Matthew 6:34

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Take {G3309} therefore {G3767} no {G3361} thought {G3309} for {G1519} the morrow {G839}: for {G1063} the morrow {G839} shall take thought {G3309} for the things {G3588} of itself {G1438}. Sufficient {G713} unto the day {G2250} is the evil {G2549} thereof {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't wor y about tomorrow -- tomorrow will worry about itself! Today has enough tsuris already!

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.

American Standard Version

Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 6:34 serves as the climactic summation of Jesus' profound discourse on anxiety within the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-7 "The Sermon on the Mount"). It is a powerful exhortation to disciples to cultivate a faith-filled, present-focused life, free from debilitating worry about the future, grounded in the assurance of God's sovereign care and provision. The verse underscores that each day brings its own challenges, which are sufficient without the added burden of anticipated future troubles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Jesus' extensive teaching on worry, which begins in [Matthew 6:25](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25 - Do Not Worry"). Preceding this final instruction, Jesus provides compelling arguments against anxiety by drawing lessons from nature (birds of the air, lilies of the field), highlighting God's meticulous care for creation. He then contrasts the futility of human worry with God's perfect provision, emphasizing that anxiety cannot add a single moment to one's life or stature ([Matthew 6:27](/matthew/6-27 "Matthew 6:27 - Worry is Futile")). The immediate preceding verse, [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom"), sets the positive command: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Thus, [Matthew 6:34](/matthew/6-34 "Matthew 6:34 - Do Not Worry About Tomorrow") functions as both a summary and a concluding imperative, reinforcing the call to trust God's daily provision and to prioritize His kingdom above all earthly concerns.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Galilee, life was often precarious. Most people lived subsistence existences, dependent on daily labor and the fluctuating agricultural yields. Economic stability was fragile, and the threat of famine, Roman taxation, and social upheaval was constant. Worry about basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter was a pervasive reality for many. Jesus' audience would have understood the immediate, tangible nature of "the morrow" in terms of securing daily bread and avoiding destitution. His teaching directly addresses these very real anxieties, not from a position of economic privilege, but from a divine perspective that transcends material scarcity. The cultural emphasis on communal interdependence and the daily rhythm of life also informs the call to focus on the present, rather than being consumed by individualistic, future-oriented anxieties.

* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 6:34](/matthew/6-34 "Matthew 6:34 - Do Not Worry About Tomorrow") powerfully encapsulates several core themes from Jesus' broader teaching in [the Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-7 "The Sermon on the Mount"): **Trust in Divine Provision** is paramount, directly challenging the human tendency to rely on self-effort and anxiety rather than God's unfailing care, as seen in [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - Consider the Birds"). The verse also champions **Focus on the Present**, advocating for a faith that engages with today's realities without being paralyzed by tomorrow's uncertainties, echoing the petition for "daily bread" in [the Lord's Prayer](/matthew/6-11 "Matthew 6:11 - Give Us Our Daily Bread"). Finally, it highlights **The Sufficiency of Today's Troubles**, acknowledging that each day inherently brings its own set of challenges and difficulties, suggesting that adding future, hypothetical burdens only compounds present struggles unnecessarily.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thought (Greek, _merimnáō'_):** This verb (G3309) means "to be anxious about," "to be distracted with cares," or "to worry." It describes an anxious state of mind that divides or distracts one's focus. Jesus is not forbidding prudent planning or responsible foresight, but rather the debilitating, overwhelming anxiety that consumes peace and hinders productive living, pulling one's focus away from God and present duties.
* **Morrow (Greek, _aúrion'_):** This adverb (G839) literally means "to-morrow" or "the next day." It refers to the immediate future, emphasizing a short-term, day-by-day perspective. The repetition of "the morrow" in the verse underscores the specific temporal focus of Jesus' command: do not carry the burdens of the unknown future into the present day.
* **Evil (Greek, _kakía'_):** From the noun (G2549), this word refers to "badness," "depravity," "malignity," or "trouble." In this context, it primarily denotes "trouble," "hardship," "difficulty," or "vexation." It does not refer to moral wickedness but to the difficulties, challenges, or afflictions that are an inherent part of daily life in a fallen world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take therefore no thought for the morrow:"** This is an imperative command, directly building on the preceding arguments. The phrase "take no thought" (KJV) is an older English idiom for "do not be anxious" or "do not worry." It prohibits a consuming, debilitating anxiety about what the future may hold, which distracts from present responsibilities and trust in God.
* **"for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself."** This clause provides the reason for the command. It uses a **personification** of "the morrow," implying that the future will bring its own concerns and provisions, and that attempting to deal with them prematurely is both futile and unnecessary. It suggests that God's provision and the challenges of life unfold one day at a time.
* **"Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."** This is a proverbial statement. "Sufficient" (Greek, _arketós_, G713) means "satisfactory" or "enough." The "evil" (Greek, _kakía_, G2549) refers to the troubles, difficulties, or hardships inherent in each day. The meaning is that each day brings enough of its own struggles and responsibilities, without the added burden of worrying about the unknown and hypothetical difficulties of tomorrow.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 6:34 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Personification**, seen in the phrase "the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself." This gives the abstract concept of "tomorrow" an active, almost independent agency, reinforcing the idea that each day has its own inherent concerns that will unfold naturally, without our anxious intervention. The verse also functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, offering a concise, memorable truth about living wisely and trustfully in the face of uncertainty. The opening phrase, "Take therefore no thought," is an **Idiom** in older English, translating the Greek _merimnáō_ to mean "do not worry" or "do not be anxious," rather than literally forbidding all planning. This idiomatic usage highlights the depth of the spiritual and emotional state Jesus is addressing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 6:34 is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of God's sovereignty and His covenant faithfulness. It challenges a worldview driven by human control and anxiety, calling believers to a radical dependence on a God who is intimately involved in the daily lives of His creation. This verse implicitly teaches that worry is a form of practical atheism, as it denies God's active care and omnipotence. Instead, it promotes a theology of present-moment trust, where faith is not merely intellectual assent but a lived reality of releasing future burdens to the One who holds all things in His hands. This daily reliance on God for provision and strength frees believers to focus on their present duties and to seek His kingdom above all else, confident that He will supply all their needs according to His riches in glory.

