Luke 12:6 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:6 mean?

Luke 12:6 says that even something as small and inexpensive as five sparrows, sold for just two small coins, is not forgotten by God. The verse uses this image to show that God’s attention and care extend to even the most overlooked creatures.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, teaching them not to be afraid. He points out how sparrows, which were sold cheaply in the marketplace, are still noticed by God. The point is to reassure the listeners that if God remembers even these tiny birds, He certainly remembers and values people even more.

The Greek behind Luke 12:6

• "σπουργίον" (spourgion, "sparrow"): This word refers to a very small, common bird, often considered insignificant. The choice of this word highlights how God cares about even the least important creatures.
• "ἀσσάριον" (assarion, "farthing"): This was a very small Roman coin, worth little. Mentioning this coin underlines just how cheap the sparrows were, making the point about God’s attention even stronger.
• "ἐπιλανθάνομαι" (epilanthanomai, "forgotten"): The Greek word here means to neglect or overlook. The verse stresses that not a single sparrow escapes God’s notice, emphasizing His thorough care.

Why Luke 12:6 matters

• Luke 12:6 clears up the idea that God only cares about important or valuable things; instead, it shows that nothing is too small or insignificant for His attention.
• The verse connects to Jesus’ wider teaching in this chapter about fear and trust, using a simple marketplace example to make a deep point about God’s character.
• This verse helps readers see that their own worries and needs are not overlooked by God, since He is shown to care even for the smallest creatures.