Matthew 10:31

KJV

Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

KJV (with Strong's)

Fear ye {G5399} not {G3361} therefore {G3767}, ye {G5210} are of more value {G1308} than many {G4183} sparrows {G4765}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So do not be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows.

Berean Standard Bible

So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

American Standard Version

Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 10:31 concludes Jesus' exhortation to His disciples not to fear the opposition they would face, assuring them of God's meticulous and unwavering care. By contrasting their inherent value with that of common sparrows, Jesus underscores the profound truth that if God's providence extends even to the least significant of creatures, His watchful eye and loving hand are certainly upon His chosen ones, providing ultimate security and a foundation for fearless trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 10 details Jesus' commissioning of the twelve disciples for their first missionary journey, providing them with authority and extensive instructions. The immediate context of verse 31 is Jesus' powerful encouragement to overcome fear in the face of anticipated persecution and opposition. Beginning in [Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Warnings of Persecution"), Jesus warns His disciples of the dangers they will encounter, including being delivered up to councils, flogged, and hated for His name's sake. Despite these grim predictions, Jesus repeatedly urges them not to fear. [Matthew 10:26-30](/matthew/10-26-30 "Matthew 10:26-30 - Do Not Fear") builds a compelling argument for this fearlessness, emphasizing God's ultimate knowledge and control: nothing is hidden from Him (v. 26), their message must be proclaimed openly (v. 27), and they should fear God, not those who can only kill the body (v. 28). The preceding verses, [Matthew 10:29-30](/matthew/10-29-30 "Matthew 10:29-30 - God's Knowledge of Sparrows and Hairs"), specifically state that not even a single sparrow falls to the ground without the Father's knowledge, and that the very hairs of His disciples' heads are all numbered. Thus, [Matthew 10:31](/matthew/10-31 "Matthew 10:31 - You Are More Valuable Than Sparrows") serves as the concluding and comforting summation of this divine providence, directly linking God's care for the seemingly insignificant with His profound and intimate care for His chosen ones.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The disciples were being sent into a world that was often hostile to the message of the Kingdom of God. Roman occupation, the established Jewish religious hierarchy, and various social dynamics created a volatile environment for those proclaiming a new spiritual authority. Sparrows were among the cheapest and most common birds sold in the marketplace, often two for a farthing (a small copper coin, [Matthew 10:29](/matthew/10-29 "Matthew 10:29 - Sparrows Sold for a Farthing")), or five for two farthings ([Luke 12:6](/luke/12-6 "Luke 12:6 - Five Sparrows for Two Farthings")), indicating their extremely low monetary value. This cultural detail highlights the stark contrast Jesus draws: if God cares for creatures considered almost worthless, how much more does He care for His human children, whom He created in His image and for whom He has a divine purpose? This context would have resonated powerfully with the disciples, who were embarking on a mission that would expose them to poverty, rejection, and potential martyrdom, reminding them that their true worth and security lay not in human estimation or earthly circumstances, but in God's unwavering regard.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly emphasizes **Divine Providence and Meticulous Care**, showcasing God's active involvement and intimate knowledge of all creation, down to the smallest detail. Nothing is outside His awareness or control, affirming His sovereignty. Secondly, the passage highlights the **Inherent Value of Believers**, asserting the immense worth God places on His followers. If He cares for sparrows, which were common and inexpensive, how much more does He value humans, especially those who serve Him and bear His name? This truth serves as a powerful antidote to feelings of insignificance or worthlessness that might arise from persecution or societal marginalization. Thirdly, the direct command, "Fear ye not therefore," directly addresses the theme of **Overcoming Fear through Trust**. It is a call to believers to rest in the confidence that God's watchful eye and loving hand are upon them, providing security and peace even in the most uncertain and threatening times, a theme echoed throughout the Scriptures, such as in [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Greek, _phobéō'_):** From G5399, meaning "to frighten," or passively, "to be alarmed"; by analogy, "to be in awe of" or "revere." In this context, the imperative "Fear ye not" (Greek: _mē phobēthēte_) is a direct command from Jesus for His disciples to cease being afraid. It is not merely a suggestion but an emphatic instruction, based on the profound truth of God's overarching care. This command seeks to alleviate the anxiety and apprehension that naturally arise when facing persecution and suffering.
* **more value (Greek, _diaphérō'_):** From G1308, meaning "to bear through," "to bear apart," "to differ," or "to surpass." It conveys the idea of being "better," "more excellent," or "of more value." Jesus uses this word to establish a clear qualitative distinction. The disciples are not just "valuable," but of *more* value, possessing a worth that far surpasses that of many sparrows in God's estimation. This highlights the immense and incomparable worth God places on His human children, particularly those who are His followers.
* **sparrows (Greek, _strouthíon'_):** From G4765, a diminutive of "sparrow," meaning "a little sparrow." The use of the diminutive emphasizes their smallness, commonness, and perceived insignificance. In the ancient world, sparrows were cheap, plentiful, and often considered nuisances. By choosing such an unassuming creature as a point of comparison, Jesus powerfully illustrates the extent of God's meticulous attention to even the most overlooked aspects of His creation, thereby magnifying His care for His disciples.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Fear ye not therefore":** This phrase serves as a direct, imperative command, a logical conclusion drawn from the preceding verses ([Matthew 10:29-30](/matthew/10-29-30 "Matthew 10:29-30 - God's Meticulous Care")). The "therefore" (Greek: _oûn_) links this exhortation directly to the truth of God's comprehensive knowledge and control over all things, including the seemingly insignificant. It is a call to cease anxiety and apprehension, grounded in a theological reality.
* **"ye are of more value than many sparrows":** This declarative statement provides the foundational reason for the command not to fear. It is a powerful comparative assertion of the disciples' immense worth in the eyes of God. By contrasting their value with that of "many sparrows"—creatures of negligible monetary and symbolic worth—Jesus emphasizes the immeasurable preciousness of His followers to the heavenly Father. This truth is intended to instill profound confidence and security in the hearts of those facing hardship and danger.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent **Literary Devices** in this concise verse to convey His message of comfort and assurance. The primary device is **Comparison**, where the disciples' worth is explicitly contrasted with that of "many sparrows." This comparison is not merely quantitative but qualitative, highlighting the immeasurable difference in God's estimation of human life, particularly His faithful, versus common birds. This technique, often seen in rabbinic teaching, uses a lesser-known truth (God's care for sparrows) to illuminate a greater, more profound truth (God's care for His people). The preceding verses ([Matthew 10:29-30](/matthew/10-29-30 "Matthew 10:29-30 - God's Omniscience")) also utilize **Hyperbole** when stating that "the very hairs of your head are all numbered," a vivid exaggeration to emphasize God's absolute and meticulous knowledge of every detail of His creation and His children. The overall tone is one of **Exhortation and Comfort**, designed to directly address the disciples' fears and instill a deep sense of security and divine protection amidst their challenging mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 10:31 offers profound theological comfort, anchoring the believer's security in the unwavering providence of God. It asserts that God's care is not a distant, general oversight, but an intimate, meticulous, and personal involvement in the lives of His children. This truth combats the human tendency to feel insignificant or overlooked in a vast and often chaotic world. The verse underscores God's omniscience and omnipresence, demonstrating that His knowledge extends to the smallest details of creation, and by extension, to every aspect of His people's lives. This divine care is not contingent on human merit or performance, but on God's inherent love and covenant faithfulness. Understanding this profound valuation by God empowers believers to live without debilitating fear, trusting that their ultimate well-being is secure in His hands, regardless of earthly circumstances or opposition.

