After the verse about lilies of field.
Luke 12:29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
Luke 12:29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.
And you yourselves! Don't seek what you might eat and what you might drink and don't give yourselves airs.
This is a really, really funny line. It has a punchline at the very end that may be one of the best in the Gospels. The verb, that Jesus only uses here, means to "raise to a height", "lifts up", "buoys up", "to be anxious," and "suffer from flatulence". It is a command. To root of the word is "air" so "give yourself air," "needing air," and "having gas." It can be passive but also middle voice where the subject acts on themselves, so "lift yourself up", but the joke is that this word applies both the idea of "lifting yourself up" in the sense of elevating yourself or giving yourself airs, but it also means "to be anxious" in the sense of "needing air." It also means "having air" in the sense of it also refers to passing gas. It also refers to how people rise from the seat to fart. This clearly goes to the eating and drinking. This translation is more specific than the word's meaning.
If we fart, we should do it subtly, without raising ourselves up.
And seek not ye (MW) what ye shall(CW) eat, or(OS) what ye shall(CW) drink, neither(CW) be ye of doubtful mind(MM).
- MW -- Missing Word -- This subject pronoun duplicates information in the verb so it needs a "yourselves" after "you" for emphasis.
- CW - Confusing Word - This "shall" does not indicate the future tense, but describes a possibility, the subjunctive voice.
- OS -- Outdated Source -- The Greek word translated as "or" existed in the KJV Greek source but not the source we use today.
- CW - Confusing Word - This "shall" does not indicate the future tense, but describes a possibility, the subjunctive voice.
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word usually translated as "neither."
- MM -- Many Meanings -- This "be of doubtful mind" has several different meanings that work here and is a form of wordplay.
And do not (MW) set your heart on(IW) what you will(WW) eat or(WW) (MW) drink; (MW) do not worry(CW,WV,MM) about it.
- MW -- Missing Word -- This subject pronoun duplicates information in the verb so it needs a "yourselves" after "you" for emphasis.
- IW - Inserted Word-- The "on" doesn't exist in the source.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "will" should be something more like "should."
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "or" should be something more like "and."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "what" is not shown in the English translation.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "and" is not shown in the English translation.
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word usually translated as "worry."
- WV --Wrong Voice - The verb in the middle voice requires the concept of "self" as its object
- MM -- Many Meanings -- This "be of doubtful mind" has several different meanings that work here and is a form of wordplay.
And -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
seek-- The Greek verb translated as "seek" has a variety of meanings around the idea of "searching" and "desiring." It has a sense of seeking with a specific aim. It also means to "search," "inquire into," "investigate," and "examine."
not -- The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, verbs of possibility, and requests. It applies to will, feeling, and thought. This is a command.
ye -- The pronoun "you" is used explicitly as the subject of the sentence. When it has no verb, the verb "is" or the previous verb is assumed. When it is already part of the verb, its use here creates emphasis on the "you" as we might say "you yourselves." It sometimes precedes a verbal adjective or infinitive where it is not part of the verb. It is plural.
missing "yourselves" ---- (MW) The pronoun is used here explicitly as the subject of the sentence. Since this information is already in the verb, the sense is repetitive as we say "you yourselves."
what -- The Greek word translated as "what" in the singular means "anyone," "someone," "something," and "anything." The same forms are used both for the masculine or feminine so "anyone" works best for a person. In the plural, it means "everyone," "some," "they," and "those." Jesus often uses it to start a question so it means "who," "what," "which," or even "why."
ye -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
shall -- (CW) This helping verb "shall" does not indicate the future tense, but that the verb describes a possibility, the subjunctive voice. A "might" or "should" in English is more appropriate, but is assumed in an "if/when/whoever/except" clause. Helping verbs are not needed in Greek since the main verb carries this information in its form.
eat, -- The word translated as "eat" means "eat" but it also means "fret," as we say "something is eating me up."
or -- -- (OS) There is nothing in the Greek that can be translated as "or" in the source we use today but it does exist in the source that the KJV translators used. The Greek word translated as "or" is no "and" used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."This word doesn't mean "or."
what -- The Greek word translated as "what" in the singular means "anyone," "someone," "something," and "anything." The same forms are used both for the masculine or feminine so "anyone" works best for a person. In the plural, it means "everyone," "some," "they," and "those." Jesus often uses it to start a question so it means "who," "what," "which," or even "why."
