Matthew 6:26

Authorized King James Version

Behold 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?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐμβλέψατε
G1689
Behold
to look on, i.e., (relatively) to observe fixedly, or (absolutely) to discern clearly
#2
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#3
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
πετεινὰ
G4071
the fowls
a flying animal, i.e., bird
#5
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
οὐρανοῦ
G3772
of the air
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#7
ὅτι
G3754
for
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#8
οὐχ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#9
σπείρουσιν
G4687
they sow
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
#10
οὐδὲ
G3761
neither
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
#11
θερίζουσιν
G2325
do they reap
to harvest
#12
οὐδὲ
G3761
neither
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
#13
συνάγουσιν
G4863
gather
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
#14
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#15
ἀποθήκας
G596
barns
a repository, i.e., granary
#16
καὶ
G2532
yet
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
πατὴρ
G3962
Father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#19
ὑμῶν
G5216
your
of (from or concerning) you
#20
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
οὐράνιος
G3770
heavenly
celestial, i.e., belonging to or coming from the sky
#22
τρέφει
G5142
feedeth
but perhaps strengthened from the base of g5157 through the idea of convolution); properly, to stiffen, i.e., fatten (by implication, to cherish (with
#23
αὐτῶν;
G846
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#24
οὐχ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#25
ὑμεῖς
G5210
ye
you (as subjective of verb)
#26
μᾶλλον
G3123
much
(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather
#27
διαφέρετε
G1308
Are
to bear through, i.e., (literally) transport; usually to bear apart, i.e., (objectively) to toss about (figuratively, report); subjectively, to "diffe
#28
αὐτῶν;
G846
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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