Luke 12:23

KJV

The life is more than meat, and the body [is more] than raiment.

KJV (with Strong's)

The life {G5590} is {G2076} more {G4119} than meat {G5160}, and {G2532} the body {G4983} is more than raiment {G1742}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.

Berean Standard Bible

For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.

American Standard Version

For the life is more than the food, and the body than the raiment.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 12:23 presents a profound declaration from Jesus, asserting the inherent and supreme value of human life and the physical body over the material provisions of food and clothing. This statement serves as a foundational premise within His broader discourse on anxiety, urging His disciples and listeners to shift their focus from earthly worries about sustenance and appearance to a deep trust in God's sovereign care, recognizing that the Giver of life itself will surely provide for its lesser needs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a larger, pivotal discourse by Jesus, primarily addressed to His disciples but also overheard by a large crowd, concerning the dangers of covetousness and the importance of divine trust. It immediately follows the [Parable of the Rich Fool](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool"), which powerfully illustrates the futility of accumulating earthly wealth while neglecting one's eternal soul. Having just condemned the material anxieties of the rich fool, Jesus directly pivots to a command against worry in [Luke 12:22](/luke/12-22 "Luke 12:22 - Do Not Worry"), stating, "Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on." Verse 23 then provides the theological and logical underpinning for this command: if God has already bestowed the greater gifts of life and the body, He can certainly be trusted to provide the lesser necessities required to sustain them. This premise sets the stage for the subsequent illustrations from nature—the ravens and lilies ([Luke 12:24-28](/luke/12-24-28 "Luke 12:24-28 - God Cares for Creation"))—which further reinforce God's meticulous care for His creation, culminating in the imperative to [seek the Kingdom of God above all else](/luke/12-31 "Luke 12:31 - Seek First the Kingdom").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Galilee and Judea, life was often precarious. Most people lived in an agrarian society, highly dependent on seasonal harvests, which were vulnerable to drought, pests, or political instability. Daily sustenance was not guaranteed, and anxiety about food and clothing was a pervasive reality for the common person. The Roman occupation also added economic pressures through taxation and potential confiscation. In such a context, Jesus' words directly addressed a very real and understandable source of worry. Furthermore, clothing was not merely functional but also a significant social marker, indicating status and wealth. To be poorly clothed could mean social marginalization. By de-emphasizing "meat" (food) and "raiment" (clothing), Jesus challenged the prevailing cultural anxieties and societal values that often tied a person's worth and security to their material possessions and outward appearance. He called them to a radical reorientation of their priorities, away from the transient and towards the eternal.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 12:23 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and Jesus' teaching. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Prioritizing Life Over Materialism**. Jesus explicitly states that human existence and the body are inherently more valuable than the means of their sustenance, directly challenging the human tendency to be overly preoccupied with material possessions or daily provisions. This theme is echoed throughout the [Sermon on the Plain](/luke/6-17-49 "Luke 6:17-49 - The Sermon on the Plain") and in warnings against covetousness. Secondly, the verse serves as a powerful premise for **Trust in God's Sovereign Provision**. If God has bestowed the ultimate gift of life itself, He is certainly capable and willing to provide for the lesser needs required to sustain that life. This encourages a profound shift from debilitating anxiety to a confident reliance on divine care, a concept further developed in [Luke 12:24-30](/luke/12-24-30 "Luke 12:24-30 - God's Provision for His Children"). Finally, by de-emphasizing material concerns, Jesus redirects attention to **Spiritual Focus and the Pursuit of God's Kingdom**. The core message is that our ultimate security, satisfaction, and purpose come from God and His Kingdom, not from what we accumulate or consume, a truth explicitly stated in [Luke 12:31](/luke/12-31 "Luke 12:31 - Seek First the Kingdom of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **life (Greek, _psychḗ'_):** From ψύχω (psýchō), meaning "to breathe." This term refers to breath, and by implication, spirit, soul, or the animal sentient principle. It is distinct from πνεῦμα (pneúma), which denotes the rational and immortal soul, and from ζωή (zōḗ), which signifies mere biological vitality. In this context, _psychḗ_ emphasizes the inner self, the animating principle, or the very essence of human existence, highlighting its profound spiritual and personal dimension beyond mere biological function. Jesus is asserting that this precious, God-given inner life is of far greater value than the physical sustenance that maintains it.
* **meat (Greek, _trophḗ'_):** From τρέφω (tréphō), meaning "to nourish." This word denotes nourishment in general, whether literal food or figuratively, as in wages or provisions. In the KJV, "meat" is an archaic term for food of any kind, not exclusively flesh. Here, _trophḗ_ represents the basic sustenance required for physical survival, contrasting with the higher value of _psychḗ_.
* **raiment (Greek, _éndyma'_):** From ἐνδύω (endýō), meaning "to put on." This term refers to apparel, especially an outer robe or garment. It signifies clothing, which provides protection and covers the body. Like "meat," "raiment" represents a fundamental physical need, but one that Jesus declares to be of lesser importance compared to the body itself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The life is more than meat":** This clause establishes a clear hierarchy of value. Jesus declares that the _psychḗ_ (life, soul, inner self) is of greater significance and worth than _trophḗ_ (food or sustenance). This is not a dismissal of the necessity of food, but rather a reorientation of priorities, emphasizing that human existence, in its spiritual and essential nature, transcends mere physical nourishment. Our deepest needs and ultimate value are not met or defined by what we consume.
* **"and the body is more than raiment":** Following the same pattern, this clause asserts the superior value of the physical body over _éndyma_ (clothing). While clothing serves a practical purpose for warmth, protection, and modesty, it is secondary to the body itself, which is a marvelous creation of God. This challenges a preoccupation with outward appearance or material possessions, directing attention to the intrinsic worth of the human form as a vessel for life and a temple for the Spirit.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 12:23 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting up a clear opposition between "life" and "meat," and "body" and "raiment." This juxtaposition highlights the qualitative difference in value, asserting the superiority of the former over the latter in each pair. This is further reinforced by **Hyperbole**, where the "more than" implies not just a slight difference but a significant, almost incomparable, elevation of life and body over their material necessities. While not strictly a rhetorical question, the verse functions as an implied one, prompting the listener to consider what truly holds ultimate value. The structure also exhibits **Parallelism**, with the two clauses mirroring each other in their construction ("X is more than Y, and A is more than B"), which adds emphasis and memorability to the teaching. This simple yet profound statement serves as a foundational premise for the logical arguments that follow, building a compelling case for trust over anxiety.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 12:23 is a cornerstone of Jesus' teaching on divine providence and the kingdom of God, deeply rooted in the broader biblical narrative of God's care for His creation and His people. It challenges the human tendency towards idolatry of material possessions and self-reliance, calling believers to a radical dependence on the Creator who sustains all life. The verse implies that since God has given the greater gift (life and body), He is certainly capable and willing to provide the lesser necessities (food and clothing). This theological truth underpins a life free from anxiety, rooted in the understanding that God's love and power are sufficient for every need, redirecting human focus from earthly accumulation to heavenly priorities and the pursuit of righteousness.