ye -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
shall -- (CW) This helping verb "shall" does not indicate the future tense, but that the verb describes a possibility, the subjunctive voice. A "might" or "should" in English is more appropriate, but is assumed in an "if/when/whoever/except" clause. Helping verbs are not needed in Greek since the main verb carries this information in its form.
drink, -- The word "drink" is the Greek for meaning to "drink." It also has a double meaning. "To drink" also means "to celebrate."
neither -- (CW) The Greek word translated as "neither " is from two Greek words meaning "and not." The "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, verbs of possibility, and requests. It applies to will, feeling, and thought. This is a command. This is not the word usually translated as "neither."
be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive though it could also be in the middle voice, someone acting on/for/by themselves. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
ye -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
of doubtful mind. - - (MM) The Greek verb translated as "be ye of doubtful mind" means to "raise to a height", "lifts up", "buoys up", "to be anxious," and "suffer from flatulence". It is a command. It can be passive but also middle voice where the subject acts on themselves, so "lift yourself up", but the joke is that this word applies both the idea of "lifting yourself up" in the sense of elevating yourself or giving yourself airs, but it also means "to be anxious" in the sense of "needing air." It also means "having air" in the sense of it also refers to passing gas. It also refers to how people rise from the seat to fart. This clearly goes to the eating and drinking. This translation is more specific than the word's meaning.
And -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
do -- This helping verb is used to create questions, commands, negative statements, and smooth word flow in English.
not -- The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, verbs of possibility, and requests. It applies to will, feeling, and thought. This is a command.
set your heart - The Greek verb translated as "set your heart " has a variety of meanings around the idea of "searching" and "desiring." It has a sense of seeking with a specific aim. It also means to "search," "inquire into," "investigate," and "examine."
missing "you yourselves" ---- (MW) The pronoun is used here explicitly as the subject of the sentence. Since this information is already in the verb, the sense is repetitive as we say "you yourselves."
on -- (IW) This word is not in the Greek source.
what -- The Greek word translated as "what" in the singular means "anyone," "someone," "something," and "anything." The same forms are used both for the masculine or feminine so "anyone" works best for a person. In the plural, it means "everyone," "some," "they," and "those." Jesus often uses it to start a question so it means "who," "what," "which," or even "why."
you -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
will -- (WW) This helping verb indicates that the verb is the future tense, but it isn't. It is in the form of possibility so it should be a "should" or "might."
eat, -- The word translated as "eat" means "eat" but it also means "fret," as we say "something is eating me up."
or -- -- (WW) The Greek word translated as "or" is no "and" used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." This word doesn't mean "or."
missing "what" -- (MW) The untranslated word "what" in the singular means "anyone," "someone," "something," and "anything." The same forms are used both for the masculine or feminine so "anyone" works best for a person. In the plural, it means "everyone," "some," "they," and "those." Jesus often uses it to start a question so it means "who," "what," "which," or even "why."
drink, -- The word "drink" is the Greek for meaning to "drink." It also has a double meaning. "To drink" also means "to celebrate."
missing "and" -- (MW) The untranslated word "or" is no "and" used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." This word doesn't mean "or."
do -- This helping verb is used to create questions, commands, negative statements, and smooth word flow in English.
not -- The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, verbs of possibility, and requests. It applies to will, feeling, and thought. This is a command.
worry about - - (CW, WV, MM) The Greek verb translated as "be ye of doubtful mind" means to "raise to a height", "lifts up", "buoys up", "to be anxious," and "suffer from flatulence". This is not the word usually translated as "worry." This verb is not a active verb. It can be passive but also middle voice where the subject acts on themselves, so "lift yourself up", but the joke is that this word applies both the idea of "lifting yourself up" in the sense of elevating yourself or giving yourself airs, but it also means "to be anxious" in the sense of "needing air." It also means "having air" in the sense of it also refers to passing gas. It also refers to how people rise from the seat to fart. This clearly goes to the eating and drinking. This translation is more specific than the word's meaning.
it. -- There is no Greek pronoun here, but Greek does not need pronouns when the object can be assumed from the context. In English, they are added for the subject-verb-object form of our sentences.
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
ὑμεῖς [92 verses](pron 2nd pl nom) "You" is hymeis, which is the plural nominative form of the second person, "you."
