Matthew 8:20
And Iesus saith vnto him, The Foxes haue holes, and the birds of the ayre haue nests: but the sonne of man hath not where to lay his head. Matthew 8:20 (KJV)
And Jesus saith unto him,
The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. Matthew 8:20 (KJV)
Let us delve into a Bible study on Matthew 8:20 in the King James Version. This verse belongs to the larger passage of Matthew 8:18‑22, where Jesus is approached by a scribe (or disciple) who declares his intention to follow Him, or asks first to go and bury his father. Jesus’ reply serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges and sacrifices inherent in true discipleship.
In the statement, Jesus identifies Himself as the “Son of man.” The title underscores His humanity while also alluding to His divine Messianic identity, highlighting His mission on earth as the Savior.
He then contrasts the living conditions of animals: foxes have holes and birds have nests, secure places provided by creation. By pointing out that He, the Son of man, has nowhere to lay His head, He emphasizes the stark difference between ordinary creatures and His own itinerant ministry.
This contrast reveals the sacrificial nature of His work. Though He is the Son of God, Jesus willingly relinquishes earthly comforts and material possessions, depending on the hospitality of others as He travels to proclaim the Gospel.
Through this response, Jesus underscores the cost of following Him. He does not promise material stability or comfort to His disciples; instead, He challenges them to place their commitment to Him above personal security. He calls believers to be ready to give up everything for the sake of the Gospel, as echoed in Luke 14:33.
While He highlights His lack of a permanent dwelling, the passage does not imply a lack of divine provision. Rather, it reminds disciples that reliance on material possessions should not be their primary focus. Jesus encourages believers to trust in God’s faithfulness and provision throughout their journey of faith.
