Matthew 6:27-28

6:27 And which of you by worrying can add even one hour to his life? ¹  6:28 Why do you worry about clothing? Think about how the flowers ²  of the field grow; they do not work ³  or spin.

Matthew 16:8

16:8 When Jesus learned of this, ⁴  he said, “You who have such little faith! ⁵  Why are you arguing ⁶  among yourselves about having no bread?

[6:27]  ¹ 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 (phcus). Most scholars take the term to describe age or length of life here, although a few refer it to bodily stature (see BDAG 436 s.v. 3 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.

[6:28]  ² tn Traditionally, “lilies.” According to L&N 3.32, “Though traditionally κρίνον has been regarded as a type of lily, scholars have suggested several other possible types of flowers, including an anemone, a poppy, a gladiolus, and a rather inconspicuous type of daisy.” In view of the uncertainty, the more generic “flowers” has been used in the translation.

[6:28]  ³ tn Or, traditionally, “toil.” Although it might be argued that “work hard” would be a more precise translation of κοπιάω (kopiaw) here, the line in English reads better in terms of cadence with a single syllable.

[16:8]  ³ tn Or “becoming aware of it.”

[16:8]  ⁴ tn Grk “Those of little faith.”

[16:8]  ⁵ tn Or “discussing.”