King James Version

What Does Luke 12:6 Mean?

Luke 12:6 in the King James Version says “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?” — study this verse from Luke chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?”

Luke 12:6 · KJV

Context

4

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

5

But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

6

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

7

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

8

Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?—Jesus shifts from God's power to judge to God's care for the insignificant. The rhetorical question expects the answer "yes." Five sparrows (strouthia pente, στρουθία πέντε) sold for two farthings (ἀσσαρίων δύο, two assaria—the smallest Roman copper coins) illustrates minimal economic value. Sparrows were the cheapest available meat for the poor. Matthew 10:29 mentions two sparrows for one farthing; here five for two suggests the fifth was thrown in free—utterly worthless. Yet not one of them is forgotten before God (ἓν ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐκ ἔστιν ἐπιλελησμένον ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ).

The verb epilelēsmenon (ἐπιλελησμένον, forgotten) is perfect passive participle—God has not forgotten and will not forget even one worthless sparrow. The phrase before God (ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ) emphasizes divine perspective and attention. If God tracks every insignificant bird, how much more does He care for His image-bearers? This is classic qal wahomer reasoning (light to heavy, lesser to greater)—the foundation of verse 7's "of more value than many sparrows." God's comprehensive providence extends to creatures humans consider trash, guaranteeing His care for those made in His image.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sparrows were abundant in Palestine and sold as food for the poor who could not afford larger animals. Two assaria (Roman copper coins worth about 1/16 of a denarius) was pocket change—the price of the cheapest protein available. The rabbis debated whether God's providence extended to such insignificant creatures. Jesus decisively affirmed comprehensive divine care reaching to the smallest, cheapest, most numerous birds. This teaching would encourage disciples facing persecution and martyrdom—if God tracks worthless sparrows, He certainly knows and cares about His faithful witnesses. No suffering is unnoticed, no sacrifice unremembered. The early church embraced this comfort during waves of persecution.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's attention to worthless sparrows demonstrate the comprehensive scope of His providential care?
  2. What anxieties or fears in your life seem too small or insignificant to bring to God, yet this verse declares He notices?
  3. How does understanding God's care for creation's least valuable creatures inform Christian environmental and animal ethics?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
οὐχὶ1 of 16

“not”

G3780

not indeed

πέντε2 of 16

“five”

G4002

"five"

στρουθία3 of 16

“sparrows”

G4765

a little sparrow

πωλεῖται4 of 16

“Are”

G4453

to barter (as a pedlar), i.e., to sell

ἀσσαρίων5 of 16

“farthings”

G787

an assarius or as, a roman coin

δύο6 of 16

“for two”

G1417

"two"

καὶ7 of 16

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἓν8 of 16

“one”

G1520

one

ἐξ9 of 16

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

αὐτῶν10 of 16

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

οὐκ11 of 16

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔστιν12 of 16

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐπιλελησμένον13 of 16

“forgotten”

G1950

to lose out of mind; by implication, to neglect

ἐνώπιον14 of 16

“before”

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ15 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ16 of 16

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 12:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 12:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 12:24Psalms 147:9Psalms 145:15-16Matthew 10:29Psalms 50:10-11Psalms 113:5-6

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