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Luke 12:26

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 12:26 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “If then ye are not able to do even that which is least, why are ye anxious concerning the rest?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

If then ye are not able to do even that which is least, why are ye anxious concerning the rest?
Luke 12:26 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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?
27Consider the lilies, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin; yet I say unto you, Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
28But if God doth so clothe the grass in the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven; how much more [shall he clothe] you, O ye of little faith?
29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, and what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
← Luke 12:25Luke 12:27 →
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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
“If ye then be not able to do that which is least, etc.] 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?”
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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
“why: Luk 12:29; Psa 39:6; Ecc 7:13; Pe1 5:7 Luke 12:27”
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Related study paths

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

Sources and verification