* [Luke 12:6-7](/luke/12-6-7 "Luke 12:6-7 - God's Care for Sparrows and People")
* [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast All Your Anxiety on Him")
* [Psalm 139:1-6](/psalms/139-1-6 "Psalm 139:1-6 - God's Omniscience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 10:31 invites us into a deeper experience of God's intimate love and meticulous care, transforming our perspective on fear and anxiety. In a world fraught with uncertainties, economic pressures, social anxieties, and even direct opposition to faith, this verse serves as a powerful anchor. It reminds us that we are never overlooked, forgotten, or devalued by God. Our worth is not determined by our achievements, our possessions, or the opinions of others, but by the immeasurable love of our Heavenly Father who knows us intimately and values us supremely. This truth empowers us to release our anxieties, knowing that the God who cares for the sparrows certainly cares for us, His beloved children. It calls us to cultivate a radical trust that allows us to live boldly, speak truth, and serve faithfully, unhindered by the fear of what others can do or what tomorrow may bring, because our lives are ultimately held securely in His sovereign and loving hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous care for even sparrows change my perspective on the anxieties I face daily?**
* **What specific fears or worries can I intentionally release to God today, trusting in His profound value for me?**
* **How can the truth of my immense value to God empower me to live more boldly and fearlessly for Christ in my current circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus use sparrows as an example to illustrate God's care?**

