Parallel passage: Luke 12:24. The less general term, "ravens", and the change of construction apparent in "which have no store-chamber nor barn," point to St. Luke having preserved the more original form of the saying.
So also does the presence in Matthew of the Matthean phrase "heavenly." On the other hand, Matthew's "consider" (verse 28, vide next note) is perhaps more original. Behold ( ἐμβλέψατε). Look on, use your natural eyes.
In verse 28 "consider" ( καταμάθετε), learn thoroughly. Our Lord, in the present verse, bids us use the powers we possess; in verse 28 he bids us learn the lessons that we can find round us. Luke has in both places the vaguer term κατανοήσατε, "fix your mind on."
The fowls of the air; Revised Version, the birds of the heaven (so Matthew 8:20; Matthew 13:32); a Hebraism. For the thought, of. Job 38:41; Psalms 147:9; of. also Mishna, 'Kidd.,' 4.14, "Rabbi Simeon ben Eliezer used to say, Hast thou ever seen beast or bird that had a trade?
Yet are they fed without anxiety." For; that (Revised Version); what you will see if you will look. They sow not, etc. They carry out as regards their food nolle of those operations which imply forethought in the past or for the future.
Yet; and (Revised Version). Also what you will see. Your heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16, note). Are ye not much better than they? of much more value (Revised Version). The thought is of value in God's eyes (cf.
Matthew 10:31; Matthew 12:12), as men and as his children, not of any superiority in moral attainment.