King James Version

What Does Matthew 10:29 Mean?

Matthew 10:29 in the King James Version says “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. farthing: it...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. farthing: it is in value halfpenny farthing in the original, as being the tenth part of the Roman penny”

Matthew 10:29 · KJV

Context

27

What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

28

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

29

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. farthing: it is in value halfpenny farthing in the original, as being the tenth part of the Roman penny

30

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

31

Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus illustrates God's providential care: 'Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father' (Greek: οὐχὶ δύο στρουθία ἀσσαρίου πωλεῖται, καὶ ἓν ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐ πεσεῖται ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν ἄνευ τοῦ πατρὸς ὑμῶν, 'are not two sparrows sold for a penny, and one of them will not fall to the ground without your Father'). Sparrows were the cheapest birds, worth almost nothing (an assarion was a small Roman coin). Yet not one dies outside God's awareness. 'Without your Father' doesn't mean God causes every sparrow's death but that nothing escapes His providential knowledge. If God tracks worthless sparrows, how much more does He watch over precious humans?

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sparrows were sold as cheap food for the poor. Luke 12:6 notes five sparrows sold for two farthings - so cheap a free one was thrown in. Jewish thought emphasized God's universal providence (Psalm 104:27-29, 145:15-16). Jesus uses economic logic - if God attends to valueless creatures, His care for valuable humans is certain. This teaching sustained persecuted Christians who faced martyrdom knowing God's sovereign awareness of their suffering and death.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's care for insignificant creation assure us of His care for us?
  2. What does this teach about the scope and detail of God's providential knowledge?
  3. How does recognizing God's awareness of all things affect our sense of security?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
οὐχὶ1 of 18

“not”

G3780

not indeed

δύο2 of 18

“two”

G1417

"two"

στρουθία3 of 18

“sparrows”

G4765

a little sparrow

ἀσσαρίου4 of 18

“for a farthing”

G787

an assarius or as, a roman coin

πωλεῖται5 of 18

“Are”

G4453

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

καὶ6 of 18

“and”

G2532

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

ἓν7 of 18

“one”

G1520

one

ἐξ8 of 18

“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

αὐτῶν9 of 18

“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

οὐ10 of 18

“not”

G3756

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

πεσεῖται11 of 18

“fall”

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ12 of 18

“on”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν13 of 18
G3588

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

γῆν14 of 18

“the ground”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

ἄνευ15 of 18

“without”

G427

without

τοῦ16 of 18
G3588

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

πατρὸς17 of 18

“Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ὑμῶν18 of 18

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 10:29 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 Matthew 10:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 12:6-7Psalms 104:27-30

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