The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

LUKE 12:23KJV
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Luke 12:23 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:23 mean?

Luke 12:23 says that life is more important than food, and the body is more important than clothing. Jesus is teaching that our existence and well-being are not just about meeting physical needs like eating or dressing, but involve something deeper and more valuable.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples and a crowd, addressing their worries about daily necessities. He encourages them not to be anxious about food or clothing, pointing out that life and the body themselves are gifts from God, and that God cares for more than just our material needs.

The Greek behind Luke 12:23

  • The word for "life" is ψυχή (psychē), which often means not just physical life but the whole self, including inner being and soul. This suggests Jesus is talking about the full scope of human existence, not just survival.
  • The word for "meat" is τροφή (trophē), which means food in general, not just meat as in animal flesh. The focus is on daily nourishment.
  • The word for "raiment" is ἱματισμός (himatismos), meaning clothing or garments. This covers basic needs for covering and protection, not luxury.

Why Luke 12:23 matters

  • Luke 12:23 helps clear up the idea that Jesus is only concerned with spiritual things; here, he acknowledges physical needs but puts them in perspective.
  • This verse sets up the teaching that follows, where Jesus encourages trust in God's care, using examples from nature to show that God provides.
  • The verse challenges readers to consider what truly matters in life, moving the focus from anxiety about material things to confidence in God's provision and the deeper value of life itself.

Where else these words appear

“raiment” Greek G1742 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Matthew 22:11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

“meat” Greek G5160 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
  • Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
  • Acts 27:36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.

“more” Greek G4119 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 4:41 And many more believed because of his own word;
  • Acts 25:6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

“life” Greek G5590 · used in 95 verses

  • Matthew 2:20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
  • John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.