greek G155 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 23:24 And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.
  • 1 John 5:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

“thanksgiving” Greek G2169 · used in 15 verses

  • Acts 24:3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
  • 1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

“careful” Greek G3309 · used in 17 verses

  • 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?
  • Matthew 10:19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
  • Luke 12:26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

“supplication” Greek G1162 · used in 17 verses

  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
  • 1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;