"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
— Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Philippians 4:6-7 is the "do not be anxious about anything" passage, and the source of "the peace that passes all understanding." This page gives the verses, where they sit in Philippians, and a plain reading. For more verses on the theme, see Bible verses about anxiety, Bible verses about prayer, and Bible verses about the peace of God.
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The verses
The King James says, "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."
"Be anxious" (KJV "be careful") is merimnaō (G3309), to worry or be pulled in different directions. "Prayer" is proseuchē (G4335), and "petition" (KJV "supplication") is deēsis (G1162), a specific request for a need. "Thanksgiving" is eucharistia (G2169). "Peace" is eirēnē (G1515). "Guard" (KJV "keep") is phroureō (G5432), a military word for standing watch, and "minds" is noēma, the thoughts, while "understanding" is nous (G3563), the mind itself.
Where it sits in Philippians
Paul wrote this letter while he was "in chains for Christ" (Philippians 1:13). Just before these verses he says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near" (Philippians 4:4-5).
Right after them he turns to what to think about: "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things" (Philippians 4:8).
What the verses are saying
Paul gives a trade. Instead of worry, bring every request to God, and bring it with thanks. He does not promise the problem will vanish. He promises that God's peace will stand guard over your heart and mind.
"Transcends all understanding" means the peace is bigger than what you can explain. It does not depend on figuring everything out first. Isaiah said something similar about "perfect peace" for those who trust God, and Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you" (John 14:27). For more, see Bible verses about worry and Bible verses about peace.
Questions people ask
What does Philippians 4:6-7 say?
In the NIV: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
What does "be careful for nothing" mean in the KJV?
In older English, "careful" meant "full of care," or anxious. "Be careful for nothing" means "do not be anxious about anything."
What is "the peace that passes all understanding"?
It is Paul's phrase in Philippians 4:7, "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding." It is a peace from God that goes beyond what the mind can explain, and it guards the heart and mind.
Why does Paul mention thanksgiving with prayer?
Verse 6 says to pray "with thanksgiving." Thanking God while you ask keeps in view what he has already done, which pushes back against worry.
What verse goes well with Philippians 4:6-7?
1 Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Matthew 11:28 and Philippians 4:13 also come from the same kind of trust.
