New Testament
Matthew 6:31
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 7th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus addresses the common worries people have about their basic needs, such as food, drink, and clothing.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
"So stop worrying and saying, 'What are we going to eat?' or 'What are we going to drink?' or 'What are we going to wear?'
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Plain Meaning
Jesus repeats His command not to worry about basic needs — food, drink, and clothing. 'Take no thought' in 1611 English means 'do not be anxious' or 'do not worry.' The three questions — what to eat, drink, and wear — represent the full range of daily survival needs. Jesus is saying: stop letting these worries run through your head.
Read It in Context
This verse lands at the end of a string of examples Jesus has just given. He pointed to birds that God feeds and wildflowers that God clothes more beautifully than Solomon. Verse 30 ends with 'O ye of little faith.' Verse 31 then draws the conclusion: since God does all that, stop worrying about these things.
The full Clear view adds what to notice, common misreadings, and the passage that best explains this one — for Matthew 6:31 and any verse in the Bible.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus addresses the common worries people have about their basic needs, such as food, drink, and clothing. He encourages His followers to stop being anxious about these necessities. Instead of fretting over what they will eat or wear, they should trust that God knows their needs and will provide for them. This teaching emphasizes the importance of faith and reliance on God rather than being consumed by material concerns. Jesus is reminding us that life is more than just physical needs and that worrying does not add any value to our lives. By focusing on spiritual matters and trusting in God's provision, believers can find peace and assurance in their daily lives. This verse is part of a larger teaching on the importance of prioritizing God's kingdom and righteousness, assuring us that when we do so, our needs will be met. It calls for a shift in perspective from anxiety to trust, encouraging a deeper relationship with God who cares for us.
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How to apply Matthew 6:31 to your life
To apply this teaching, take a moment to reflect on your worries about daily needs. Instead of letting anxiety take over, pray and express your trust in God’s provision. Focus on spiritual growth and serving others, knowing that God will take care of your needs.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 6:31 mean?
Matthew 6:31 means that Jesus is telling His followers not to worry about their basic needs like food, drink, and clothing. Instead, He encourages them to trust that God will provide for these necessities.
What is the meaning of 'take no thought' in Matthew 6:31?
'Take no thought' means not to be anxious or overly concerned about daily needs. Jesus is teaching that worrying does not help and that faith in God's provision is more important.
How can I apply Matthew 6:31 in my life?
To apply Matthew 6:31, reflect on your worries and pray for trust in God's provision. Shift your focus from anxiety to spiritual growth and serving others, knowing that God will take care of your needs.
What themes are present in Matthew 6:31?
The themes in Matthew 6:31 include trust in God, overcoming anxiety, prioritizing faith over fear, recognizing God's provision, and focusing on spiritual priorities rather than material concerns.
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