Bible Strands
Matthew 6:31
Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses His disciples during the Sermon on the Mount, placing this command directly after contrasting God’s care for temporary grass with His provision for His people (Matthew 6:30).
The words — The Greek μεριμνήσητε (merimnēsēte) literally means "shall you be anxious," linked with οὖν (oun) for "therefore" to form a direct prohibition against fretting over daily needs.
The thread — This prohibition runs parallel to Luke 12:29’s warning against concern for food and drink, while 1 Peter 5:7 and Matthew 4:4 extend the principle to casting anxiety on God and relying on His word rather than physical sustenance.
Why it lands — The text commands believers to abandon anxious speculation about food, drink, and clothing, grounding that instruction in the Father’s prior knowledge of their needs and His proven faithfulness.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Cross-references
- 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
- Luke 12:29 And do not be concerned about what you will eat or drink. Do not worry about it.
- Matthew 4:4 But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
- Psalms 55:22 Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.
- Matthew 15:33 The disciples replied, “Where in this desolate place could we find enough bread to feed such a large crowd?”
- 2 Chronicles 25:9 Amaziah asked the man of God, “What should I do about the hundred talents I have given to the troops of Israel?” And the man of God replied, “The LORD is able to give you much more than this.”
- Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
- Psalms 78:18 They willfully tested God by demanding the food they craved.
- Leviticus 25:20 Now you may wonder, ‘What will we eat in the seventh year if we do not sow or gather our produce?’