Matthew 6:34 Meaning: Can We Plan Without Worrying?
Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.
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.
Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Be not therefore anxious for the morrow, for the morrow shall be anxious for its own things; sufficient for the day is the evil of it.
Be not careful therefore for the morrow, for the morrow shall be careful about itself. Sufficient to the day [is] its own evil.
Meaning in one sentence
Jesus' command not to worry about tomorrow doesn't forbid planning but frees us from anxious fear that steals today's peace.
Context
Jesus has been teaching his followers not to be consumed by worry over food, drink, and clothing. He pointed to the birds and the lilies as examples of creatures God cares for without their fretting. Now he sums it up: don't be anxious about tomorrow, because each day brings enough of its own trouble. This verse closes a section in the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus addresses real human concerns. He is not telling us to stop thinking ahead, but to stop letting fear of the future weigh down the present. The disciples who first heard this were ordinary people with bills, families, and uncertain harvests. Jesus meets them there.
Key Words
The Greek word behind 'be anxious' is merimnaō. It carries the picture of a mind pulled in different directions, distracted and divided. This isn't the same as careful planning. It's the kind of worry that splits your attention and keeps you from trusting God right now.
The word for 'evil' or 'trouble' in the line about each day is kakia. It can mean hardship, distress, or the hard things life brings. Jesus isn't saying every day is morally evil; he is being honest that each day has its own real struggles.
And 'sufficient' translates arketos, which means exactly enough, a full measure. It is the same word used when the manna was gathered: each person had just what they needed. Jesus is telling you that today will come with enough weight of its own. You don't need to carry tomorrow's too.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions agree that this verse doesn't forbid reasonable foresight. Methodist commentator Adam Clarke wrote that anxious worry 'renders us miserable beforehand' and encroaches on God's rights over the future. Baptist writer John Gill noted a Jewish proverb that says, 'Do not distress yourself with tomorrow's affliction, for you know not what a day may bring forth.' Anglican commentator Henry Alford (Cambridge Bible) highlights that the word for 'evil' here means 'distracting distress.' Wesley added that all trouble is, on the whole, a real good, medicine God gives daily. Across these readings, the common thread is trust: God knows what we need, and he gives grace for today, not tomorrow.
A common misunderstanding
Some people read this verse to mean Christians should never plan ahead, save money, or think about the future. In fact, the Greek word Jesus uses for anxiety (merimnaō) describes a divided, fretful mind, not thoughtful preparation. The Bible commends wisdom in planning (Proverbs 6:6, 8, 21:5). Jesus himself organized his ministry and prepared his disciples. He is not forbidding prudence; he is forbidding the kind of worry that makes you forget God is with you today.
Living This Out
Think of one specific worry you have about next month, a medical bill, a hard conversation, an uncertain job situation. Bring it to God in prayer this morning, then deliberately set it aside. For the rest of the day, focus only on what is actually in front of you: the person you are with, the task your hand finds to do, the grace for this hour. If the worry sneaks back, remind yourself that God's mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). You don't have tomorrow's trouble yet, and you don't need tomorrow's grace today. Trust the Father who knows what you need before you ask.
Main takeaway: God gives enough grace for today; worrying about tomorrow only robs today of its peace.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God gives you what you need each day: food, clothes, love. You don't have to worry about tomorrow because He is already there with you.
For ages 9, 12
Jesus says don't be anxious about tomorrow because each day has enough hard stuff of its own. That doesn't mean you never think ahead or make plans. It means you trust God with what's coming and focus on doing the right thing today. When you feel scared about something in the future, you can tell God about it and then let it go, knowing He cares for you.
Questions People Ask
Does Matthew 6:34 mean we should never plan for the future?
No. The Greek word for 'be anxious' (merimnaō) means a distracted, fretful worry, not sensible planning. The Bible praises good planning. What Jesus forbids is the kind of worry that makes you forget God's care today.
What does 'each day's own evil' refer to?
The Greek word kakia here means trouble, hardship, or distress, not moral evil. Jesus is acknowledging that every day has its own challenges. He invites us to meet them one day at a time, trusting God for the strength we need.
How can I stop worrying when I have real responsibilities?
Start each day by giving your worries to God in prayer. Then focus on what today actually requires: one task, one person, one step. Remind yourself that God's grace is given for today, not for tomorrow. You can trust Him with what you cannot control.
What is the context of this verse in the Sermon on the Mount?
Jesus has been teaching about not being anxious for food, drink, or clothing (Matthew 6:25-34). He uses examples from nature to show God's care. Verse 34 is the concluding summary: don't borrow trouble from tomorrow because today has enough of its own.
Is worry a sin?
Worry is not always listed as a sin in the same way as pride or theft, but it reveals a lack of trust in God's goodness. Jesus calls it 'little faith' (Matthew 6:30). He doesn't condemn you for worrying, but he invites you to a better way: trusting your Father who knows your needs.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study