Philippians 4:6-7 Text
King James Version (KJV)
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
World English Bible (WEB)
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
What Philippians 4:6-7 Means
Paul gives a direct instruction and a promise. The instruction: do not be anxious about anything, and instead bring every concern to God through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. The KJV "be careful for nothing" uses "careful" in an old sense meaning full of care, so it is not telling anyone to be careless. Prayer is paired with two things: asking (petition) and thanking. Gratitude keeps requests from becoming pure complaint. The promise is that the peace of God, which goes beyond what we can grasp, will guard hearts and minds. "Guard" is a military word, picturing a sentry posted at the gate. The peace is not described as an answer to the request; it is described as protection while waiting. Many readers misread the verse as saying that anxious people lack faith, but Paul is giving a practice, not a rebuke.
Context of Philippians 4:6-7
Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, probably from prison, perhaps in Rome in the early 60s AD, though this is debated. The letter is warm and full of joy despite his circumstances. Just before this passage, he urges two women in the church to settle a disagreement and tells the believers to rejoice and be gentle. Just after, he encourages them to think about whatever is true, honorable, and lovely, and to follow his example. To read the whole book, see random verse from Philippians.
How to Apply Philippians 4:6-7
Try turning each worry into a short prayer: name it, ask for what you need, then add one thing you are thankful for. Writing it down can help. You may still feel uneasy afterward, and that is normal. The invitation is to keep returning, trusting that peace can stand guard even when circumstances stay the same.
Related Verses
- 1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
- Matthew 6:25-27 – 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? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
- Psalm 55:22 – Cast thy burden upon the LORD , and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
- John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Looking for more verses on this theme? Browse Bible Verses About Peace, each with a short note on its context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Philippians 4:6-7 mean?
Paul tells believers not to be anxious but to bring every concern to God in prayer with thanks. In return, God's peace, deeper than we can explain, will guard their hearts and minds.
Does this verse mean anxiety is a sin?
No. Paul is offering a way to handle worry, not condemning people who feel it. The surrounding letter is gentle and encouraging, and the passage invites you to bring your anxiety to God instead of carrying it alone.
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