Jesus drew the conclusion by arguing from the lesser to the greater again. If it is futile to worry about small matters that lie outside our control, it is even more foolish to worry about larger matters that lie even farther outside our control. [1] The smaller matters include living longer and the larger include all of life and its needs. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Luke 12:22-34 - The Cure For Anxious Care
Notice this contrast between two kinds of men: the one cares for himself, is anxious for this life, worries about food and clothes and standing a cubit higher in the estimate of his fellows; the other is content to fill the niche and do the work assigned him by the Father. And he performs his life-task, not for the remuneration it will bring, but for the "well-done" of God-sure that all which is needed, whether for his soul or body, will be provided by Him who gave him being. The Father knows thy varied need, trust Him!
Do not think of God as grudging! It is your Father's good pleasure to give. Nothing delights Him more than to be able to "give good things to them that ask Him." For Him also "it is more blessed to give than to receive." Remember that the best investments are those we store, not in banks, etc., but in the lives of others: for God Himself guarantees the interest. [source]
Chapter Summary: Luke 12
1Jesus preaches to his apostles to avoid hypocrisy 13and warns against covetousness, by the parable of the man who set up greater barns 22We must not worry about earthly things, 31but seek the kingdom of God; 33give alms; 35be ready at a knock to open to our Lord whensoever he comes 41Jesus' disciples are to see to their charges, 49and look for persecution 54The people must take this time of grace; 57because it is a fearful thing to die without reconciliation
Greek Commentary for Luke 12:26
Not able to do even that which is least [ουδε ελαχιστον δυναστε] Negative ουδε oude in the condition of the first class. Elative superlative, very small. This verse not in Matthew and omitted in D. Luke 12:27 as in Matthew 6:28, save that the verbs for toil and spin are plural in Matthew and singular here (neuter plural subject, τα κρινα ta krina). [source]
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 2nd Person Plural
Root: δύναμαι
Sense: to be able, have power whether by virtue of one’s own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through favourable circumstances, or by permission of law or custom.
Greek Commentary for Luke 12:26
Negative ουδε oude in the condition of the first class. Elative superlative, very small. This verse not in Matthew and omitted in D. Luke 12:27 as in Matthew 6:28, save that the verbs for toil and spin are plural in Matthew and singular here (neuter plural subject, τα κρινα ta krina). [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Luke 12:26
An old verb for worry and anxiety from μεριζω merizō (μερις meris part) to be divided, distracted. Jesus had warned against this in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:25, Matthew 6:28, Matthew 6:31, Matthew 6:34. See also Luke 12:11, Luke 12:22, Luke 12:26). [source]