And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus doesn't just point out his homelessness; he highlights the profound, almost ironic contrast between the wild animals' natural provision and his own destitution. This isn't merely about lacking a roof, but about the Creator of all having no place to call His own on earth.
And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
A scribe volunteers to follow Jesus, but Jesus gently redirects him by describing his own lack of a permanent home, contrasting it with the security of wild animals. This exchange highlights the radical, often uncomfortable nature of discipleship, setting the stage for Jesus to then call others to follow him, even when it means leaving behind family responsibilities or worldly concerns.
Someone approaches Jesus, eager to follow Him. But Jesus’ response is stark: He has no home. Why would Jesus emphasize His homelessness to a potential follower?
When a scribe enthusiastically offers to follow Jesus 'wherever you go,' Jesus doesn't immediately welcome him with open arms. Instead, He paints a picture of His own radical insecurity:
A Radical Contrast
This isn't a complaint, but a profound revelation of the kingdom He inaugurates. It’s a warning to the scribe, who likely envisioned a comfortable, prestigious life. Following Jesus means embracing uncertainty, potential hardship, and a radical detachment from earthly comforts. It’s not about joining a successful earthly movement, but about aligning with a King whose kingdom isn’t of this world, and whose earthly reign is marked by radical poverty and dependence on God.
Jesus calls Himself the 'Son of Man.' This title sounds ordinary, even humble. What deep significance lies within this self-designation, especially in this stark declaration of homelessness?
When Jesus calls Himself the 'Son of Man' (a phrase with roots in the Old Testament, particularly Daniel 7), He’s doing more than just stating His humanity. He's laying claim to a profound identity:
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From Humble Man to Heavenly King
Understand the original words
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun Phrase
A messianic title used by Jesus for himself, derived from Daniel 7:13-14. It highlights his humanity while simultaneously affirming his divine authority, celestial origin, and role as the eschatological judge and ruler.
Jesus' declaration of having 'nowhere to lay his head' wasn't just about physical homelessness; it was a profound statement contrasting the transient, humble reality of his earthly mission with the glorious, heavenly title 'Son of Man' derived from Daniel's prophecy. It was a stark warning to the scribe about the true cost of discipleship, which involved embracing poverty and hardship rather than earthly comfort or status.
c. 63 BC - 4 BC
Herod the Great's Reign
Herod the Great, a client king of Rome, ruled Judea. While he initiated extensive building projects, his reign was marked by political intrigue, cruelty, and a desire to maintain power, influencing the socio-political climate Jesus was born into.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, gathering disciples and teaching about the Kingdom of God. This period is characterized by miracles, challenging religious authorities, and a growing following.
c. AD 28
Jesus' Itinerant Lifestyle
During his ministry, Jesus and his disciples lived an itinerant lifestyle, traveling from town to town. They relied on the hospitality of others for lodging and food, with no fixed base of operations.
c. AD 30-33
The Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem, but Christians believe he is resurrected three days later, a pivotal event in early Christianity.
This passage presents similar calls to discipleship with Jesus's equally direct responses about prioritizing the Kingdom of God over earthly commitments, highlighting the radical nature of following Christ.
Philippians 2:5-8This passage describes Jesus's voluntary emptying of His divine status and embracing of human humility and suffering, mirroring the homelessness described in Matthew 8:20 as part of His incarnate mission.
2 Corinthians 8:9This verse directly states that Jesus, though rich, became poor for our sake, which beautifully echoes the profound poverty and lack of earthly security illustrated by Jesus's statement about not having a place to lay His head.
Hebrews 12:2-3This passage encourages believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, the 'pioneer and perfecter of faith,' who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, directly connecting to Jesus's willingness to endure hardship and rejection for His mission.
vincentMatthew 8:20: "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."
Holes (φωλεοὺς)Wyc. has ditches, with burrows in explanation.Nests (κατασκηνώσεις)Only here and in the parallel, Luke 9:58. Nests is too limited. The word, derived from σκηνή, a tent, has the more general meaning of shelter or habitation. In classical Greek it is used of an encampment. The nest is not to the bird what the hole is to the fox,…
calvinMatthew 8:19-22: "And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest."
- And a scribe approaching said to him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou shalt go. 20. And Jesus saith to him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests: but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 21. And another of his disciples said to him, Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father. 22. And Jesus said to him, Follow me, and allow the dead to…
Jesus doesn't just point out his homelessness; he highlights the profound, almost ironic contrast between the wild animals' natural provision and his own destitution. This isn't merely about lacking a roof, but about the Creator of all having no place to call His own on earth.
A scribe volunteers to follow Jesus, but Jesus gently redirects him by describing his own lack of a permanent home, contrasting it with the security of wild animals. This exchange highlights the radical, often uncomfortable nature of discipleship, setting the stage for Jesus to then call others to follow him, even when it means leaving behind family responsibilities or worldly concerns.
A scribe volunteers to follow Jesus, but Jesus gently redirects him by describing his own lack of a permanent home, contrasting it with the security of wild animals. This exchange highlights the radical, often uncomfortable nature of discipleship, setting the stage for Jesus to then call others to follow him, even when it means leaving behind family responsibilities or worldly concerns.
"And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”" — Jesus doesn't just point out his homelessness; he highlights the profound, almost ironic contrast between the wild animals' natural provision and his own destitution. This isn't merely about lacking…
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Last reviewed October 2026