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?

Behold {G1689}{G1519} the fowls {G4071} of the air {G3772}: for {G3754} they sow {G4687} not {G3756}, neither {G3761} do they reap {G2325}, nor {G3761} gather {G4863} into {G1519} barns {G596}; yet {G2532} your {G5216} heavenly {G3770} Father {G3962} feedeth {G5142} them {G846}. Are {G1308} ye {G5210} not {G3756} much {G3123} better than {G1308} they {G846}?

Look at the birds flying about! They neither plant nor harvest, nor do they gather food into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they are?

Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they?

This verse is part of Jesus' famous Sermon on the Mount, specifically within the section addressing worry and material possessions (Matthew 6:19-34). Having just spoken about the futility of serving both God and money, Jesus shifts to illustrate the sufficiency of God's care, encouraging His followers not to be anxious about their basic needs like food and clothing.

Key Themes

  • God's Provision: The primary message is God's faithful care for His creation. Just as He provides for the birds of the air who do not "work" in the human sense (sow, reap, gather), He will certainly provide for His children.
  • Trust, Not Worry: Jesus uses the example of the birds as a powerful argument against anxiety. If God cares for seemingly insignificant creatures, His care for humanity, made in His image and called to be His children, is guaranteed.
  • Human Value: The rhetorical question, "Are ye not much better than they?", emphasizes the incomparable value God places on human life compared to animals. This underscores the certainty of His provision for those who trust Him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "fowls of the air" comes from the Greek peteina tou ouranou (πετεινά τοῦ οὐρανοῦ), simply meaning "birds of the sky." The word translated "feedeth" is trephei (τρέφει), which means to nourish, rear, or sustain. This highlights God's active role in sustaining life. The term "heavenly Father" (ho Patēr hymōn ho ouranios - ὁ Πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ οὐράνιος) is significant, emphasizing not just God's power but His personal, fatherly relationship with believers, making His commitment to provide even more profound.

Reflection

Matthew 6:26 serves as a timeless reminder that excessive worry about material needs is inconsistent with a life of faith. Jesus points to the natural world, a testament to God's constant care, to illustrate His greater commitment to those who are in a relationship with Him. This verse challenges us to evaluate what occupies our thoughts and energies. Instead of being consumed by anxiety over the future, we are encouraged to place our trust firmly in our Heavenly Father, who knows our needs and promises to meet them. This teaching is central to the broader call in this chapter to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all these necessary things will be added unto us.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 147:9

    He giveth to the beast his food, [and] to the young ravens which cry.

  • Matthew 10:29

    Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

  • Matthew 10:31

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

  • Job 38:41

    Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.

  • 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?

  • Luke 12:32

    Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

  • Psalms 145:15

    The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.
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