* [Matthew 6:25](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25 - Do Not Worry About Your Life")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")
* [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast All Your Anxiety on Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often consumed by economic anxieties, the relentless pursuit of material wealth, and an obsessive focus on outward appearance, Luke 12:23 offers a timeless and liberating truth. It calls us to a profound re-evaluation of our priorities, prompting us to consider where our true security and value lie. Are we defined by what we consume, what we wear, or what we accumulate, or by the precious, God-given life within us and our relationship with the Giver of that life? This verse serves as a powerful antidote to the debilitating worry that often plagues modern existence. By reminding us that God has already provided the greatest gifts—life itself and the body—it encourages us to trust Him implicitly with the lesser concerns of daily sustenance and appearance. This truth invites us to cultivate a heavenly mindset, shifting our focus from the transient to the eternal, from earthly provisions to spiritual growth, and from self-reliance to confident dependence on a faithful God who knows our needs even before we ask. It challenges us to live lives that reflect the values of His Kingdom, confident that as we seek Him first, all that we truly need will be added to us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What anxieties about material provisions or outward appearance do I currently hold, and how might this verse challenge them?**
* **How does my daily life reflect the priority that "life is more than meat, and the body more than raiment"?**
* **In what ways can I practically demonstrate greater trust in God's provision in my life this week?**
* **How does a focus on the intrinsic value of life and the body reorient my understanding of true wealth and security?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "meat" in this verse?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "meat" (Greek: _trophḗ_) is an archaic English term that refers to food in general, not specifically to flesh or animal products. It encompasses all forms of sustenance necessary for physical survival. Jesus is emphasizing that the very life God has given us is far more valuable than the food required to sustain it. This distinction highlights a spiritual priority over mere physical consumption, urging listeners not to let their lives be dominated by the pursuit of daily bread.

**Why is "life" more valuable than "meat" and "body" more valuable than "raiment"?**

Answer: Jesus is establishing a hierarchy of value that challenges human preoccupation with the material. The "life" (Greek: _psychḗ_) refers to the animating principle, the soul, or the inner self, which is a direct gift from God and holds eternal significance. "Meat" (food) is merely a temporary means to sustain this life. Similarly, the "body" is a miraculous creation and the vessel for our life, while "raiment" (clothing) is merely an external covering or adornment. The Giver of the greater (life and body) can certainly be trusted to provide the lesser (food and clothing). This teaching redirects our focus from the transient and superficial to the intrinsic and eternal, encouraging trust in God's [providence](/luke/12-24-30 "Luke 12:24-30 - God's Care for His Creation") rather than anxiety over material needs.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 12:23 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of the "life" that is "more than meat," for He declared Himself to be the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and the one who gives [life more abundantly](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life"). His very incarnation demonstrates that true life is not found in material sustenance but in communion with God. Jesus Himself lived a life of radical dependence on the Father, modeling perfect trust in God's provision even when He had [nowhere to lay His head](/luke/9-58 "Luke 9:58 - Jesus Has No Home") or when feeding thousands with meager resources ([Luke 9:10-17](/luke/9-10-17 "Luke 9:10-17 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand")). Furthermore, Christ's sacrifice on the cross provided not just physical sustenance but the spiritual "raiment" of righteousness, clothing us with His perfect obedience and covering our sin ([Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation")). He is the ultimate provision for our deepest needs—spiritual life, eternal security, and a righteous standing before God. By inviting us to [seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom") (a parallel teaching in Matthew), Jesus calls us to find our true life and identity in Him, knowing that in Him, all our needs, both temporal and eternal, are met. He is the ultimate demonstration that God provides the greater gift, and therefore, can be trusted with all lesser concerns.

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

Job 2:6

And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he [is] in thine hand; but save his life.

Proverbs 13:8

¶ The ransom of a man's life [are] his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

Job 2:4

And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.

Job 1:12

And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath [is] in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

Acts 27:18

And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next [day] they lightened the ship;

Acts 27:19

And the third [day] we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

Genesis 19:17

And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.