Matthew 6:33

KJV

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} seek ye {G2212} first {G4412} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} his {G846} righteousness {G1343}; and {G2532} all {G3956} these things {G5023} shall be added {G4369} unto you {G5213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Berean Standard Bible

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

American Standard Version

But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 6:33 stands as a profound summary of Jesus' teaching on priorities, urging believers to reorient their lives from anxious pursuit of material needs to a focused devotion to God's sovereign rule and righteous character. It promises divine provision for all necessary things to those who genuinely seek first the spiritual realities of God's kingdom, thereby fostering a life of trust and freedom from worldly anxieties.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful climax and summation of Jesus' extensive discourse on anxiety and material possessions, found in [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry"). Preceding this, Jesus uses vivid illustrations from nature—the birds of the air and the lilies of the field—to highlight God's meticulous care for His creation, arguing that human beings, being of far greater value, should not succumb to worry about food, drink, or clothing. He directly challenges the pagan mindset of seeking after "all these things" ([Matthew 6:32](/matthew/6-32 "Matthew 6:32 - Gentiles seek after these things")), contrasting it sharply with the heavenly Father's knowledge of His children's needs. Matthew 6:33 then provides the definitive, counter-cultural command and promise, offering the divine solution to the problem of anxiety by shifting the primary object of human desire and effort. The subsequent verse, [Matthew 6:34](/matthew/6-34 "Matthew 6:34 - Do not worry about tomorrow"), reinforces this by advising against future worry, keeping the focus on the sufficiency of today's concerns.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount lived in an agrarian society where daily sustenance was not guaranteed and life was often precarious. Famine, drought, and political instability were ever-present threats, making anxiety over basic necessities a deeply ingrained part of their existence. People often accumulated wealth, not for luxury, but as a buffer against future hardship. Furthermore, the Jewish understanding of "righteousness" involved adherence to the Mosaic Law and traditions, often with an emphasis on external observance. Jesus' teaching here challenges both the prevailing economic anxieties and the superficial understanding of righteousness, calling for an internal transformation and a radical trust in God that transcended the common cultural impulses. The concept of the "kingdom of God" (or "kingdom of heaven" as Matthew often phrases it, out of reverence for the divine name, as seen in [Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand")) was central to Jewish eschatological hopes, referring to God's sovereign rule, which Jesus proclaimed was breaking into the present reality.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 6:33 encapsulates several core themes of the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus' broader ministry. The most prominent is **Divine Priority**, emphasizing that God's will and reign must take precedence over all earthly concerns. This reordering of priorities is foundational to discipleship, as seen in Jesus' call to follow Him above all else ([Matthew 10:37-39](/matthew/10-37-39 "Matthew 10:37-39 - Cost of Discipleship")). Another key theme is **Righteousness**, not merely as external legalistic adherence, but as an internal transformation that aligns one's character and actions with God's holy nature. This echoes the Beatitude concerning those who "hunger and thirst for righteousness" ([Matthew 5:6](/matthew/5-6 "Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness")). Finally, the theme of **Divine Provision** is central, assuring believers that when their focus is on God's kingdom, He will faithfully supply their legitimate needs. This promise contrasts sharply with the anxieties Jesus addresses in [Matthew 6:25-32](/matthew/6-25-32 "Matthew 6:25-32 - Do Not Worry"), highlighting God's role as a benevolent Father who cares deeply for His children.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **seek ye (Greek, _zētéō'_):** From G2212. This verb implies an earnest, diligent, and purposeful pursuit. It's not a casual interest but an active, intentional endeavor, suggesting a deep desire and commitment to find or obtain something. In this context, it signifies making the kingdom and righteousness of God the primary object of one's life's quest.
* **first (Greek, _prōton'_):** From G4412. This adverb denotes priority in time, place, order, or importance. Its placement directly after "seek" underscores that the pursuit of God's kingdom and righteousness is not merely one pursuit among many, but the preeminent, foundational, and most important endeavor in a believer's life. It demands absolute precedence over all other concerns.
* **righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē'_):** From G1343. This comprehensive term refers to equity of character and act. It encompasses God's inherent justice and holiness, as well as the moral uprightness and conformity to God's will that He desires for His people. It signifies living in right relationship with God and others, reflecting His divine nature and ethical standards.
* **added (Greek, _prostíthēmi'_):** From G4369. This verb means "to place additionally, to lay beside, to annex." The passive voice used here ("shall be added") is a "divine passive," indicating that God Himself is the one who performs the action. It assures that the necessary material provisions will be supernaturally supplied by God as an overflow or bonus to those who prioritize His kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;":** This is the imperative core of the verse, presenting a radical command. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a contrast with the preceding anxious pursuits of the Gentiles, redirecting the focus. The command "seek ye first" emphasizes an absolute priority: the primary object of one's life's quest must be God's sovereign rule ("the kingdom of God") and His moral character and ethical standards ("his righteousness"). This involves aligning one's life, desires, and actions with God's will and participating in His redemptive purposes, while also striving for personal holiness and right living that reflects God's nature.
* **"and all these things shall be added unto you.":** This is the divine promise, directly addressing the material anxieties discussed earlier in the chapter. "All these things" refers to the basic necessities of life—food, drink, and clothing—that Jesus previously mentioned. The phrase "shall be added unto you" uses a divine passive, indicating that God Himself will be the provider. It assures that when spiritual priorities are correctly ordered, God will faithfully and supernaturally supply the legitimate needs of those who commit their lives to Him. This is not a promise of wealth, but of sufficiency and sustenance, demonstrating God's faithful care for His children.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 6:33 employs several powerful **literary devices**. The verse functions as a **Chiasm** within the broader passage on worry: A (Don't worry about material things, vv. 25-32), B (Seek God's kingdom and righteousness, v. 33), A' (Then material things will be added, v. 33). This structure highlights the central command. The use of **Contrast** is prominent, setting the anxious, worldly pursuit of "all these things" (v. 32) against the faithful, spiritual pursuit of God's kingdom and righteousness (v. 33). This contrast underscores the fundamental difference between a life centered on self-sufficiency and one centered on divine trust. The phrase "shall be added unto you" uses **Divine Passive**, a grammatical construction where the agent of the action is God, even if not explicitly named. This subtly yet powerfully emphasizes God's active role as the provider, reinforcing the theme of divine care. Finally, the verse is a powerful **Aphorism** or maxim, a concise statement of a principle that is easily remembered and profound in its implications, serving as a guiding truth for Christian living.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 6:33 encapsulates a foundational principle of biblical theology: God's kingdom and His righteousness are to be the supreme objects of human desire and pursuit. This teaching aligns with the Old Testament emphasis on seeking God with one's whole heart and living in covenant faithfulness. It underscores the truth that true security and provision come not from human effort or accumulation, but from a right relationship with God and obedience to His will. When humanity aligns its priorities with God's, the Creator, who knows all needs, faithfully provides, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and benevolent fatherhood. This verse challenges the pervasive human tendency to prioritize material gain and worldly security over spiritual realities, calling for a radical trust that redefines success and well-being in divine terms.

