Matthew 6:27

Berber Morocco and Algeria - Tachelheit Bible (RBD) (aåaras n-tudrt - injil l-lmasiæ - løhd l-ljdid lli-iskr rbbi å-gras d-bnadm)

ma-iẓḍarn a-izayd tasaɛt i-tudrt-ns s-taġuft lli-yusi?

What Does This Mean?

Jesus asks in Matthew 6:27, 'Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?' This verse reminds us that worrying about physical growth or other things we cannot control is futile because God has already determined these aspects of our lives.

Explained for Children

Imagine if you could grow taller just by thinking really hard about it! Wouldn't that be cool? But Jesus is saying, even though we might wish we were taller, worrying about growing isn’t going to make any difference. God decides how tall we’ll be!

Historical Background

Matthew was written around AD 80-90 by the apostle Matthew, also known as Levi. The audience included both Jewish and Gentile Christians. Jesus is addressing his disciples in a discourse about not worrying.

Living It Out Today

In modern life, this verse can apply to someone stressing over their physical appearance or growth. Instead of fretting, they should trust that God has a plan for their development and focus on spiritual growth rather than external traits.

Topics

• worry
• trust
• faith
• God's sovereignty
• spiritual growth
• physical appearance

Related Verses

• Luke 12:25
• Psalm 31:14-15
• Isaiah 40:28
• Ephesians 3:20
• Philippians 4:6

Recommended Reading

Commentary Matthew Commentaries → Get This Bible RBD Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jesus use the example of adding height in Matthew 6:27?

Jesus used this example to illustrate that there are things we cannot control through worry or effort, emphasizing the futility of excessive anxiety and the importance of trust.

How can I relate Matthew 6:27 to other areas of life besides physical growth?

The principle in Matthew 6:27 applies broadly. Just as we cannot control our height through worry, we also cannot change many aspects of our lives by anxiety alone; trust and faith are key.

What does 'cubit' mean, and why is it significant in this verse?

A cubit was an ancient unit of measurement roughly equal to the length from a person's elbow to their fingertips. It symbolizes a notable increase that cannot be achieved by worry.

How does Matthew 6:27 encourage spiritual growth over physical concerns?

This verse encourages focusing on what we can control and influence, like our faith and actions, rather than worrying about external traits that are beyond our control and in God's hands.