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 6:25KJV
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Matthew 6:25 (KJV)

What does Matthew 6:25 mean?

Matthew 6:25 tells readers not to be anxious or overly concerned about daily needs like food, drink, or clothing, because life itself is more important than these things. Jesus is encouraging trust that these basic needs will be provided for, rather than letting worry about them dominate one’s thoughts.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his followers during the Sermon on the Mount, addressing common human worries about survival and daily provision. He points out that life (meaning one’s whole existence) and the body are more significant than just what sustains or covers them. This sets up a larger teaching about trusting God rather than being consumed by anxiety over material needs.

The Greek behind Matthew 6:25

  • The Greek word μεριμνάω (merimnaō, “thought”) is often understood as “to be anxious” or “to worry,” not just to think or plan. Jesus is not forbidding responsible planning, but warning against being consumed by worry.
  • The word ψυχή (psychē, “life”) refers to the whole self, not just physical existence. This emphasizes that life is about more than just meeting physical needs.
  • The term τροφή (trophē, “meat” in KJV, but more broadly “food”) shows that Jesus is talking about all kinds of nourishment, not just meat specifically.
  • The word ἔνδυμα (enduma, “raiment”) means clothing in general, highlighting basic necessities rather than luxury.

Why Matthew 6:25 matters

  • Matthew 6:25 clears up the idea that Jesus is against planning or working for needs; instead, he is addressing the anxiety that can come from focusing too much on material concerns.
  • The verse connects closely to the larger section where Jesus teaches about trusting God’s care, showing that worry is unnecessary because God values each person’s life.
  • This teaching sets the stage for later verses about seeking God’s kingdom first, helping readers understand the proper priorities for daily living.

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 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
  • Matthew 22:12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

“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.

“thought” Greek G3309 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
  • Luke 10:41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
  • 1 Corinthians 7:32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

“on” Greek G1746 · used in 26 verses

  • 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:
  • Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
  • Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.