* [Psalm 37:4-5](/psalms/37-4-5 "Psalm 37:4-5 - Delight in the Lord")
* [Luke 12:31](/luke/12-31 "Luke 12:31 - Seek His Kingdom")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God will supply all your needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 6:33 calls for a radical reorientation of our lives in a world constantly vying for our attention and allegiance. It challenges the deeply ingrained human tendency to worry about the future and to prioritize material security. To "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" means making God's reign and His character the ultimate filter for all our decisions—how we spend our time, money, and energy; what careers we pursue; and how we engage in relationships. It means actively pursuing justice, mercy, and humility in our daily lives, reflecting the very nature of God. This verse liberates us from the endless cycle of consumerism and anxiety, inviting us into a life of profound trust where our ultimate security rests not in what we possess, but in the faithful provision of our heavenly Father. Living out this verse means cultivating a deep spiritual hunger that eclipses all other appetites, knowing that as we pursue God's purposes, He will generously meet our legitimate needs.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What anxieties currently dominate your thoughts, and how might prioritizing God's kingdom reframe these concerns?**
* **In what practical ways can you "seek first" God's kingdom and His righteousness in your daily schedule, finances, or relationships?**
* **How does the promise "all these things shall be added unto you" challenge your understanding of security and provision?**
* **What specific steps can you take this week to align your priorities more closely with the principles of Matthew 6:33?**

### FAQ
**What does "the kingdom of God" mean in this context?**

Answer: "The kingdom of God" (or "kingdom of heaven" as Matthew often uses) refers to God's sovereign rule and reign. It is both a present reality, experienced in the hearts and lives of those who submit to Jesus' Lordship and live according to His will, and a future consummation, when God's perfect rule will be fully established on earth. In [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek first the Kingdom of God"), seeking the kingdom means actively desiring, pursuing, and living under God's authority, participating in His redemptive purposes, and aligning one's life with His divine plan for humanity and creation. It's about living as a citizen of His heavenly domain, even while on earth.

**Does "all these things shall be added unto you" promise material wealth?**

Answer: No, this promise does not guarantee material wealth or luxury. When Jesus says "all these things," He is referring specifically to the basic necessities of life—food, drink, and clothing—which He discusses in the preceding verses ([Matthew 6:25-32](/matthew/6-25-32 "Matthew 6:25-32 - Do Not Worry")). The promise is one of sufficiency and divine provision for legitimate needs, not for extravagant desires. It assures that a faithful God will care for His children's basic sustenance when they prioritize His spiritual kingdom and righteousness above all else. This aligns with other biblical teachings on God's provision, such as [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 6:33 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ Himself. He is the embodiment of the very kingdom and righteousness we are called to seek. Jesus perfectly sought the kingdom of God, always doing the will of His Father ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me")). His entire life and ministry were a living demonstration of God's reign breaking into the world, culminating in His atoning death and resurrection, which established His kingdom definitively ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from darkness into the Kingdom of His dear Son")). Furthermore, Christ is our righteousness; through faith in Him, we are not only declared righteous but are also empowered by His Spirit to live righteously ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him")). Therefore, to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" is, in essence, to seek Christ Himself and to live in union with Him. When we are "in Christ," all the promises of God, including His faithful provision, are "Yes and Amen" in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All the promises of God are Yes in Him")). Our anxieties are dispelled not merely by a change in focus, but by the indwelling presence of the One who is our peace, our provision, and our ultimate satisfaction ([Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Be anxious for nothing")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 12:31

But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 5:6

Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

John 6:27

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

Psalms 34:9

O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for [there is] no want to them that fear him.

Psalms 34:10

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good [thing].

Mark 10:29

And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,

Mark 10:30

But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.