Meaning, commentary and cross references
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
NIV · New International Version
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
WEB · World English Bible
But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
What does Matthew 6:33 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God,.... Meaning either the Gospel, and the ministration of it; in which sense this phrase is often used, see Matthew 21:43 and which is diligently to be sought after, and into; to be constantly attended on, and to be preferred to our necessary food, to raiment, or riches, or any enjoyment of life: or else the kingdom of glory, which is prepared by God, and is his gift; for which he makes his people meet here, and will introduce them into it hereafter. And his righteousness; the righteousness of God, which is revealed in the Gospel, and is what gives a right and title to the kingdom of heaven. This is not the righteousness of man, but of God; and is no other…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Matthew 6:25–34
Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Mat 6:33. Here is a double argument against the sin of thoughtfulness; take no thought for your life, the life of the body; for, (1.) You have greater and better things to take thought about, the life of your soul, your eternal happiness; that is the one thing needful (Luk 10:42), about which you should employ your thoughts, and which is commonly neglected in those hearts wherein worldly cares have the ascendant.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Matthew 6:31–34
But rather seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. 34. Be not therefore anxious about tomorrow: for tomorrow will take care of itself. Its own affliction is sufficient for the day. 29. And seek not what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, and be not lifted on high. 30.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Matthew 6:30–34 (WEB)
30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won’t he much more clothe you, you of little faith? 31“Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’ 32For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.
Cross references
- Luke 12:31
But seek God’s Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you.
- Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
- John 6:27
Don’t work for the food which perishes, but for the food which remains to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For God the Father has sealed him.”
- Psalms 34:9–10
- Psalms 84:11–12
- Mark 10:29–30
Jesus said, “Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or land, for my sake, and for the sake of the Good News,
- Romans 14:17
for God’s Kingdom is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
- Proverbs 3:9–10
Honor the LORD with your substance, with the first fruits of all your increase;