Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 6:27

"And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life?" — Matthew 6:27 (ASV)

Which of you by taking thought. The third argument is taken from their extreme weakness and helplessness. With all your care, you cannot increase your stature a single cubit. God has ordered your height. Beyond his appointment, your powers are of no avail, and you can do nothing.

The same is true of clothing. He, by his providence, orders and arranges the circumstances of your life. Beyond that appointment of his providence, beyond his care for you, your efforts avail nothing. Since, then, He both orders your growth and the supply of your needs, how obvious is the duty of depending on him and of beginning all your efforts, feeling that He alone can grant you the means of preserving life!

One cubit. The cubit was originally the length from the elbow to the end of the middle finger. The cubit of the Scriptures is not far from twenty-two inches. Terms of length are often applied to life; and it is thought by many to be so here. Thus, it is said, You have made my days as a handbreadth (Psalms 39:5); Teach me the MEASURE of my days (Psalms 39:4). In this place, it is used to denote a small length. You cannot increase your stature even a cubit, or in the smallest degree. .

Stature. This word means height. The original word, however, more often means age (John 9:21, 23). In these places, it is translated age. If this is its meaning here, it denotes that a man cannot increase the length of his life at all. The utmost anxiety will not prolong it one hour beyond the time appointed for death.