Matius 10:29-33

10:29 Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? ¹  Yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. ²  10:30 Even all the hairs on your head are numbered. 10:31 So do not be afraid; ³  you are more valuable than many sparrows.

10:32 “Whoever, then, acknowledges ⁴  me before people, I will acknowledge ⁵  before my Father in heaven. 10:33 But whoever denies me before people, I will deny him also before my Father in heaven.

[10:29]  ¹ sn The penny refers to an assarion, a small Roman copper coin. One of them was worth one-sixteenth of a denarius or less than a half hour’s average wage. Sparrows were the cheapest items sold in the market. God knows about even the most financially insignificant things; see Isa 49:15.

[10:29]  ² tn Or “to the ground without the knowledge and consent of your Father.”

[10:31]  ³ sn Do not be afraid. One should respect and show reverence to God, but need not fear his tender care.

[10:32]  ⁴ tn Or “confesses.”

[10:32]  ⁵ tn Grk “I will acknowledge him also.”

[10:32]  sn This acknowledgment will take place at the judgment. On Jesus and judgment, see Luke 22:69; Acts 10:42-43; 17:31.