Bible Strands
Luke 12:31
But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added unto you.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to His disciples, immediately after noting that Gentiles are the ones who strain after material needs (v. 30) and immediately before assuring the "little flock" that the Father is pleased to give them the kingdom (v. 32).
The words — ζητεῖτε (zēteite), an imperative of active, sustained pursuit, not passive waiting; the verb demands the reader's energy be aimed at the kingdom itself.
The thread — Matthew 6:33 carries the same command with the added phrase "and His righteousness"; Psalms 34:9 and Hebrews 13:5 both tie contentment with present provision to a right posture toward God.
Why it lands — The verse swaps the object of the reader's striving: not that anxiety is dismissed, but that the same effort now targets the kingdom, with material provision stated as a consequent, not a goal.
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
But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Cross-references
- Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
- Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
- Psalms 34:9 Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing.
- 1 Kings 3:11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice—
- John 6:27 Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”
- 1 Timothy 4:8 For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come.
- Psalms 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity.
- Psalms 37:25 I once was young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread.
- Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
- Romans 8:31 What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?