Matthew 6:31

KJV

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G3767} take no {G3361} thought {G3309}, saying {G3004}, What {G5101} shall we eat {G5315}? or {G2228}, What {G5101} shall we drink {G4095}? or {G2228}, Wherewithal {G5101} shall we be clothed {G4016}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"So don't be anxious, asking, `What will we eat?,' `What will we drink?' or `How will we be clothed?'

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

American Standard Version

Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 6:31, nestled within the profound teachings of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, serves as a direct and emphatic prohibition against anxious preoccupation with the fundamental necessities of life: food, drink, and clothing. This verse encapsulates a core tenet of Christian discipleship, challenging believers to transcend worldly anxieties by embracing a radical trust in God's benevolent and unfailing provision, thereby redirecting their focus from material concerns to the higher pursuits of the Kingdom of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal exhortation within Jesus' extended discourse on worry, which spans [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry"). It immediately follows Jesus' vivid illustrations of God's meticulous care for creation—the birds of the air, which neither sow nor reap yet are fed, and the lilies of the field, which are arrayed in splendor surpassing Solomon's glory ([Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - God Feeds the Birds") and [Matthew 6:28-30](/matthew/6-28-30 "Matthew 6:28-30 - God Clothes the Lilies")). Therefore, [Matthew 6:31](/matthew/6-31 "Matthew 6:31 - Do Not Worry About Your Life") functions as a logical conclusion and direct command ("Therefore, take no thought") based on the preceding evidence of God's comprehensive providence. It sets the stage for the ultimate counter-command to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" in [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' audience, primarily composed of people living in an agrarian society in first-century Galilee, faced daily uncertainties regarding their sustenance and well-being. Crop failures, political instability, heavy taxation, and limited resources made the concerns of food, water, and clothing not abstract worries but pressing, existential realities. For many, these were not matters of comfort but of survival. The cultural norms often emphasized self-reliance and the accumulation of resources as a hedge against future hardship. Against this backdrop, Jesus' command to "take no thought" would have been profoundly counter-cultural, challenging deeply ingrained patterns of anxiety and inviting a radical shift in worldview towards divine dependence, a theme echoed throughout the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes and the Law").
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 6:31](/matthew/6-31 "Matthew 6:31 - Do Not Worry About Your Life") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jesus' teaching. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Providence**, asserting God's active and caring involvement in the daily lives of His children, providing for their most basic needs. Secondly, it highlights the **Futility of Anxiety**, portraying worry as a counterproductive and faithless endeavor that detracts from spiritual priorities. Jesus challenges the notion that human anxiety can add anything beneficial to one's life, as stated in [Matthew 6:27](/matthew/6-27 "Matthew 6:27 - Can Worry Add a Single Hour?"). Finally, it implicitly reinforces the theme of **Kingdom Priority**, setting up the subsequent call to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")). By dismissing preoccupation with earthly needs, Jesus encourages His followers to elevate spiritual pursuits and trust that material needs will be met as a byproduct of their devotion to God's reign.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Therefore (Greek, _oûn'_):** This conjunction signals a logical conclusion or consequence drawn from the preceding arguments. Here, it indicates that the command to "take no thought" is a direct and necessary response to the evidence of God's faithful provision for creation, as detailed in [Matthew 6:26-30](/matthew/6-26-30 "Matthew 6:26-30 - God's Care for Creation"). It emphasizes that the instruction is not arbitrary but flows from a rational understanding of God's character and care.
* **take no thought (Greek, _merimnáō'_):** This verb, often translated as "to be anxious," "to be troubled with cares," or "to worry," is the core of Jesus' prohibition. It does not forbid prudent planning or responsible stewardship, but rather a debilitating, consuming anxiety that arises from a lack of trust in God's provision. It describes a state of internal turmoil where one's mind is divided and preoccupied with future uncertainties, leading to a loss of peace and faith.
* **saying (Greek, _légō'_):** This verb refers to the act of speaking or relating in words, but here it points to the internal, often unspoken, dialogue of anxiety. The questions "What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?" are presented as the very expressions of this anxious thought process. Jesus is addressing not just the feeling of worry, but its verbal or mental articulation, which gives it form and power in the mind.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore take no thought,"**: This is a direct, imperative command from Jesus, building upon the preceding arguments about God's care for the natural world. The "therefore" links this prohibition directly to the divine providence demonstrated through the birds and lilies. The command "take no thought" (μὴ μεριμνήσητε) is a strong negation against anxious worry, not against responsible planning. It calls for a cessation of the internal, faithless preoccupation with future needs.
* **"saying, What shall we eat?"**: This clause identifies the specific nature of the forbidden "thought" or anxiety. It is the internal, questioning dialogue that expresses doubt about basic sustenance. The question implies a lack of confidence in God's ability or willingness to provide food, a fundamental human need.
* **"or, What shall we drink?"**: This continues the series of anxious questions, extending the concern from food to drink. In an arid climate, water was as critical, if not more critical, than food. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the worries Jesus is addressing—they encompass all essential provisions for life.
* **"or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?"**: The final question completes the triad of basic human necessities: food, drink, and clothing. This concern speaks to protection, warmth, and social acceptance. By listing these three, Jesus covers the full spectrum of material anxieties that typically consume human beings, emphasizing that God's care extends to every aspect of physical well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus masterfully employs several **literary devices** in [Matthew 6:31](/matthew/6-31 "Matthew 6:31 - Do Not Worry About Your Life") to convey His message with clarity and force. The primary device is the **Imperative**, "take no thought," which is a direct command, underscoring the seriousness and non-negotiable nature of the instruction. This is immediately followed by a series of three **Rhetorical Questions**: "What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?" These questions are not posed for an answer but to highlight the common, yet ultimately futile, nature of human anxieties. Their repetitive structure forms a **Tricolon** or **Parallelism**, emphasizing the comprehensive scope of worries about basic necessities. The use of "or" (Greek, _ē'_) between each question creates a sense of exhaustive coverage, implying that these are the typical categories of material concern that Jesus is addressing. This combination of direct command and illustrative rhetorical questions effectively exposes the root of anxiety and redirects the listener's focus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 6:31 is deeply rooted in the biblical theology of God's sovereignty and benevolent fatherhood. It challenges a worldview that places ultimate trust in human effort or material accumulation, redirecting faith towards the divine provider. This verse underscores the radical call to dependence on God, asserting that anxiety is not merely an emotional state but a spiritual failing that reflects a diminished view of God's character and power. By commanding His disciples not to worry about basic needs, Jesus implicitly affirms that God, as a loving Father, is acutely aware of and committed to meeting the needs of His children, just as He cares for the lesser creatures of His creation. This teaching is a cornerstone of Christian discipleship, inviting believers into a life of peace and freedom from the tyranny of material anxieties, allowing them to pursue God's Kingdom with undivided devotion.

* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious")
* [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast All Your Anxiety on Him")
* [Luke 12:29-31](/luke/12-29-31 "Luke 12:29-31 - Do Not Worry About Food and Drink")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world constantly bombarded with messages of scarcity, consumerism, and self-reliance, Matthew 6:31 stands as a counter-cultural beacon, inviting believers to a profound peace rooted in divine trust. This verse is not a call to irresponsibility or idleness, but an invitation to release the burden of debilitating anxiety. It challenges us to examine the true source of our security: is it in our own efforts, our bank accounts, or the ever-shifting economic climate, or is it in the unchanging character of our Heavenly Father? True application involves a daily, conscious choice to cast our cares upon God, recognizing that worry can neither add a single hour to our lives nor solve any problem. Instead, it saps our joy, diminishes our faith, and distracts us from the higher calling of seeking God's Kingdom. Embracing this teaching means cultivating a spirit of gratitude for what God has already provided, and a posture of confident expectation for His continued faithfulness, allowing us to live with freedom and purpose, unburdened by the anxieties of tomorrow.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of my life tend to generate the most anxiety concerning basic needs (food, finances, stability)?**
* **How does my anxiety about material things reveal a lack of trust in God's character or provision?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to intentionally "take no thought" and instead cast my specific worries upon God?**

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

Answer: No, the phrase "take no thought" (Greek, _merimnáō'_) in Matthew 6:31 does not advocate for irresponsibility, idleness, or a lack of prudent planning. The original Greek word means "to be anxious," "to be troubled with cares," or "to worry." Therefore, Jesus is prohibiting a consuming, debilitating anxiety that stems from a lack of trust in God's provision. The Bible consistently encourages diligence, wisdom, and stewardship, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6-11 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard") or [2 Thessalonians 3:10](/2_thessalonians/3-10 "2 Thessalonians 3:10 - If Anyone Is Unwilling to Work"). Jesus' command is about the internal state of the heart—freeing oneself from the torment of needless worry, not from the responsibility of living wisely.

**If God provides, why do people still suffer from lack of food, drink, and clothing?**

Answer: This is a profound and complex question that touches on the problem of evil and suffering. While Matthew 6:31 assures God's care for His children, it operates within a fallen world where sin, human choices, and natural disasters disrupt God's perfect design. The promise of provision is primarily for those who "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")), implying a covenantal relationship. Furthermore, God often uses His people as instruments of His provision, calling believers to practice generosity, justice, and compassion ([James 2:15-16](/james/2-15-16 "James 2:15-16 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")). So, while God's ultimate provision is certain, His methods often involve human cooperation and the ongoing work of His Kingdom in a broken world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 6:31, with its radical call to release anxiety and trust in divine provision, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ. He is not merely the one who teaches this truth, but the living demonstration of it. Jesus Himself lived a life utterly dependent on the Father, never anxious about His next meal or where He would lay His head ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")). He is the "Bread of Life" who satisfies spiritual hunger ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the source of "living water" that quenches eternal thirst ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")). Moreover, Christ provides the ultimate "clothing"—the righteousness that covers our spiritual nakedness, making us acceptable before God ([Revelation 3:18](/revelation/3-18 "Revelation 3:18 - White Garments of Righteousness"); [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation")). His finished work on the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension to the right hand of the Father guarantee that all who are in Him are heirs of God's abundant promises. Through Christ, we are invited to cast "all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you" ([1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast All Your Anxiety on Him")), knowing that if God "did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?" ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Gave Up His Own Son")). Thus, the command to "take no thought" is not a burden, but a liberation made possible by the comprehensive provision found in our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Luke 12:29

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

Matthew 4:4

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Psalms 55:22

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Matthew 15:33

And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?

2 Chronicles 25:9

And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The LORD is able to give thee much more than this.

Psalms 37:3

Trust in the LORD, and do good; [so] shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.