Luke 12:30

For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

For {G1063} all {G3956} these things {G5023} do {G1934} the nations {G1484} of the world {G2889} seek after {G1934}: and {G1161} your {G5216} Father {G3962} knoweth {G1492} that {G3754} ye have need {G5535} of these things {G5130}.

For all the pagan nations in the world set their hearts on these things. Your Father knows that you need them too.

For the Gentiles of the world strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: but your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

Commentary

Luke 12:30 (KJV) is a pivotal verse within Jesus' extensive teaching on anxiety and God's divine provision. It highlights a fundamental difference in worldview and priorities between those who trust in God and those who do not. Jesus reassures His disciples that their Heavenly Father is fully aware of their legitimate needs, contrasting this with the relentless pursuit of material things by "the nations of the world."

Context

This verse follows directly from Jesus' exhortation against worry about food, drink, and clothing, as seen in Luke 12:22-29. He uses illustrations from nature—the ravens and the lilies—to demonstrate God's meticulous care for His creation. The "all these things" refers specifically to these basic life necessities. Jesus contrasts the priorities of His followers with those of the "nations of the world," who are consumed by worry over material needs. This discourse serves to liberate believers from the burden of anxiety by redirecting their focus from earthly concerns to the spiritual reality of God's kingdom and His unfailing care.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision: The core message is God's intimate knowledge of human needs and His commitment to providing for His children. The phrase "your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things" underscores a deep, personal relationship and God's omniscience regarding our physical requirements.
  • Contrast in Priorities: The verse sharply distinguishes between the mindset of those who do not know God ("the nations of the world") and believers. While the former are driven by a constant quest for sustenance and security, often rooted in fear and self-reliance, believers are called to trust in a benevolent Father.
  • Antidote to Worry: By affirming God's awareness and provision, Jesus provides a powerful remedy for anxiety. Understanding that God already knows our needs should alleviate the compulsion to worry or relentlessly pursue material wealth.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "the nations of the world" translates the Greek ethne tou kosmou (ἔθνη τοῦ κόσμου). Ethne often refers to Gentiles or non-Jewish people, broadly signifying those outside the covenant of God, whose lives are typically characterized by a focus on earthly rather than divine concerns. Their "seeking after" (Greek: epizēteō) implies an earnest, diligent, even anxious pursuit.
  • "Your Father knoweth" (Greek: ho patēr hymōn oiden) emphasizes the personal, intimate relationship between God and His children. The verb oiden signifies a deep, experiential knowledge, not just intellectual awareness. This reinforces the idea of a caring, attentive Heavenly Father.

Related Scriptures

This verse beautifully sets the stage for the command in Luke 12:31: "But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you." It serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' teaching to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, with the promise that material necessities will be supplied. For believers today, this verse challenges the consumerist culture that often drives anxiety and insecurity. It calls us to trust in God's faithfulness, prioritize spiritual growth and His kingdom, and rest in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father is intimately aware of and committed to meeting our true needs. It's an invitation to freedom from the relentless pursuit of "things" and to embrace a life of confident dependence on God's abundant grace.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 6:32 (9 votes)

    (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

  • Matthew 6:8 (6 votes)

    Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

  • Ephesians 4:17 (4 votes)

    ¶ This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

  • Luke 12:32 (4 votes)

    Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

  • 1 Peter 4:2 (3 votes)

    That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

  • 1 Peter 4:4 (3 votes)

    ¶ Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with [them] to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of [you]:

  • Matthew 18:14 (3 votes)

    Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.