King James Version

What Does Matthew 6:26 Mean?

Matthew 6:26 in the King James Version says “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father fee... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Matthew 6:26 · KJV


Context

24

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

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?

26

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus uses creation as object lesson: 'Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?' (Greek: οὐχ ὑμεῖς μᾶλλον διαφέρετε αὐτῶν, 'are you not much more valuable than they?'). 'Behold' (ἐμβλέπω) means 'look carefully, observe.' Birds don't practice agriculture yet survive. This isn't advocating irresponsibility but highlighting God's faithful provision in creation's order. The argument is from lesser to greater (qal vahomer in Hebrew logic) - if God feeds birds, how much more will He provide for humans made in His image? This reveals God's character as faithful provider.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Palestinian birds included ravens (Luke 12:24), sparrows, and doves. In agrarian society, birds were sometimes viewed as pests eating grain, yet they survived on God's provision. Jewish wisdom literature celebrated God's providence in creation (Psalm 104:27-28, 147:9). Jesus' teaching echoes Job 38-39 where God points to His faithful ordering of creation. This wouldn't minimize human responsibility to work (2 Thessalonians 3:10) but reframes it within trust, not anxiety.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does observing God's provision in nature strengthen trust in His care for us?
  2. What does this teaching reveal about God's character and priorities?
  3. How can we balance diligent work with trust in God's provision rather than anxious striving?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
ἐμβλέψατε1 of 28

Behold

G1689

to look on, i.e., (relatively) to observe fixedly, or (absolutely) to discern clearly

εἰς2 of 28

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὰ3 of 28
G3588

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

πετεινὰ4 of 28

the fowls

G4071

a flying animal, i.e., bird

τοῦ5 of 28
G3588

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

οὐρανοῦ6 of 28

of the air

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

ὅτι7 of 28

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐχ8 of 28

not

G3756

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

σπείρουσιν9 of 28

they sow

G4687

to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)

οὐδὲ10 of 28

neither

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

θερίζουσιν11 of 28

do they reap

G2325

to harvest

οὐδὲ12 of 28

neither

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

συνάγουσιν13 of 28

gather

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

εἰς14 of 28

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἀποθήκας15 of 28

barns

G596

a repository, i.e., granary

καὶ16 of 28

yet

G2532

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

17 of 28
G3588

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

πατὴρ18 of 28

Father

G3962

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

ὑμῶν19 of 28

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

20 of 28
G3588

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

οὐράνιος21 of 28

heavenly

G3770

celestial, i.e., belonging to or coming from the sky

τρέφει22 of 28

feedeth

G5142

but perhaps strengthened from the base of g5157 through the idea of convolution); properly, to stiffen, i.e., fatten (by implication, to cherish (with

αὐτῶν;23 of 28

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

οὐχ24 of 28

not

G3756

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

ὑμεῖς25 of 28

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

μᾶλλον26 of 28

much

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

διαφέρετε27 of 28

Are

G1308

to bear through, i.e., (literally) transport; usually to bear apart, i.e., (objectively) to toss about (figuratively, report); subjectively, to "diffe

αὐτῶν;28 of 28

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


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 6:26 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 6:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study