“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.”
Matthew 6:25
Read this saying in the chronological reader →Words of Jesus by topic
What did Jesus say about worry and anxiety?
The KJV often uses the phrase “take no thought” where modern readers may think of worry or anxious care. Jesus does not deny that food, clothing, danger, and tomorrow are real concerns. His teaching redirects attention toward the Father’s care, the kingdom, and faithful action in the present.
At a glance
- Jesus points to birds and lilies as reminders of the Father’s care.
- The teaching does not say needs are imaginary; it says the Father knows them.
- Kingdom priority is presented as an alternative organizing center for anxious concern.
- Jesus repeatedly pairs “fear not” with God’s knowledge and care.
- The teaching ends by bringing attention back from tomorrow to the responsibilities of today.
Take no thought for your life
In Matthew 6, the teaching follows Jesus’ warning that a person cannot serve both God and mammon. Worry is therefore discussed inside a larger question about where trust and allegiance rest.
Consider the birds and lilies
Jesus points to ordinary creation rather than abstract argument. Birds are fed and lilies are clothed without the anxious striving he describes.
“Behold the fowls of the air ... yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?”
Matthew 6:26
Read this saying in the chronological reader →Seek first the kingdom
The positive center of the passage is not simply “stop worrying.” Jesus gives a priority that reshapes the rest of the concerns.
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Matthew 6:33
Read this saying in the chronological reader →Fear not, little flock
Luke’s parallel teaching moves from daily needs to the Father’s pleasure in giving the kingdom, then to generosity and treasure.
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
Luke 12:32
Read this saying in the chronological reader →Troubled about many things
In the Martha and Mary scene, Jesus recognizes Martha’s many cares while drawing attention to “one thing” that is needful.
“Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful.”
Luke 10:41–42
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