Matthew 6:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 6:31
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Chapter Context
Matthew 6 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, love, grace. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
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 21-34: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 6:31
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 4:4, 15:33, 2 Chronicles 25:9, Psalms 37:3, 55:22, Luke 12:29