PrevMatthew 6:32Next

Matthew 6

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

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?

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

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?

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

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

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

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

What does Matthew 6:32 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 6:32 is a verse in which Jesus addresses concerns about worldly needs.

This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches about reliance on God rather than being overly concerned with material needs.

The verse suggests that non-believers ("the Gentiles") prioritize seeking material goods, implying a life focused on the worldly and temporal.

In contrast, Jesus reassures his followers that God is aware of their necessities ("knoweth that ye have need of all these things") and will provide for them. The underlying message is one of trusting in God's provision and focusing on spiritual matters over physical ones.

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

The Sermon on the Mount is part of the Gospel of Matthew and is one of the most comprehensive collections of Jesus' teachings in the New Testament.

Writing in a primarily Jewish context, Matthew's Gospel often contrasts the actions and concerns of Jews with "Gentiles," which referred to non-Jews or pagans of the time.

The historical setting was one in which daily survival often required significant effort, and anxiety over basic necessities like food, drink, and clothing was common.

In this environment, Jesus' teachings sought to shift the focus from anxiety over material needs to trust in God's care and provision.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints may offer various interpretations of this verse.

From a traditional Christian perspective, the verse is seen as an encouragement to place one’s faith in God's sovereignty and providence.

Liberation theology might interpret this verse as an imperative to work towards a society where everyone's basic needs are met, trusting in God's provision but also advocating for justice.

A Calvinist reading might emphasize God's complete control over all things, including the provision of daily needs.

Meanwhile, an Arminian view might focus more on human responsibility, while still recognizing that all good gifts come from God.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse encourages believers to avoid being consumed by worry over material concerns.

Rather, individuals are taught to focus on their relationship with God, practice generosity, and have faith that their needs will be met.

This might translate into a more relaxed approach to daily provisions, prioritizing spiritual disciplines, and seeking to be content with what one has.

It also calls for believers to look out for the needs of others, trusting that as they do so, their own needs will be taken care of by the community and by God.

Cross-References

Matthew 6:25-26: "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?"

Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Philippians 4:19: "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Luke 12:22-31: Similar teachings by Jesus about not worrying about one's life, paralleling the account in Matthew.
1 Peter 5:7: "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words such as "Gentiles" (ἔθνη, ethne), which can be translated as "nations" or "heathens," and "seek" (ἐπιζητοῦσιν, epizētousin), which means "to seek after" or "desire," are used.

"Knoweth" (οἶδεν, oiden) is a form that implies complete, absolute knowledge. Such language emphasizes the difference between the values of believers and non-believers, and the comprehensive understanding God has of human needs.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The juxtaposition of Gentile behavior with that of Jesus' followers can be compared to other ancient religious and cultural teachings that often distinguished between an "in-group" and an "out-group," with distinct behaviors and beliefs.

Many religious systems encourage trust or faith in divine or higher powers for provision and support, not just Christianity.

This verse is a specific Christian iteration of a broader religious theme.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychological research supports the concept that anxiety over material needs can cause significant stress, affecting mental and physical health.

Therefore, the instruction to trust in God's provision could be seen as advice promoting mental well-being.

However, from a scientific perspective, positive outcomes are typically attributed to natural processes and human actions rather than divine intervention. The encouragement of community support reflected in this verse aligns with findings on the positive impacts of social support networks.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentators have provided insights into this verse.

Matthew Henry, for example, sees it as an assurance of the fatherly care of God, reminding the reader that God's wisdom knows what we need, and his goodness will provide it.

William Barclay notes the contrast between the way of life suggested by Jesus and the anxious striving of the Gentiles, emphasizing the Christian call to a life of faith and trust.

Both commentators and others affirm the overarching message of divine provision and care being central to this verse's meaning.

Matthew 6

Matthew 6

What does Matthew 6:32 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 6:32 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?