Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 12:7

"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not: ye are of more value than many sparrows." — Luke 12:7 (ASV)

“Friends” is an expression of confidence , one that is antithetical to the hostility of the Pharisees (v.4). Jesus does not guarantee protection from death but affirms that (1) God alone controls our final destiny, and people should “fear” him rather than those who can merely inflict physical death; and that (2) God is intimately aware of all that befalls us. “Hell” (mentioned only here in Luke) is clearly a place of torment (Matthew 5:22; Matthew 18:8–9; see comment on Mk 9:43–48).

Sparrows and hairs are so insignificant that this kind of argument (from lesser to greater) points up the supreme worth of the disciples in God’s eyes.