Luke 12:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 12:6
6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
Chapter Context
Luke 12 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, redemption, fellowship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-59: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 12:6
6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
Analysis
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?—Jesus shifts from God's power to judge to God's care for the insignificant. The rhetorical question expects the answer "yes." Five sparrows (strouthia pente, στρουθία πέντε) sold for two farthings (ἀσσαρίων δύο, two assaria—the smallest Roman copper coins) illustrates minimal economic value. Sparrows were the cheapest available meat for the poor. Matthew 10:29 mentions two sparrows for one farthing; here five for two suggests the fifth was thrown in free—utterly worthless. Yet not one of them is forgotten before God (ἓν ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐκ ἔστιν ἐπιλελησμένον ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ).
The verb epilelēsmenon (ἐπιλελησμένον, forgotten) is perfect passive participle—God has not forgotten and will not forget even one worthless sparrow. The phrase before God (ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ) emphasizes divine perspective and attention. If God tracks every insignificant bird, how much more does He care for His image-bearers? This is classic qal wahomer reasoning (light to heavy, lesser to greater)—the foundation of verse 7's "of more value than many sparrows." God's comprehensive providence extends to creatures humans consider trash, guaranteeing His care for those made in His image.
Historical Context
Sparrows were abundant in Palestine and sold as food for the poor who could not afford larger animals. Two assaria (Roman copper coins worth about 1/16 of a denarius) was pocket change—the price of the cheapest protein available. The rabbis debated whether God's providence extended to such insignificant creatures. Jesus decisively affirmed comprehensive divine care reaching to the smallest, cheapest, most numerous birds. This teaching would encourage disciples facing persecution and martyrdom—if God tracks worthless sparrows, He certainly knows and cares about His faithful witnesses. No suffering is unnoticed, no sacrifice unremembered. The early church embraced this comfort during waves of persecution.
Reflection
- How does God's attention to worthless sparrows demonstrate the comprehensive scope of His providential care?
- What anxieties or fears in your life seem too small or insignificant to bring to God, yet this verse declares He notices?
- How does understanding God's care for creation's least valuable creatures inform Christian environmental and animal ethics?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Luke 12:24
- Parallel theme: Psalms 147:9, Matthew 10:29