Tag: needs

Matthew 6:25 (KJV) in the King James Version reads:

“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?”

In this version, Jesus is urging his followers not to be anxious about their basic needs, such as food, drink, and clothing, but to trust in God’s provision and prioritize spiritual matters over material concerns.

Matthew 6:25 (NIV) is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where he addresses the crowd, urging them not to worry about their lives, particularly regarding food and clothing. In this verse, Jesus tells his followers, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s provision and care, highlighting the fleeting nature of material possessions compared to the eternal value of life itself. He encourages a shift in focus from temporal concerns to spiritual priorities, reminding his audience of the greater purpose and meaning found in a life lived in alignment with God’s will.

Commentaries:

1. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible:
   Matthew Henry emphasizes the teaching of Jesus to trust in God’s providence. He suggests that Jesus is not forbidding prudent forethought or diligence in providing for our needs but rather discouraging anxious, distracting cares that interfere with our duty to God and our enjoyment of His blessings. Henry stresses that God, who provides life itself, will surely provide what is necessary to sustain it, and thus, worrying about material things is unnecessary and futile.
2. Barnes’ Notes on the Bible:
   Barnes highlights the word “take no thought” and explains that it implies anxious care or distracting anxiety. He points out that Jesus is not forbidding prudent concern or industry in providing for our needs but is cautioning against excessive worry that detracts from our spiritual focus and trust in God. Barnes also notes the rhetorical question Jesus poses, emphasizing that life is far more valuable than mere sustenance, and if God provides life, He will surely provide what is needed to sustain it.

In conclusion, Matthew 6:25 (KJV) in the King James Version presents a powerful message from Jesus, urging his followers to prioritize spiritual matters over material concerns and to trust in God’s provision. Jesus emphasizes that life is more valuable than food and clothing, highlighting the fleeting nature of material possessions compared to the eternal significance of life itself. Commentaries such as Matthew Henry’s and Barnes’ Notes further elaborate on the importance of trusting in God’s providence and avoiding excessive worry, while also acknowledging the need for prudent concern and diligence in providing for our needs. Ultimately, Jesus’ words serve as a reminder to redirect our focus from temporal worries to spiritual priorities, finding peace and fulfillment in living in alignment with God’s will.

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