Luke 12:31
Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Luke 12:31
Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrase "seek his kingdom" isn't just about aiming for heaven; it's about prioritizing God's reign and his way of doing things right now. The incredible part is that when we center our lives on this divine kingdom, the everyday needs we worry about aren't a burden to be managed, but rather "things" that will be graciously supplied as a byproduct of seeking Him first.
Jesus is teaching his disciples not to worry about material needs, like food and clothing, after a man interrupts him wanting help dividing an inheritance. He contrasts their heavenly Father's care with the anxieties of non-believers, emphasizing that focusing on God's kingdom is the priority, with earthly necessities being secondary.
When Jesus tells us to 'seek his kingdom,' what does that really mean for our daily lives? It's more than just a priority; it's a fundamental reorientation.
The verse calls us to 'seek his kingdom.' This isn't just about putting God's kingdom before other things; it's about seeking it as the primary pursuit, the very center of our desires and efforts. The commentaries highlight that 'rather seek' or 'seek first' implies a redirection of our deepest focus.
What is God's Kingdom?
It refers to God's reign and rule. In Jesus' time, it was an present reality breaking into the world through His ministry, and also a future hope.
Seeking It:
It involves:
Jesus promises that 'these things will be added to you.' What does this assurance mean when we're facing real-world needs?
The promise that 'these things will be added to you' is not a blank check for extravagance, nor a guarantee against all hardship. It's a profound assurance of God's faithful provision for those who prioritize His kingdom.
The 'These Things':
The context from Luke 12:22-30 reveals that 'these things' refer to our basic necessities: food, drink, and clothing. Jesus isn't promising riches, but sufficiency for life.
The Divine Guarantee:
God, who knows our needs intimately (v. 30), promises to supply them. This provision is framed as an 'addition' – a benefit that flows naturally from seeking His kingdom first. It’s not the , but a consequence of faithfulness. This removes the anxious striving for earthly security, allowing us to focus on spiritual realities.
Understand the original words
zēteō · Greek Verb
To pursue, strive for, or aim at something with earnestness and diligence. In a biblical context, it implies setting one's life priorities around God's sovereign rule.
basileia · Greek Noun
The sovereign reign, rule, and authority of God. It refers to both the present spiritual reality of God's rule in the lives of believers and the future manifestation of His kingdom in glory.
This teaching from Jesus comes during his public ministry, a time when he is gathering followers and interacting with large crowds, yet also facing increasing opposition. The context is one of urgency and divine mission, as Jesus focuses his disciples' attention on the eternal realities of God's kingdom rather than the temporal concerns of daily life.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus teaches in Galilee and Judea
Jesus travels and preaches throughout regions like Galilee and Judea, gathering disciples and attracting large crowds.
Early 1st century AD
Growing crowds and disciples
Jesus' ministry draws significant attention, leading to large gatherings eager to hear his teachings and witness his miracles.
Early 1st century AD
Tensions with religious authorities
Jesus' teachings and actions often provoke criticism and opposition from the established religious leaders of the time.
Early 1st century AD
Pilgrimage to Jerusalem
Jesus makes his way towards Jerusalem, knowing the events that await him there, including his betrayal, trial, and crucifixion.
This passage directly parallels Luke 12:31, emphasizing seeking God's kingdom and righteousness first, with the assurance that other needs will be met, highlighting the same core message of prioritizing spiritual over material concerns.
Proverbs 3:9-10This proverb speaks to honoring the Lord with our wealth, promising that our 'granaries will be filled' and our 'vats will overflow,' which beautifully echoes Luke 12:31's idea that prioritizing God leads to provision.
Colossians 3:1-2This passage urges believers to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things, providing the 'why' behind seeking God's kingdom, as our true life is hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 4:6-7While Luke 12:31 assures provision for those who seek God's kingdom, Philippians 4:6-7 offers the practical counsel of bringing our requests to God in prayer, with the promise that His peace will guard our hearts and minds, which is how we live out the trust implied in Luke's command.
jfbLuke 12:13-53: "And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me."
Lu 12:13-53. Covetousness—Watchfulness—Superiority to Earthly Ties.13. Master, &c.—that is, "Great Preacher of righteousness, help; there is need of Thee in this rapacious world; here am I the victim of injustice, and that from my own brother, who withholds from me my rightful share of the inheritance that has fallen to us." In this most inopportune intrusion upon the sole…
gillLuke 12:31: "But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you."
But rather seek ye the kingdom of God,.... The Vulgate Latin version adds, "first", as also, "and his righteousness", as in Matthew 6:33 and the Ethiopic version reads, "seek his kingdom and righteousness" meaning either the grace of God, which is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, Romans 14:17 or the heavenly glory; unless the Gospel, and the dispensation of i…
The phrase "seek his kingdom" isn't just about aiming for heaven; it's about prioritizing God's reign and his way of doing things right now. The incredible part is that when we center our lives on this divine kingdom, the everyday needs we worry about aren't a burden to be managed, but rather "things" that will be graciously supplied as a byproduct of seeking Him first.
Jesus is teaching his disciples not to worry about material needs, like food and clothing, after a man interrupts him wanting help dividing an inheritance. He contrasts their heavenly Father's care with the anxieties of non-believers, emphasizing that focusing on God's kingdom is the priority, with earthly necessities being secondary.
Jesus is teaching his disciples not to worry about material needs, like food and clothing, after a man interrupts him wanting help dividing an inheritance. He contrasts their heavenly Father's care with the anxieties of non-believers, emphasizing that focusing on God's kingdom is the priority, with earthly necessities being secondary.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Luke 12:31 is available in the Sola app.
"Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you." — The phrase "seek his kingdom" isn't just about aiming for heaven; it's about prioritizing God's reign and his way of doing things right now. The incredible part is that when we center our lives on…