New Testament
Matthew 6:31
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"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?'
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Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
What Matthew 6:31 means
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.
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
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1–7:29)
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Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Plain Meaning
Jesus tells His hearers not to worry about basic needs — food, drink, and clothing. In the KJV, "take no thought" means to be anxious or worried, not simply to think about something. The three questions — what to eat, drink, and wear — cover the most basic daily needs. Jesus is saying: do not let those needs become a source of constant anxiety.
Read It in Context
The word "therefore" points back to verses 26–30, where Jesus has argued that God feeds birds and clothes wildflowers. If God does that for them, He will do more for His people. Verse 31 draws the conclusion: since God already knows and provides, worry is unnecessary.
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
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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