Matthew Chapter 6 · Verse 31
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
take no
G3361
μὴ
take no
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 12
(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 12
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
λέγοντες,
saying
G3004
λέγοντες,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τί
What
G5101
τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
5 of 12
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
τί
What
G5101
τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
8 of 12
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Cross References
1 Peter 5:7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.Luke 12:29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.Matthew 4:4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.Psalms 55:22Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.Psalms 37:3Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.Matthew 15:33And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?2 Chronicles 25:9And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The LORD is able to give thee much more than this.
Historical Context
For subsistence-level populations in Roman Palestine, these three concerns were daily realities. Crop failures, economic exploitation, and insecurity made provision precarious. Jesus' teaching comes in context where these anxieties were reasonable from human perspective. His command requires radical trust in God's providence despite real threats. Early Christian communities developed mutual aid systems (Acts 2:44-45, 6:1-6) that practically addressed these needs while modeling trust in God's provision through community.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish between responsible concern for genuine needs and prohibited anxious worry?
- What does our internal dialogue about provision reveal about our trust in God?
- How can Christian community help alleviate anxiety about basic needs?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus summarizes the prohibition: 'Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?' (Greek: μὴ οὖν μεριμνήσητε λέγοντες, 'therefore do not be anxious, saying...'). The verb construction with 'saying' (λέγοντες) indicates anxiety's internal dialogue - worried self-talk about provision. Jesus identifies three basic survival concerns: food, drink, clothing. These aren't trivial worries but legitimate needs. The command isn't against awareness of needs or planning but against anxious preoccupation that questions God's faithful provision. The repetition of 'take no thought' (μὴ μεριμνάω) from verse 25 bookends the teaching, emphasizing its importance.