श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ४.११ — ये यथा मां प्रपद्यन्ते — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ४.११ — ये यथा मां प्रपद्यन्ते
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ये
ye
who
यथा
yathā
in whatever way
माम्
mām
unto me
प्रपद्यन्ते
prapadyante
surrender, approach
तान्
tān
them
तथा
tathā
so
एव
eva
certainly
भजामि
bhajāmi
reciprocate, reward
अहम्
aham
I
मम
mama
my
वर्त्म
vartma
path
अनुवर्तन्ते
anuvartante
follow
मनुष्याः
manuṣhyāḥ
men, human beings
पार्थ
pārtha
O Partha (Arjuna), son of Pritha
सर्वशः
sarvaśhaḥ
in all respects
Complete Translation
जो मुझे जैसे भजते हैं, मैं उन पर वैसे ही अनुग्रह करता हूँ; हे पार्थ सभी मनुष्य सब प्रकार से, मेरे ही मार्ग का अनुवर्तन करते हैं।।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 11
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the fourth chapter, Jnana-Karma-Sanyasa Yoga, Krishna speaks of His divine descents and how He relates to His devotees. In this verse He reveals the principle of divine reciprocation: He rewards each soul in the very manner they approach Him, affirming that all beings ultimately tread His path.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bhagavad Gita 4.11 teach about God's grace?▼
It teaches that God responds to each devotee exactly in the way they approach Him. Whatever the mood, form, or relationship of one's worship, the Lord reciprocates that same love and surrender — showing His perfect fairness and boundless generosity toward every soul.
Does 'everyone follows My path' mean all paths are equal?▼
It means that ultimately every being, knowingly or unknowingly, is moving toward the Divine, since all paths originate from and return to God. While different approaches yield results according to their nature, the verse affirms that the Lord is the final goal of all sincere seeking.
Why does Krishna call Arjuna 'Partha' here?▼
'Partha' means son of Pritha (Kunti), an affectionate name for Arjuna. Krishna often uses such names to gently encourage Arjuna and remind him of their close bond, here while sharing the reassuring truth of His impartial, reciprocal grace.
How does this verse encourage personal devotion?▼
It frees the devotee from worrying about having the 'correct' form of worship. Since God meets each person according to their own approach, one can love and serve the Divine sincerely in whatever way feels most natural, confident that it will be fully reciprocated.
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