Matthew 6:33-34
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The promise "all these things shall be added to you" isn't a blank check for abundance, but rather an assurance that your basic needs will be met as a byproduct of prioritizing God's kingdom and righteousness, not as the main goal itself.
Jesus is teaching his disciples about the dangers of worrying about material possessions, contrasting it with trusting in God's provision. He's just told them not to worry about what they will eat, drink, or wear, because their heavenly Father knows their needs. This verse offers the solution: instead of focusing on earthly anxieties, prioritize God's reign and His righteous ways.
What exactly are we supposed to be 'seeking first'? It's more than just a vague spiritual feeling.
Jesus uses two key phrases here: 'the kingdom of God' and 'his righteousness'.
The Kingdom of God:
This isn't just about a future heaven. It refers to God's reign and rule, both in the world and, crucially, in your heart. It's about submitting to His authority and allowing His will to shape your life here and now. It's the 'external' aim – God's reign spreading and accomplishing its purposes.
His Righteousness:
This points to the 'internal' aim: personal conformity to God's standard. It's not about your efforts to be good, but about God's righteousness that He gives to believers through Christ. It's the holiness of heart and life that God requires, which He enables through His Spirit.
Together, these mean aligning your life with God's will and embracing the holy life He makes possible.
Jesus promises that 'all these things' will be added. What does that really mean, and can we trust it?
This is the amazing part of the promise! When your primary focus is on God's kingdom and His righteousness, Jesus assures you that the 'things' you might worry about – food, drink, clothing (mentioned just before this) – will be provided.
An Overflowing Bonus:
Think of it like this: seeking the kingdom is the 'main bargain.' Everything else is a bonus, 'added' freely by God. It's not that these necessities are unimportant, but they are secondary to your relationship with God.
God's Provision, Not Our Possession:
This isn't a blank check for unlimited wealth or possessions. It's a promise of God's faithful provision for your needs, in the measure that He deems best for you, aligning with His kingdom's priorities.
Understand the original words
basileia · Greek Noun
The sovereign rule, reign, or domain of God. In the New Testament, it refers both to the present reality of God’s rule in the hearts of believers and the future consummation of His kingdom at Christ’s return.
dikaiosynē · Greek Noun
The quality or state of being in accordance with God’s standard, character, and law. It encompasses both the gift of justification (being made right with God) and the resulting life of holiness and moral conformity to His will.
kakia · Greek Noun
Pain, suffering, or hardship. In this context, it refers to the inevitable difficulties or distresses that occur within the fallen human experience, which believers are encouraged to face with trust in God rather than self-generated anxiety.
This passage shows God rewarding Solomon's selfless request for wisdom with riches and honor, mirroring how seeking God's kingdom first brings earthly needs as an 'added bonus'.
Luke 12:31This parallel passage emphasizes the same core message: prioritizing God's kingdom leads to His provision for our earthly needs.
Philippians 3:7-10Paul describes his own pursuit of Christ, counting everything else as loss to gain Christ and His righteousness, illustrating the 'seeking first' principle by valuing spiritual gain above all.
1 Timothy 4:8This verse connects godliness and spiritual discipline with promises for both the present life and the life to come, echoing Matthew 6:33's assurance that seeking God yields present and future benefits.
Romans 14:17It defines the kingdom of God as righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, providing a clear picture of what it means to 'seek first' this spiritual reality.
clarkeMatthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
But seek ye first the kingdom of God - See on Matthew 3:7 (note). His righteousness - That holiness of heart and purity of life which God requires of those who profess to be subjects of that spiritual kingdom mentioned above. See on Matthew 5:20 (note). The seventh reason against these worldly cares and fears is - because the business of our salvation ought to engross us en…
pulpitMatthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Verse 33. - Parallel passage: Luke 12:31, which is shorter. But; i.e. in contrast to such seeking as he has just spoken cf. Our Lord at length gives a distinct promise that if God's cause is made the first aim, all the necessaries of life shall be provided. Seek ye first. The difference between ζητεῖν here and ἐπιζητεῖν in ver. 32 seems to be only that the latter points out…
The promise "all these things shall be added to you" isn't a blank check for abundance, but rather an assurance that your basic needs will be met as a byproduct of prioritizing God's kingdom and righteousness, not as the main goal itself.
Jesus is teaching his disciples about the dangers of worrying about material possessions, contrasting it with trusting in God's provision. He's just told them not to worry about what they will eat, drink, or wear, because their heavenly Father knows their needs. This verse offers the solution: instead of focusing on earthly anxieties, prioritize God's reign and His righteous ways.
Jesus is teaching his disciples about the dangers of worrying about material possessions, contrasting it with trusting in God's provision. He's just told them not to worry about what they will eat, drink, or wear, because their heavenly Father knows their needs. This verse offers the solution: instead of focusing on earthly anxieties, prioritize God's reign and His righteous ways.
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"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." — The promise "all these things shall be added to you" isn't a blank check for abundance, but rather an assurance that your basic needs will be met as a byproduct of prioritizing God's kingdom and ri…
