King James Version

What Does Matthew 6:30 Mean?

Matthew 6:30 in the King James Version says “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not m...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?”

Matthew 6:30 · KJV

Faith

Context

28

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

29

And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus applies the lesson with mild rebuke: 'Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?' (Greek: ὀλιγόπιστοι, 'little-faith ones'). The argument intensifies - grass is even more temporary than lilies, used as fuel for baking ovens, yet God clothes it beautifully. The phrase 'much more' (πολλῷ μᾶλλον) emphasizes the certainty of God's care for humans. 'O ye of little faith' (ὀλιγόπιστοι) is gentle rebuke - anxiety reveals inadequate faith. The issue isn't God's ability or willingness but our trust. Worry insults God's faithful character.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Palestinian peasants used dried grass and wildflowers as oven fuel since wood was scarce. The dramatic contrast - from field beauty to oven fuel within a day - emphasized life's transience. Jesus uses this ephemeral nature to argue for God's greater care for eternal beings. Jewish thought emphasized human dignity as image-bearers of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Jesus appeals to this inherent value - if temporary grass receives God's attention, how much more do eternal souls? This would challenge anxiety among economically precarious audiences.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does anxiety reveal inadequate trust in God's character and promises?
  2. What is the relationship between the greatness of our God and the smallness of our anxieties?
  3. In what areas of life does 'little faith' manifest as excessive worry rather than confident trust?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
εἰ1 of 22

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 22

“Wherefore”

G1161

but, and, etc

τὸν3 of 22
G3588

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

χόρτον4 of 22

“the grass”

G5528

a "court" or "garden", i.e., (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation

τοῦ5 of 22
G3588

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

ἀγροῦ6 of 22

“of the field”

G68

a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet

σήμερον7 of 22

“which to day”

G4594

on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)

ὄντα8 of 22

“is”

G5607

being

καὶ9 of 22

“and”

G2532

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

αὔριον10 of 22

“to morrow”

G839

properly, fresh, i.e., (adverb with ellipsis of g2250) to-morrow

εἰς11 of 22

“into”

G1519

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

κλίβανον12 of 22

“the oven”

G2823

an earthen pot used for baking in

βαλλόμενον13 of 22

“is cast”

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

ὁ14 of 22
G3588

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

Θεὸς15 of 22

“God”

G2316

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

οὕτως16 of 22

“so”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ἀμφιέννυσιν17 of 22

“clothe”

G294

to enrobe

οὐ18 of 22

“shall he not”

G3756

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

πολλῷ19 of 22

“much”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

μᾶλλον20 of 22

“more”

G3123

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

ὑμᾶς,21 of 22

“clothe you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ὀλιγόπιστοι;22 of 22

“O ye of little faith”

G3640

incredulous, i.e., lacking confidence (in christ)

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 6:30 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 6:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 12:28Matthew 14:311 Peter 1:24Matthew 16:8Matthew 8:26James 1:10-11

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