Matthew 8:20 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus answers that even creatures have homes, but He has nowhere to rest.
What Does Matthew 8:20 Mean?
Jesus meets the scribe's eager promise with a sober word about the life He leads. Foxes have their dens and birds their nests, but He, the Son of man, has no settled place to lay His head. To follow Him is to share that homelessness, to give up the security most people cling to.
The title 'Son of man' is Jesus' own way of speaking of Himself, drawn from prophecy and rich with meaning. Here it underscores His humble path. He does not refuse the scribe but sets the cost plainly before him: discipleship is not a road to comfort. Those who walk with Christ may find no earthly resting place, yet they walk with the One in whom every true home is finally found.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 8:20
What does Matthew 8:20 mean?
Jesus answers that even creatures have homes, but He has nowhere to rest.