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?

MATTHEW 6:26KJV
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Matthew 6:26 (KJV)

What does Matthew 6:26 mean?

Matthew 6:26 teaches that God cares for the birds, even though they do not plant, harvest, or store food, and that people are even more valuable to God than birds. This verse encourages trust in God’s care rather than anxiety about daily needs.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during the Sermon on the Mount, addressing common worries about food and survival. By pointing to the birds, Jesus uses a simple example from nature to show that God provides for His creation without their anxious effort. The verse highlights the idea that if God provides for the birds, He will certainly care for people, who have even greater worth.

The Greek behind Matthew 6:26

  • The word for "fowls" is ὀρνίθες (ornithes), meaning birds. The choice of this word points to everyday, ordinary birds, not just special or rare ones, making the example relatable to everyone listening.
  • The phrase "your heavenly Father" uses πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ οὐράνιος (patēr hymōn ho ouranios), which emphasizes a personal relationship—God is not just a distant creator but a caring Father.
  • The verb "feedeth" is τρέφει (trephei), meaning to nourish or provide for. This word suggests ongoing, active care, not just a one-time provision.

Why Matthew 6:26 matters

  • Matthew 6:26 corrects the idea that constant worry or hard work alone guarantees provision, reminding readers that God’s care is active even in the natural world.
  • The verse fits into Jesus’ larger teaching about not being anxious for daily needs, showing that trust in God’s character is central to a life of faith.
  • By comparing people to birds, Jesus highlights human value and dignity, reinforcing that God’s attention to creation extends even more to those who follow Him.

Where else these words appear

“barns” Greek G596 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
  • Matthew 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
  • Luke 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

“heavenly” Greek G3770 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
  • Matthew 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
  • Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

“feedeth” Greek G5142 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
  • Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
  • James 5:5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.

“Behold” Greek G1689 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
  • Mark 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
  • John 1:36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!