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Luke 12:23

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 12:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For the life is more than the food, and the body than the raiment.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For the life is more than the food, and the body than the raiment.
Luke 12:23 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20But God said unto him, Thou foolish one, this night is thy soul required of thee; and the things which thou hast prepared, whose shall they be?
21So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
22And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for [your] life, what ye shall eat; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.
23For the life is more than the food, and the body than the raiment.
24Consider the ravens, that they sow not, neither reap; which have no store-chamber nor barn; and God feedeth them: of how much more value are ye than the birds!
25And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit unto the measure of his life?
26If then ye are not able to do even that which is least, why are ye anxious concerning the rest?
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“The life is more than meat, etc.] What in Matthew is put by way of question, is here strongly affirmed; and these words contain a reason or argument to dissuade from an anxious, distressing thought and care about the necessaries, conveniencies, and comforts of life: and all the Oriental versions read, “for”, or “seeing the life is more than meat”; that is, it is more excellent and valuable in its own nature, being that for the support of which meat is provided; and seeing God is the author and giver of life, it need not be doubted but he will give meat for the maintenance and continuance of it, so long as is his pleasure it should subsist. And the body is more than raiment; it is of more…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 6:25-33. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Gen 19:17; Job 1:12, Job 2:4, Job 2:6; Pro 13:8; Act 27:18, Act 27:19, Act 27:38 Luke 12:24”
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Related study paths

Read Luke 12 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification