"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
— Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
Philippians 4:4 is the "rejoice in the Lord always" verse. This page gives the verse, where it sits in Philippians 4, and a plain reading. For more on the theme, see Bible verses about rejoicing, Bible verses about joy, and Love and joy.
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The verse
The King James says, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."
"Rejoice" is chairō (G5463), to be glad. "Always" is pantote (G3842), at all times, and "Lord" is kyrios (G2962).
Where it sits in Philippians 4
Paul wrote Philippians while in chains (Philippians 1:13). Just before verse 4 he pleads with two women in the church, Euodia and Syntyche, "to be of the same mind in the Lord" (Philippians 4:2).
Right after it he writes, "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:5-6). He had already said it once in Philippians 3:1: "Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord!"
What the verse is saying
The joy is "in the Lord," not in circumstances. That is how Paul can say "always" while writing from chains, and why he repeats himself: "I will say it again."
It is a command, not just a feeling to wait for. And it sits beside prayer, thanksgiving, and the promise that "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). For more, see Philippians 4:13, Bible verses about peace, and Bible verses about gratitude.
Questions people ask
What does Philippians 4:4 say?
In the NIV it says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" The KJV says, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."
Who wrote Philippians 4:4?
The apostle Paul wrote it to the church in Philippi while he was in chains (Philippians 1:13).
Why does Paul say "rejoice" twice?
He repeats it for emphasis, so it will not be missed. He had also written "rejoice in the Lord" in Philippians 3:1.
How can you rejoice always?
Paul ties the joy to the Lord rather than to circumstances. The next verses pair it with prayer and thanksgiving instead of anxiety (Philippians 4:6-7).
What comes after Philippians 4:4?
Verse 5 says, "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Verses 6-7 follow: "Do not be anxious about anything," with the promise of God's peace. See Philippians 4:6-7.
