Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The word "added" is key here; it implies these everyday needs aren't the main goal but are bonuses that flow from seeking God's kingdom. This isn't just about ignoring worries, but actively prioritizing God's reign in your life, trusting that provision follows devotion.
Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just finished teaching his disciples not to worry about what they will eat or wear, drawing an analogy to the birds and the lilies. He contrasts this anxious way of living, which he calls " Gentile" thinking, with the trusting reliance of his followers on their heavenly Father. The verse you're asking about is a direct instruction following this, urging them to reorient their entire focus.
Jesus tells us to seek something above all else. What is it, and why does it matter more than our daily needs?
In Luke 12, Jesus is speaking to his disciples who were worried about their basic needs. He contrasts their anxieties with the mindset of unbelievers (the 'Gentiles') who are solely focused on what to eat and wear.
He then gives a profound directive: "seek his kingdom." This isn't just about a future heavenly realm, but also about God's reign actively working in the world and in our lives now. It means prioritizing God's will, His purposes, and His rule above everything else. When we make seeking God's kingdom our primary pursuit, we align ourselves with His sovereign plan.
Jesus follows the command to seek the kingdom with a promise of provision. What's the connection?
The incredible part of Luke 12:31 is the assurance that follows: "and these things will be added to you." Jesus isn't suggesting we ignore our needs, but that our focus should shift.
When our main aim is to advance God's kingdom and live under His rule, we trust that our Heavenly Father, who knows our needs intimately, will ensure we have what we require for this life. It's not a guarantee of luxury, but a promise of sufficiency for those devoted to His purposes. This shifts the burden of constant worry about provision from our shoulders to God's.
Understand the original words
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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 directly addresses the disciples' anxieties about daily needs, particularly in light of a request about dividing an inheritance. It redirects their focus from earthly possessions and disputes to the eternal Kingdom, promising God's provision for those who prioritize His rule.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus Teaches and Gathers Disciples
During Jesus' ministry, he gathered a following and taught them about the Kingdom of God, often contrasting its values with worldly concerns.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Ascension
After his resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven, leaving his disciples to carry on his mission and await the coming of the Holy Spirit.
c. 30-33 AD
Early Church Growth
The nascent Christian community experienced rapid growth, often facing persecution and economic hardship, underscoring the need for radical trust in God's provision.
c. 60-62 AD
Paul's Epistles
Apostle Paul wrote letters to various churches, including those in Rome and Philippi, often addressing themes of spiritual prosperity over material wealth and God's faithful provision for believers.
This passage is a direct parallel, also found in Matthew's Gospel, urging believers to 'seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,' echoing the same core message of prioritizing God's reign over worldly concerns.
Colossians 3:1-2This passage encourages believers to 'set your minds on things above, not on things that are on earth,' which powerfully reinforces the idea of seeking God's kingdom by redirecting our focus away from earthly provisions and towards eternal realities.
Matthew 6:25-30These verses immediately precede the command to seek the kingdom, detailing Jesus' teaching on not worrying about food or clothing, and using the example of birds and lilies to show God's provision. This provides the context and rationale for why seeking the kingdom is the better path.
Luke 18:29-30Here, Jesus promises that those who have left 'home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the kingdom of God' will receive 'many times more' in return, illustrating the principle that investing in God's kingdom yields abundant spiritual and even earthly rewards.
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 word "added" is key here; it implies these everyday needs aren't the main goal but are bonuses that flow from seeking God's kingdom. This isn't just about ignoring worries, but actively prioritizing God's reign in your life, trusting that provision follows devotion.
Jesus has just finished teaching his disciples not to worry about what they will eat or wear, drawing an analogy to the birds and the lilies. He contrasts this anxious way of living, which he calls " Gentile" thinking, with the trusting reliance of his followers on their heavenly Father. The verse you're asking about is a direct instruction following this, urging them to reorient their entire focus.
Jesus has just finished teaching his disciples not to worry about what they will eat or wear, drawing an analogy to the birds and the lilies. He contrasts this anxious way of living, which he calls " Gentile" thinking, with the trusting reliance of his followers on their heavenly Father. The verse you're asking about is a direct instruction following this, urging them to reorient their entire focus.
"Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you." — The word "added" is key here; it implies these everyday needs aren't the main goal but are bonuses that flow from seeking God's kingdom. This isn't just about ignoring worries, but actively priorit…
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Last reviewed October 2026