King James Version

What Does Matthew 6:31 Mean?

Matthew 6:31 in the King James Version says “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 6:31 · KJV

Context

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.

33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus summarizes the prohibition: 'Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?' (Greek: μὴ οὖν μεριμνήσητε λέγοντες, 'therefore do not be anxious, saying...'). The verb construction with 'saying' (λέγοντες) indicates anxiety's internal dialogue - worried self-talk about provision. Jesus identifies three basic survival concerns: food, drink, clothing. These aren't trivial worries but legitimate needs. The command isn't against awareness of needs or planning but against anxious preoccupation that questions God's faithful provision. The repetition of 'take no thought' (μὴ μεριμνάω) from verse 25 bookends the teaching, emphasizing its importance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

For subsistence-level populations in Roman Palestine, these three concerns were daily realities. Crop failures, economic exploitation, and insecurity made provision precarious. Jesus' teaching comes in context where these anxieties were reasonable from human perspective. His command requires radical trust in God's providence despite real threats. Early Christian communities developed mutual aid systems (Acts 2:44-45, 6:1-6) that practically addressed these needs while modeling trust in God's provision through community.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we distinguish between responsible concern for genuine needs and prohibited anxious worry?
  2. What does our internal dialogue about provision reveal about our trust in God?
  3. How can Christian community help alleviate anxiety about basic needs?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
μὴ1 of 12

“take no”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

οὖν2 of 12

“Therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

μεριμνήσητε3 of 12

“thought”

G3309

to be anxious about

λέγοντες,4 of 12

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

τί5 of 12

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

φάγωμεν;6 of 12

“shall we eat”

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

ἤ,7 of 12

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τί8 of 12

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

πίωμεν;9 of 12

“shall we drink”

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

ἤ,10 of 12

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τί11 of 12

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

περιβαλώμεθα;12 of 12

“shall we be clothed”

G4016

to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)

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 6:31 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 6:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 5:7Luke 12:29Matthew 4:4Psalms 55:22Matthew 15:33Psalms 37:3

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