Luke 12:25-26

12:25 And which of you by worrying ¹  can add an hour to his life? ²  12:26 So if ³  you cannot do such a very little thing as this, why do you worry about ⁴  the rest?

[12:25]  ¹ tn Or “by being anxious.”

[12:25]  ² tn Or “a cubit to his height.” A cubit (πῆχυς, phcu") can measure length (normally about 45 cm or 18 inches) or time (a small unit, “hour” is usually used [BDAG 812 s.v.] although “day” has been suggested [L&N 67.151]). The term ἡλικία (Jhlikia) is ambiguous in the same way as πῆχυς. Most scholars take the term to describe age or length of life here, although a few refer it to bodily stature (see BDAG 435-36 s.v. 1.a for discussion). Worry about length of life seems a more natural figure than worry about height. However, the point either way is clear: Worrying adds nothing to life span or height.

[12:26]  ³ tn This is a first class condition in the Greek text.

[12:26]  ⁴ tn Or “why are you anxious for.”