What does Philippians 4:6 mean?
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
PHILIPPIANS 4:6 · BEREAN STANDARD BIBLE
“Be anxious for nothing” is one of the most quoted lines in the letter, and it comes with an instruction attached: prayer and petition with thanksgiving. The verse is a pair with 4:7, which describes what follows.
Three commentaries, quoted, not summarized.
JAMIESON, FAUSSET & BROWN · 1871verified
Translate, "Be anxious about nothing." Care and prayer are as mutually opposed as fire and water [BENGEL]. by prayer and supplication--Greek, "by the prayer and the supplication" appropriate to each case [ALFORD]. Prayer for blessings; and the general term. Supplication, to avert ills; a special term, suppliant entreaty (see on Eph 6:18). thanksgiving--for every event, prosperity and affliction alike (Th1 5:18; Jam 5:13).…
MATTHEW HENRY · 1721verified
…Here is a caution against disquieting perplexing care (Phi 4:6): Be careful for nothing - mēden merimnate: the same expression with that Mat 6:25, Take no thought for your life; that is, avoid anxious care and distracting thought in the wants and difficulties of life. Observe, It is the duty and interest of Christians to live without care. There is a care of diligence which is our duty, and consists in a wise forecast and due concern; but there is a care of diffidence and distrust which is our sin and folly…
JOHN GILL · 1748verified
Be careful for nothing,.... This must be understood not in the most extensive sense, but with a limitation and restriction. There are many things that saints are to be careful for, as men and Christians; they are to be careful of their bodies, as well as of their souls; of the health of them, which is to be preserved by all lawful means, and not exposed to unnecessary danger; and for their families, to provide things honest for them, proper food and raiment, and the necessaries of life…
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What does the Greek word for “anxious” in Philippians 4:6 actually mean?▋
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How do prayer, petition, and thanksgiving differ in Philippians 4:6?Is Philippians 4:6 a promise that anxiety will go away? What do the sources say?
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Philippians 4 · 5 printable lessons