Luke 12:26

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

So if you cannot do such a small thing, why do you worry about the rest?

American Standard Version (1901)

If then ye are not able to do even that which is least, why are ye anxious concerning the rest?

Bible in Basic English

If, then, you are not able to do even that which is least, why are you troubled about the rest?

Douay-Rheims 1899

If then ye be not able to do so much as the least thing, why are you solicitous for the rest?

Free Bible Version

If you can't do anything about such small things, why worry about the rest?

Geneva Bible 1599

If yee then bee not able to doe the least thing, why take yee thought for the remnant?

King James (Authorized) Version

If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

One Unity Resource Bible

If then you are not able to do even the least things, why are you anxious about the rest?

Translation for Translators

Worrying is a small thing to do. So since you cannot add to your life, ◄you certainly should not worry about other things that you need to have in order to live!/why do you worry about other things that you need to have in order to live?► [RHQ]

Unlocked Literal Bible

If then you are not able to do such a very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

Noah Webster Bible

If ye then are not able to do that thing which is least, why are ye anxious for the rest?

World English Bible

If then you aren’t able to do even the least things, why are you anxious about the rest?

Young's Literal Translation

If, then, ye are not able for the least — why for the rest are ye anxious?

Context

Do Not Worry

²⁵Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?²⁶So if you cannot do such a small thing, why do you worry about the rest?

Summary

In Luke 12:26, Jesus reminds His disciples of the futility of worry by pointing out that they cannot add any time to their lives through anxious thoughts. This verse underscores the importance of trusting in God's provision and sovereignty, rather than being consumed by concerns about the future. By highlighting the limitations of human effort, Jesus encourages His followers to prioritize faith and reliance on God for their needs. Ultimately, this verse teaches the disciples to seek first the kingdom of God, knowing that He is aware of their needs and will provide for them.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

If ye then be not able to do that which is least,.... As to make the smallest addition to a man's stature, or rather to add one moment to his days: why take ye thought for the rest? which are much greater, as to preserve the body in its whole bulk, and all its parts, or for the feeding and clothing of it, or rather for the continuation and preservation of life to any length of time; for if it cannot be by all a man's care and solicitude lengthened out one moment longer than is the pleasure of God, how should it be by such anxiety continued for months and years?