Bible Strands
Luke 12:30
For the Gentiles of the world strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to His disciples during a teaching on anxiety over daily provision, positioned between the command not to worry about food and drink and the directive to seek His kingdom. He addresses them as a distinct group contrasted with the surrounding culture.
The words — ἐπιζητοῦσιν (epizētousin) literally means "seek for" or "strive after," and ταῦτα (tauta) translates directly to "these things." The phrase τὰ ἔθνη τοῦ κόσμου (ta ethnē tou kosmou) identifies the "Gentiles of the world" as the subjects of this pursuit.
The thread — The same contrast between worldly striving and the Father's foreknowledge appears in Matthew 6:32 and Matthew 6:8. Luke 12:32 immediately follows by addressing the listeners as a "little flock" and commanding them not to fear.
Why it lands — It requires the reader to recognize that Gentile anxiety over material needs is a default cultural pattern, not a spiritual necessity. The text demands an immediate pivot from self-driven provision to trusting the Father's known care.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
Cross-references
- Matthew 6:32 For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
- Matthew 6:8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
- Luke 12:32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
- Ephesians 4:17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.
- Matthew 18:14 In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:5 not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God;
- 1 Peter 4:2 Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.
- Matthew 5:47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same?
- Matthew 10:20 For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
- Matthew 6:1 “Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.