Answer: Jesus uses sparrows as an example because they were among the most common and least valuable birds sold in the marketplace. They were so inexpensive that two could be bought for a single farthing, or five for two farthings ([Matthew 10:29](/matthew/10-29 "Matthew 10:29 - Sparrows for a Farthing") and [Luke 12:6](/luke/12-6 "Luke 12:6 - Sparrows for Two Farthings")). By choosing such seemingly insignificant creatures, Jesus powerfully emphasizes that if God's providence extends even to the "little sparrows" – creatures of such low monetary and symbolic worth that their falling to the ground is noted – then His care for His human children, whom He created in His image and for whom He has a divine purpose, is infinitely greater and more certain. It underscores the depth and meticulousness of God's attention to all creation, especially His people.

**Does this verse imply that God cares more for some people than others?**

Answer: While the verse specifically addresses Jesus' disciples and emphasizes their "more value" in the context of their mission and potential persecution, it does not imply that God cares *less* for others. Rather, it highlights the *special* relationship and covenantal care God has for those who are His own, those who follow Him and are part of His Kingdom. The broader biblical narrative affirms God's general providence over all humanity and His love for the world ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). However, for His children, there is an added dimension of intimate, personal, and protective care, as demonstrated by the Holy Spirit dwelling within them and Christ's intercession for them. The "more value" refers to the unique, filial relationship believers have with God as their Father, which brings with it a profound sense of security and belonging that should dispel fear.

**How does Matthew 10:31 relate to the reality of suffering and persecution that believers often face?**

Answer: Matthew 10:31 does not promise an absence of suffering or persecution; in fact, the entire chapter of [Matthew 10](/matthew/10 "Matthew 10 - Jesus Commissions the Twelve") explicitly warns the disciples that they *will* face opposition, hatred, and even death for His name's sake. Instead, the verse provides the theological foundation for enduring such hardships without fear. It teaches that even amidst suffering, God's meticulous care and profound valuation of His children remain unwavering. The assurance is not that they will escape harm, but that their ultimate well-being, their eternal destiny, and their very souls are secure in God's hands, far beyond the reach of any earthly power. It encourages a perspective that transcends temporal suffering, focusing on the eternal security and divine purpose that God has for each believer, even when facing the ultimate sacrifice ([Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear God, Not Man")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 10:31, with its profound declaration of God's meticulous care and the inherent value of His people, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most tangible demonstration in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "more value" that God places on His disciples is not an arbitrary preference, but is rooted in the Son's incarnation, His atoning sacrifice, and His ongoing intercession. Jesus, the very Son of God, willingly entered a world hostile to God, enduring rejection and suffering, ultimately laying down His life as the [Good Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"). His death on the cross, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is the supreme testament to the immeasurable value God places on humanity, and particularly on those who are reconciled to Him through faith in Christ. It is through Christ that we become adopted sons and daughters ([Galatians 4:4-7](/galatians/4-4-7 "Galatians 4:4-7 - Adoption as Sons")), inheriting this divine "more value." Furthermore, Christ's resurrection and ascension mean that He now intercedes for us at the Father's right hand ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us")), ensuring that God's meticulous care is perpetually active on our behalf. Thus, the command to "fear ye not" is not merely an abstract theological truth, but a living reality grounded in the finished work and continuing ministry of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who Himself is the ultimate expression of God's love and care for His beloved.

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

Luke 12:24

Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

Psalms 8:5

For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

1 Corinthians 9:9

For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?

1 Corinthians 9:10

Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

Matthew 12:11

And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift [it] out?

Matthew 12:12

How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.

Matthew 6:26

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?