Luke 12:22

KJV

¶ And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto {G4314} his {G846} disciples {G3101}, Therefore {G1223}{G5124} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, Take {G3309} no {G3361} thought {G3309} for your {G5216} life {G5590}, what {G5101} ye shall eat {G5315}; neither {G3366} for the body {G4983}, what {G5101} ye shall put on {G1746}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To his talmidim Yeshua said, “Because of this I tell you, don’t worry about your life — what you will eat or drink; or about your body — what you will wear.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear.

American Standard Version

And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 12:22, Jesus pivots from a warning against the dangers of covetousness, exemplified by the Parable of the Rich Fool, to a direct exhortation to His disciples concerning anxiety. He commands them to release worry over basic necessities like food and clothing, inviting them instead into a radical trust in God's providential care. This verse sets the stage for a deeper teaching on divine provision, urging believers to prioritize the spiritual over the material and to live free from debilitating concern for earthly needs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the [Parable of the Rich Fool](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - Parable of the Rich Fool") in [Luke 12](/luke/12 "Luke Chapter 12 - Warnings and Teachings"). In that parable, Jesus condemns the man who hoarded his wealth, planning for a long, self-sufficient future, only to die unexpectedly and lose everything. The rich fool’s life was characterized by self-focus ("my crops," "my barns," "my goods," "my soul"), a stark contrast to the selfless, God-dependent life Jesus advocates. Having just exposed the futility of materialism and the danger of a life consumed by earthly possessions, Jesus now turns directly to His disciples, applying the lesson by instructing them on how to avoid the very anxiety and misplaced trust that characterized the rich fool. The "Therefore" (G1223 *diá* G5124 *toûto*) explicitly links this teaching to the preceding narrative, showing it as a logical consequence or application of the parable's truth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Galilee, life was often precarious. Subsistence farming, reliance on seasonal harvests, and limited storage options meant that food security was a constant concern for many. Clothing was also a significant investment and a marker of status, often requiring considerable effort to produce or acquire. The disciples, many of whom had left their livelihoods to follow Jesus, would have faced real uncertainties about their daily provisions. Furthermore, the broader Jewish culture, while valuing God's provision, also had traditions of diligent work and stewardship. Jesus' teaching here is not a call to idleness but a reorientation of trust, challenging the pervasive human tendency to worry about basic needs in a world where such needs were not always guaranteed. It speaks to a society where economic stability was fragile and the future often uncertain.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 12:22 is central to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and Jesus' broader teaching. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Providence**, emphasizing God's active and loving care for His creation, especially His children. This verse introduces the idea that God is intimately concerned with the daily needs of His followers, a theme further developed in [Luke 12:24-30](/luke/12-24-30 "Luke 12:24-30 - God's Care for Birds and Lilies"). Another crucial theme is **Freedom from Anxiety**, a recurring motif in Jesus' sermons. The command "Take no thought" directly addresses the internal state of worry that can cripple faith and distract from spiritual pursuits. This teaching also reinforces the theme of **Prioritizing the Kingdom of God**, as seen in [Luke 12:31](/luke/12-31 "Luke 12:31 - Seek First the Kingdom"), where seeking God's kingdom and righteousness is presented as the antidote to anxiety about material things. It challenges the disciples to live by faith, not by sight or by the dictates of worldly concerns, aligning with the broader call to discipleship that demands radical trust and commitment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** This primary verb (G2036) indicates a direct and definite past tense utterance. It suggests a specific, authoritative declaration from Jesus to His disciples, emphasizing the weight and intentionality of His words. Unlike other Greek verbs for speaking, *épō* often implies a singular, focused expression, highlighting the directness of Jesus' command.
* **Take no thought (Greek, _merimnáō'_):** The Greek verb *merimnáō* (G3309), combined with the negative particle *mḗ* (G3361), means "to be anxious about," "to be worried," or "to be distracted by cares." This is not a prohibition against responsible planning or diligent effort, but rather a warning against a debilitating, obsessive anxiety that consumes one's mind and energy, preventing faith and trust in God's provision. It describes a state of mind where one is so preoccupied with future needs that it leads to distress and a lack of peace.
* **life (Greek, _psychḗ'_):** The word *psychḗ* (G5590) here refers to "breath," and by implication, "spirit" or "soul," but in this context, it primarily denotes the physical life, the animating principle of the body, and by extension, one's existence. Jesus is addressing the most fundamental aspect of human existence – the preservation of life itself – before moving to its physical sustenance. It encompasses the entirety of one's being and earthly existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto his disciples,"**: This opening clause establishes the audience and the speaker. Jesus is not addressing the general crowd, but specifically His dedicated followers, indicating that this teaching is a core principle for those committed to His way of life. It implies a higher standard of trust and a deeper level of commitment.
* **"Therefore I say unto you,"**: The connective "Therefore" (G1223 *diá* G5124 *toûto*) explicitly links this teaching to the preceding Parable of the Rich Fool. Jesus is drawing a direct conclusion: because materialism and self-reliance lead to folly and spiritual emptiness, a different path is necessary. The "I say unto you" underscores the authority and personal conviction with which Jesus delivers this crucial instruction.
* **"Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat;"**: This is the first specific command. "Take no thought" (G3309 *merimnáō* with G3361 *mḗ*) is a powerful prohibition against anxious worry. The concern for "life" (G5590 *psychḗ*) is primary, followed by the most immediate physical necessity: "what ye shall eat" (G5315 *phágō*). Jesus is targeting the root of human anxiety – the fear of not having enough to sustain one's very existence.
* **"neither for the body, what ye shall put on."**: This second part parallels the first, extending the command against anxiety to another fundamental need: clothing. Just as food sustains life, clothing protects and covers the "body" (G4983 *sōma*). The phrase "what ye shall put on" (G1746 *endýō*) covers the need for attire, which in ancient times was often a significant concern for the poor. By addressing both food and clothing, Jesus covers the most basic and universal material needs, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of His call to trust.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 12:22 employs several significant literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure of the command: "Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on." This balanced structure emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the teaching, addressing two fundamental human needs (food and clothing) in relation to two fundamental aspects of human existence (life and body). The use of **Imperative Mood** ("Take no thought") signifies a direct command, underscoring the authority of Jesus and the non-negotiable nature of this instruction for His disciples. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** being drawn, particularly when viewed in light of the preceding Parable of the Rich Fool. The rich fool was consumed with thought for his material possessions and future security, while the disciples are commanded to cast off such anxieties. This juxtaposition highlights the spiritual bankruptcy of worldly preoccupation versus the freedom found in divine trust. Finally, the passage is **Didactic**, serving as direct instruction from teacher to student, designed to impart crucial spiritual truth and guide behavior.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 12:22 is a foundational text for understanding Christian discipleship as a life characterized by radical trust in God's sovereignty and provision. It challenges the human tendency to self-sufficiency and anxiety, redirecting focus from temporal concerns to eternal realities. Theologically, it affirms God as the benevolent Father who actively cares for His children, providing for their needs not out of obligation, but out of His loving nature. This trust liberates believers to pursue the Kingdom of God with undivided attention, knowing that their physical needs are already accounted for by a faithful Creator. It’s a call to live by faith, not by sight, and to experience the peace that surpasses understanding by surrendering control to divine providence.

* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry About Tomorrow")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious About Anything")
* [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast All Your Anxiety on Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 12:22 offers a profound challenge and comfort to believers in every age, particularly in a world often defined by economic uncertainty, consumerism, and the relentless pursuit of security. Jesus' command to "take no thought" is not an endorsement of irresponsibility or passivity, but an invitation to a deeper level of faith where our ultimate security rests not in our own efforts or possessions, but in the unfailing care of our heavenly Father. This verse calls us to examine where our true trust lies. Do we believe God is truly capable and willing to provide for our most basic needs? When we allow anxiety about food, finances, health, or future provisions to consume us, we inadvertently declare that God is either insufficient or unconcerned. Embracing this teaching means cultivating a spirit of contentment, practicing gratitude for what we have, and actively choosing to surrender our worries to God through prayer. It frees us to invest our energy and resources in eternal pursuits, such as serving others, sharing the Gospel, and growing in our relationship with Christ, rather than being enslaved by the endless cycle of acquiring and protecting material goods.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of your life tend to generate the most anxiety about provision (e.g., finances, health, future security)?**
* **How does Jesus' command to "take no thought" challenge your current approach to planning and worrying?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to intentionally surrender a specific worry to God and trust in His provision?**
* **How might a deeper trust in God's provision free you to pursue Kingdom priorities with greater focus and joy?**

### FAQ
**Does "Take no thought" mean I shouldn't plan for the future or work hard?**

Answer: No, the Greek word *merimnáō* (G3309) translated as "take no thought" means to be anxious, worried, or distracted by cares. It does not prohibit responsible planning, diligent work, or wise stewardship. Instead, it warns against a debilitating, obsessive anxiety that consumes one's mind and energy, preventing faith and trust in God's provision. The Bible consistently encourages hard work and wise preparation (e.g., [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6-11 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard")). Jesus' teaching here is about the *attitude* of the heart – a freedom from consuming worry, not a license for idleness.

**How is this teaching different from the world's approach to security?**

Answer: The world often seeks security through accumulation, self-reliance, and control over circumstances. Jesus' teaching in [Luke 12:22-34](/luke/12-22-34 "Luke 12:22-34 - Do Not Worry") offers a radical alternative: true security is found in trusting God's loving provision and prioritizing His Kingdom. While the world says "get more," Jesus says "worry less" and "seek first the Kingdom." This reorients our priorities from material gain to spiritual abundance and peace, recognizing that God is the ultimate provider and sustainer of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 12:22, with its radical call to trust God for daily provision, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of the Father's perfect provision, not only for physical needs but, more profoundly, for spiritual life. Jesus Himself lived a life utterly dependent on the Father, demonstrating what it means to "take no thought" for earthly things, even to the point of having "nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")). His teaching on anxiety foreshadows His own sacrificial act, which would provide the ultimate spiritual sustenance: His body broken and His blood shed, the true "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the "living water" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water")) that satisfies eternal hunger and thirst. Through His atoning work, Christ addresses the deepest human need – reconciliation with God and eternal life – thereby rendering all lesser anxieties trivial in comparison. Believers are called to cast their anxieties upon Him ([1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast All Your Anxiety on Him")) because He, as the Good Shepherd, promises to meet all their needs according to His glorious riches ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")), ultimately clothing them not with earthly garments, but with His own righteousness ([Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Clothed in Garments of Salvation")). Thus, the freedom from anxiety Jesus teaches is ultimately rooted in the completed work of Christ, who secured our eternal provision and invites us into a life of peace and trust in the Father.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Matthew 6:25

¶ Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Matthew 6:34

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.

Hebrews 13:5

[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

1 Corinthians 7:32

But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

Luke 12:29

And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.