Bible Strands
Matthew 6:32
For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to his disciples during the Sermon on the Mount, addressing their anxiety over daily provisions. He contrasts their conduct with that of non-believers who prioritize material needs.
The words — The Greek verb ἐπιζητοῦσιν (epizētousin) literally means “seek after” or “strive for,” while ἔθνη (ethnē) denotes the Gentiles. These terms establish a direct contrast between worldly pursuit and divine awareness.
The thread — The passage parallels Matthew 6:8, which records the Father’s prior knowledge of human needs, and Luke 12:30, which repeats the observation that Gentiles pursue these same necessities.
Why it lands — The text states that the Father already knows what is required and commands listeners to stop treating material provision as a primary pursuit. It requires a practical reordering of priorities rather than emotional comfort.
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 after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Cross-references
- Matthew 6:8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
- Luke 12:30 For the Gentiles of the world strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.
- 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.
- Luke 11:11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?
- Psalms 17:14 from such men, O LORD, by Your hand—from men of the world whose portion is in this life. May You fill the bellies of Your treasured ones and satisfy their sons, so they leave their abundance to their children.
- Matthew 20:25 But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:5 not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God;
- Psalms 103:13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
- Matthew 5:46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same?