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What does Jesus mean by “do not worry” in Matthew 6?
Jesus’ “do not worry” is aimed at tomorrow’s provision, grounded in the Father’s care — not a ban on planning or grief.
Scripture context and classic commentary notes below. For a live, retrieval-grounded conversation, Ask Bible.
Anxious care, not diligence
After teaching on treasure and the single eye (Matthew 6:19–24), Jesus says not to be anxious about life, food, and clothing (6:25–32). Birds and lilies are the illustrations. The Father knows. The issue is merimnaō — anxious, divided care — not honest labor. Verse 34: tomorrow has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew Henry’s Commentary · Matthew Henry
Henry emphasizes that Christ’s prohibition targets distrustful solicitude about worldly necessaries, not diligent labor or lawful planning.
Seek first the kingdom
The positive command is 6:33: seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, and these things will be added. Luke 12 and Philippians 4:6–7 belong in the same conversation. Ask Bible can set Matthew 6 beside 1 Peter 5:7 without turning the sermon into a self-help list.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary · JFB
JFB on 6:33 treat “first” as priority of devotion, and the added things as the Father’s ordinary providence, not a prosperity formula.