Matthew 6:34 Text
King James Version (KJV)
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
World English Bible (WEB)
Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.
What Matthew 6:34 Means
Jesus ends his teaching on worry with a practical rule: do not be anxious about tomorrow. The KJV phrase take no thought for the morrow can mislead modern readers; the Greek means do not be consumed with worry, not do not plan. Scripture praises preparation elsewhere, so this targets anxious dread. The statement that tomorrow will be anxious for itself is a touch of dry humor, since tomorrow will bring its own concerns anyway. The last line, translated sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof in the KJV and each day's own evil is sufficient in the WEB, admits that each day has real troubles; Jesus does not pretend life is easy. His point is that carrying tomorrow's weight on top of today's is too much. The teaching rests on the earlier claim that the Father knows what you need, as he feeds the birds and clothes the flowers.
Context of Matthew 6:34
This verse closes a section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus' long teaching early in Matthew's Gospel, given to disciples and a crowd on a hillside in Galilee. Matthew, traditionally identified as the tax collector who followed Jesus, wrote his Gospel probably in the decades after. Just before, Jesus tells listeners to seek God's kingdom first; just after, he warns about judging others. To read the whole book, see random verse from Matthew.
How to Apply Matthew 6:34
Try writing your worries down and sorting them into things for today and things not yet here. Do what can be done today, then set the rest aside with a short prayer. It will not erase concern, but it can make the load more manageable, especially at night.
Related Verses
- Philippians 4:6-7 – Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
- 1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
- Matthew 6:25 – Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
- Psalm 55:22 – Cast thy burden upon the LORD , and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Looking for more verses on this theme? Browse Bible Verses About Peace, each with a short note on its context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Matthew 6:34 mean we should not plan for the future?
No. The Bible elsewhere commends careful planning. Jesus is warning against anxious worry that crowds out trust in God. Making a budget or schedule is fine; lying awake over what may never happen is what he is addressing.
What does sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof mean?
It means each day has enough trouble of its own, so there is no need to add tomorrow's. Evil here means hardship or difficulty, not moral wickedness. Jesus is encouraging people to face one day's burdens at a time.
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