Devine Scripture

Matthew 6:31

What does Matthew 6:31 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 6:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 6:31 means

Based on the preceding arguments and illustrations, Jesus issues a direct command to stop being anxious. He explicitly lists the common worries: "What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?" This is a call to actively resist and reject the mindset of worry, acknowledging that God, who cares for birds and lilies, will certainly care for His children concerning these basic life necessities. It's a call to proactive trust rather than passive concern.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then do not be full of care, saying, What are we to have for food or drink? or, With what may we be clothed?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

therefore ye may not be anxious, saying, What may we eat? or, What may we drink? or, What may we put round?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Be not solicitous therefore, saying: What shall we eat: or what shall we drink, or wherewith shall we be clothed?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Be not therefore careful, saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we put on?

Context

This verse provides a direct command against anxiety, serving as a summary of the worries Jesus has been addressing since verse 25 and reinforced by the examples of birds and lilies. It leads directly into the explanation of *why* believers should not worry this way, distinguishing them from Gentiles. This sets up the ultimate solution to anxiety by prioritizing God's kingdom and righteousness.

v.30But if God doth 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?

v.31This passage

v.32For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Peter 5:7

    casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you.

  • Matthew 15:33

    And the disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so many loaves in a desert place as to fill so great a multitude?

  • Psalms 37:3

    Trust in Jehovah, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed onhisfaithfulness.

  • Luke 12:29

    And seek not ye what ye shall eat, and what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

  • Matthew 4:4

    But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

  • Leviticus 25:20

    And if ye shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase;

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