* [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")
* [Proverbs 27:1](/proverbs/27-1 "Proverbs 27:1 - Do Not Boast About Tomorrow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world increasingly characterized by rapid change, economic instability, and pervasive uncertainty, Matthew 6:34 stands as a timeless beacon of peace and a practical guide for Christian living. It calls believers to a profound spiritual discipline: the intentional release of future anxieties into the hands of a trustworthy God. This does not imply irresponsibility or a lack of planning, but rather a freedom from the paralyzing grip of worry that often robs us of present joy and effectiveness. By focusing on the "sufficient" challenges of today, we are empowered to engage with our current circumstances with wisdom, diligence, and faith, rather than being weighed down by hypothetical or distant burdens. This verse encourages a daily walk of faith, where each sunrise is met with renewed trust in God's provision and each sunset with gratitude for His sustaining grace, allowing us to live fully in the present moment, prepared for whatever God brings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific future worries tend to consume my thoughts and energy?**
* **How does my anxiety about tomorrow reveal a lack of trust in God's daily provision and sovereignty?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to address present "evils" or challenges, rather than compounding them with future worries?**
* **How can I cultivate a more present-focused faith, living one day at a time in dependence on God?**

### FAQ
**Does "take no thought for the morrow" mean I shouldn't plan for the future or save money?**

Answer: No, the phrase "take no thought" (KJV) uses an older English idiom for "do not be anxious" or "do not worry." The underlying Greek word (_merimnáō_) refers to a debilitating, distracting anxiety, not prudent foresight or responsible planning. The Bible encourages wisdom in preparing for the future, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 6:6-8](/proverbs/6-6-8 "Proverbs 6:6-8 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard") which commends the ant's foresight, or [Genesis 41:33-36](/genesis/41-33-36 "Genesis 41:33-36 - Joseph's Wisdom in Egypt") where Joseph wisely plans for famine. Jesus' teaching here is against a consuming, faithless worry that paralyzes action and denies God's daily care, not against responsible stewardship or wise preparation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 6:34 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of perfect trust in the Father, living each day in complete reliance on divine provision, even in the face of immense suffering and the ultimate sacrifice. His own life, from His humble birth to His crucifixion, exemplifies a complete surrender to the Father's will, free from the anxieties that plague humanity. Jesus' teaching here is not merely a moral imperative but an invitation to participate in His own freedom from worry, a freedom made possible through His atoning work. Through Christ, believers are reconciled to God, adopted as children, and granted the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers them to live without anxiety ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). The "sufficient evil" of the day, including the ultimate "evil" of sin and death, has been decisively overcome by Christ's victory on the cross ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Christ's Triumph Over Sin")). Therefore, the call to "take no thought for the morrow" is not a burden but a joyful privilege for those who are in Christ, knowing that their future is secure in the hands of the One who holds all things together ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Sustains All Things")) and who promises His abiding presence "always, even to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")).

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

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?

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

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.

Hebrews 13:6

So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Luke 11:3

Give us day by day our daily bread.

Lamentations 3:23

[They are] new every morning: great [is] thy faithfulness.