Matthew 6:30
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Original Language Analysis
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χόρτον
the grass
G5528
χόρτον
the grass
Strong's:
G5528
Word #:
4 of 22
a "court" or "garden", i.e., (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγροῦ
of the field
G68
ἀγροῦ
of the field
Strong's:
G68
Word #:
6 of 22
a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet
σήμερον
which to day
G4594
σήμερον
which to day
Strong's:
G4594
Word #:
7 of 22
on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὔριον
to morrow
G839
αὔριον
to morrow
Strong's:
G839
Word #:
10 of 22
properly, fresh, i.e., (adverb with ellipsis of g2250) to-morrow
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
βαλλόμενον
is cast
G906
βαλλόμενον
is cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
13 of 22
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεὸς
God
G2316
Θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
15 of 22
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
οὐ
shall he not
G3756
οὐ
shall he not
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
18 of 22
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
πολλῷ
much
G4183
πολλῷ
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
19 of 22
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
Cross References
Matthew 14:31And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?Luke 12:28If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?1 Peter 1:24For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:Matthew 16:8Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?Matthew 8:26And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.John 20:27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.Mark 4:40And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?Hebrews 3:12Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Historical Context
Palestinian peasants used dried grass and wildflowers as oven fuel since wood was scarce. The dramatic contrast - from field beauty to oven fuel within a day - emphasized life's transience. Jesus uses this ephemeral nature to argue for God's greater care for eternal beings. Jewish thought emphasized human dignity as image-bearers of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Jesus appeals to this inherent value - if temporary grass receives God's attention, how much more do eternal souls? This would challenge anxiety among economically precarious audiences.
Questions for Reflection
- How does anxiety reveal inadequate trust in God's character and promises?
- What is the relationship between the greatness of our God and the smallness of our anxieties?
- In what areas of life does 'little faith' manifest as excessive worry rather than confident trust?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus applies the lesson with mild rebuke: 'Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?' (Greek: ὀλιγόπιστοι, 'little-faith ones'). The argument intensifies - grass is even more temporary than lilies, used as fuel for baking ovens, yet God clothes it beautifully. The phrase 'much more' (πολλῷ μᾶλλον) emphasizes the certainty of God's care for humans. 'O ye of little faith' (ὀλιγόπιστοι) is gentle rebuke - anxiety reveals inadequate faith. The issue isn't God's ability or willingness but our trust. Worry insults God's faithful character.