μὴ [447 verses](conj) "Not" is me , which is the negative used in prohibitions and expressions of doubt meaning "not" and "no." The negative, μή, rejects, is relative, and subjective. It is used with verbs of subjective action: thinking, feeling, seeing, etc. It is used in imperative and subjunctive clauses because both express opinions. With pres. or aor. subjunctive, it is used in a warning or statement of fear, "take care." The combination of ἵνα μή means "lest." The combination of ὅτι μή, means "except." Used before tis with an imperative to express a will or wish for something in independent sentences and, with subjunctives, to express prohibitions. It is used with infinitives that express a purpose. When used with verbs of physical action, its sense is that "not wanting" or "thinking" something, not that it isn't done or thought. With these verbs, the sense is rejecting the action, rather than simply not doing it. With the verb "to be," the sense is "doesn't seem." When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words. Used with an imperative to express a will or wish. Used in negative conditional "when/if/whoever" clauses. With "have," the sense is "lacks" or "wants."
ζητεῖτε, [36 verses](verb 2nd pl pres imperat act) "Seek" is zeteo, which means "inquire for," "search for," "seek after," "desire," and "feel the want of."
τί [252 verses] (pron sg neut acc/nom) "What" is tis, which can mean "someone," "something," "any one," "everyone," "they [indefinite]," "many a one," "whoever," "anyone," "anything," "some sort," "some sort of," "each," "any," "the individual," "such," and so on. In a question, it can mean "who," "why," or "what." Plural, "who are" is τίνες ἐόντες. It has specific meanings with certain prepositions, διὰ τί; for what reason? ἐκ τίνος; from what cause? ἐς τί; to what point? to what end?
φάγητε [30 verses] (verb 2nd pl aor subj act) "Ye shall eat" is esthio, which means "to eat," "devour," "fret," "vex," and to "take in one's mouth." It is also a metaphor for decay and erosion.
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
τί [252 verses] (pron sg neut acc/nom) "What" is tis, which can mean "someone," "something," "any one," "everyone," "they [indefinite]," "many a one," "whoever," "anyone," "anything," "some sort," "some sort of," "each," "any," "the individual," "such," and so on. In a question, it can mean "who," "why," or "what." Plural, "who are" is τίνες ἐόντες. It has specific meanings with certain prepositions, διὰ τί; for what reason? ἐκ τίνος; from what cause? ἐς τί; to what point? to what end? -- The Greek word translated as "any" in the singular means "anyone," "someone," "something," and "anything." The same forms are used both for the masculine or feminine so "anyone" works best for a person. In the plural, it means "everyone," "some," "they," and "those." Jesus often uses it to start a question so it means "who," "what," "which," or even "why."
πίητε, [36 verses] (verb 2nd pl aor subj act) "Shall drink" is pino, which means "to drink," "to celebrate," and "soak up."
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
μὴ [447 verses](conj) "Not" is me , which is the negative used in prohibitions and expressions of doubt meaning "not" and "no." The negative, μή, rejects, is relative, and subjective. It is used with verbs of subjective action: thinking, feeling, seeing, etc. It is used in imperative and subjunctive clauses because both express opinions. With pres. or aor. subjunctive, it is used in a warning or statement of fear, "take care." The combination of ἵνα μή means "lest." The combination of ὅτι μή, means "except." Used before tis with an imperative to express a will or wish for something in independent sentences and, with subjunctives, to express prohibitions. It is used with infinitives that express a purpose. When used with verbs of physical action, its sense is that "not wanting" or "thinking" something, not that it isn't done or thought. With these verbs, the sense is rejecting the action, rather than simply not doing it. With the verb "to be," the sense is "doesn't seem." When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words. Used with an imperative to express a will or wish. Used in negative conditional "when/if/whoever" clauses. With "have," the sense is "lacks" or "wants."
μετεωρίζεσθε, [1 verse](verb 2nd pl pres imperat mp) "Be ye of doubtful mind" is meteorizomai, which means "raise to a height", "lifts up", "buoys up", "suffer from flatulence", "attain considerable height", "buoy up", "elevate", esp. with false hope , and, in the passive, "to be elevated" and "to be anxious". The root word aēr is the word from which we derive "air" and refers to the lowest layer of heavy air.
The word for "eat" also means "fret" or "worry".
The verb translated as "be ye of doubtful mind" actually means "lift yourselves up" in the sense of inflating yourself but it has a double meaning of "don't fart yourselves" and a triple meaning "be worried."