Matthew 10:31
Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 7
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 7
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
φοβηθῆτε,
Fear ye
G5399
φοβηθῆτε,
Fear ye
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
3 of 7
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
πολλῶν
than many
G4183
πολλῶν
than many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
4 of 7
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
Cross References
Luke 12:24Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?Psalms 8:5For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.Matthew 6:26Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Historical Context
First-century disciples faced real threats - arrest, flogging, execution. Jesus doesn't deny danger but reframes it within God's providential care. The value argument echoes Genesis 1:26-28 where humans are made in God's image, given dominion over creation including birds. Early Christian courage in persecution testified to internalization of this teaching. Martyrs like Stephen, James, and countless others demonstrated fearless witness rooted in trust in God's sovereign care and eternal perspective.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing our value to God eliminate fear of earthly threats?
- What is the relationship between trusting God's care and courageous witness despite opposition?
- What specific fears need to be confronted with truth of God's providential care?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus concludes the argument: 'Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows' (Greek: μὴ οὖν φοβεῖσθε· πολλῶν στρουθίων διαφέρετε ὑμεῖς, 'do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows'). 'Therefore' (οὖν) draws conclusion from verses 29-30. The verb διαφέρω means 'differ, excel, surpass in value.' If God cares for worthless sparrows and knows trivial details, disciples can trust Him through persecution. The command 'fear not' appears repeatedly in this context (verses 26, 28, 31) - right fear of God (verse 28) eliminates wrong fear of circumstances. This is argument from lesser to greater about God's faithful care.