• Philippians 4:6
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 6 μηδὲν nothing μεριμνᾶτε, be YOU being anxious over, ἀλλ’ but ἐν in παντὶ everything τῇ to the προσευχῇ prayer καὶ and τῇ to the δεήσει supplication μετ’ with εὐχαριστίας thanksgiving τὰ the αἰτήματα petitions ὑμῶν of YOU γνωριζέσθω let it be being made known πρὸς toward τὸν the θεόν· God;

  • Philippians Study Notes—Chapter 4
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 4:6

      Do not: The Greek expression here rendered “Do not be anxious” could also be rendered “Stop being anxious” or “Stop worrying.”​—See study note on Lu 12:22.

      Do not be anxious: The Greek verb for “be anxious” (me·ri·mnaʹo) can refer to worrying or being overly concerned in a way that divides a person’s mind and distracts him, robbing him of joy. Several times, Jesus gave a similar exhortation. (See study notes on Mt 6:25; Lu 12:22.) Paul himself had ample reason for being anxious; he wrote this letter during his first imprisonment in Rome. (Php 1:7, 13, 14) He could also have been worried about being low on provisions (Php 4:12) and about the welfare of fellow believers (2Co 11:28 and study note). Paul encourages fellow believers in any such circumstances to “let [their] petitions be made known to God.”​—See also Ps 55:2, 22; 1Pe 5:7.

      in everything: Anything that affects a Christian’s relationship with God or his life as one of God’s servants can be a proper subject of prayer. As long as our prayers are in harmony with God’s will, they may embrace virtually every facet of life. A Christian may feel free to talk to Jehovah about his inmost feelings, needs, fears, and anxieties.​—Mt 6:9-13; Joh 14:13 (see study note), 14; 16:23, 24; 1Pe 5:7; 1Jo 5:14.

      prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving: Paul uses “prayer” as the general term for worshipful communication with God. “Supplication” is more specific; it is a strong word that suggests pleading or entreaty, often accompanied by strong emotions and even tears. (Heb 5:7) One reference work defines it as “the cry of personal need.” By adding “along with thanksgiving,” Paul shows that it is always fitting to express appreciation to God. Even in times of dire need, there are reasons to be grateful; Paul knew as much from his own experiences. (Ac 16:22-25; Eph 5:19, 20) Paul also mentions petitions, using a word that means “requests”; here, it focuses on the things asked for in prayer. Paul has just explained that a Christian’s petitions may embrace a wide array of needs.​—See study note on in everything in this verse.