Bible Strands
Philippians 1:4
In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Philippian believers from an undisclosed location, immediately following his declaration in Philippians 1:3 that he thanks God every time he remembers them. He introduces this verse to describe the ongoing nature of his intercession before detailing the theological basis for his joy in Philippians 1:5.
The words — πᾶσῃ δεήσει (pasē deesei) translates literally to "every supplication," while πάντων (pantōn) and πᾶντα (panta) establish the scope as "all." Paul pairs these with πᾶντοτε (pantote), meaning "always," to mark the unbroken frequency of his prayers.
The thread — The pattern of constant intercession for a specific church appears in 1 Thessalonians 1:2 and Romans 1:9. The connection between communal gospel partnership and sustained prayer also surfaces in 2 John 1:4.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to acknowledge that consistent, joy-driven intercession is the standard, not the exception, in apostolic ministry. It demands a shift from sporadic religious habit to deliberate, ongoing spiritual commitment for others.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
Cross-references
- 1 Thessalonians 1:2 We always thank God for all of you, remembering you in our prayers
- Romans 1:9 God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you
- 2 John 1:4 I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us.
- Philippians 2:2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose.
- Ephesians 1:14 who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory.
- Philippians 1:9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
- Philippians 3:18 For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
- Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
- Colossians 2:5 For although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I delight to see your orderly condition and firm faith in Christ.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:19 After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?