Luke 12 31

Luke 12:31 kjv

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

Luke 12:31 nkjv

But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

Luke 12:31 niv

But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Luke 12:31 esv

Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

Luke 12:31 nlt

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

Luke 12 verses

Luke 12 31 Meaning

Luke 12:31 teaches a fundamental principle of Christian life: to prioritize seeking God's Kingdom above all else. Instead of worrying about earthly needs like food and clothing, believers are to reorient their deepest desires and efforts toward God's rule and righteousness. When this spiritual priority is established, God, who knows and cares for His children, promises to provide their material necessities. This promise reflects divine provision as a byproduct of seeking a higher, spiritual good, contrasting sharply with the anxious pursuit of worldly things.

Luke 12 31 Context

Luke 12:31 is part of Jesus's discourse to His disciples and the larger crowd about materialism, anxiety, and trusting God. Preceding verses (Luke 12:22-30) explicitly warn against worrying about basic necessities like food, drink, and clothing. Jesus uses the examples of ravens (Luke 12:24) and lilies (Luke 12:27) to illustrate God's consistent provision for His creation, implicitly rebuking the human tendency to anxious preoccupation. He points out that the "nations of the world" (Luke 12:30, referencing the Gentiles who do not know God's care) anxiously seek such things, but His Father already knows His children's needs. Therefore, Luke 12:31 serves as the conclusive command, redirecting the disciples' focus from earthly concerns to the spiritual realm of God's Kingdom. This teaching also contrasts with the preceding parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21), whose focus on storing up earthly wealth led to his ruin, highlighting the eternal foolishness of a materialistic life. The immediate context of Luke 12 emphasizes divine sovereignty and provision as foundational for discipleship.

Luke 12 31 Word analysis

• But: Greek: Plen (πλὴν). Signifies a strong contrast or an exception to what was previously said. Here, it contrasts with the anxiety and worldly pursuits of "the nations" mentioned in the previous verse (Luke 12:30). It signals a radical shift in perspective and priority.
• seek ye: Greek: zēteite (ζητεῖτε). An imperative verb in the present tense, active voice. It commands continuous, active, and persistent effort. It is not a passive waiting but an earnest and intentional pursuit. The term suggests seeking with earnestness, endeavoring to find, or inquiring after something with care and determination.
• the kingdom: Greek: tēn basileian (τὴν βασιλείαν). Refers to the sovereign reign and rule of God, both in the hearts of believers now and in its future consummation. It is not a geographical place but a dynamic dominion.
• of God: Greek: tou Theou (τοῦ Θεοῦ). Specifies whose Kingdom is to be sought – God's. This is central to New Testament theology.
• and all these things: Greek: kai tauta panta (καὶ ταῦτα πάντα). Refers directly back to the material necessities mentioned in the preceding verses: food, drink, and clothing. "All these things" emphasizes the comprehensiveness of God's promised provision for these needs.
• shall be added: Greek: prostehthesetai (προστεθήσεται). Future passive indicative of prostithemi. "Shall be added to you." It implies an act by God, not something gained by human effort or anxiety. This is a divine gift or byproduct. It's not something earned through seeking the Kingdom, but rather given by God to those who correctly align their priorities. This stands in direct contrast to human striving and anxious acquisition.
• unto you: Greek: hymin (ὑμῖν). Directed specifically to Jesus's disciples—those who trust Him and align their lives with God's will, unlike the anxious "nations."

Words-group by words-group analysis

• But seek ye the kingdom of God: This phrase establishes the primary directive and priority. It's an active command for a fundamental reorientation of life from earthly concerns to God's dominion. The pursuit is not merely intellectual understanding but active engagement and living according to the values and demands of God's rule. This contrasts sharply with the frantic anxiety shown by those who don't know God.
• and all these things shall be added unto you: This is the divine promise and assurance. The provision of material necessities becomes a supplementary outcome when the correct priority of seeking God's Kingdom is established. It underscores God's paternal care for those who trust Him and His readiness to provide for them. The phrase guarantees that God knows the true needs of His children and will meet them in due course. This implies a lifestyle of trust and dependence, rather than self-reliance and worry.

Luke 12 31 Bonus section

The "Kingdom of God" (Greek: Basileia tou Theou) in this context refers to God's sovereign rule now, particularly within the hearts of those who acknowledge Him as Lord. It is not merely a future hope but a present reality that manifests in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom 14:17). Seeking the Kingdom, therefore, involves submission to God's authority, living according to His righteous principles, and participating in His redemptive work in the world. It means aligning one's values, decisions, and ambitions with God's ultimate purposes.

Furthermore, this promise of "things being added" highlights a theological concept of 'dependent providence'. God provides, but often in a way that cultivates reliance on Him. It's not an invitation to idleness but an assurance that our needs are met as we labor for a greater purpose. This challenges any notion that securing material possessions should be the primary aim or source of security in life, placing absolute trust in the Giver, rather than the gifts themselves. It also functions as an implicit polemic against pagan beliefs where people placated gods or relied solely on human effort for provision; here, the divine Father actively and generously provides out of His nature.

Luke 12 31 Commentary

Luke 12:31 is a cornerstone of Jesus's teaching on radical discipleship and divine provision. It encapsulates the core Christian principle that our deepest desire and most fervent pursuit should be for God's Kingdom—His righteous reign in our lives and in the world. This is not about seeking abstract concepts, but living in accordance with His will, demonstrating His character, and promoting His purposes. In doing so, Jesus reassures His followers that God, as a loving Father, knows their fundamental needs (food, clothing, shelter) and will supernaturally supply them.

This verse stands as a direct counter-cultural statement to human natural inclination and the anxieties prevalent in every society. It directly confronts materialism and the relentless worry over worldly possessions, characterizing such worry as typical of "Gentiles" or those who do not know God. The promise of "all these things shall be added" is not a call for irresponsible living, nor does it guarantee material excess. Rather, it implies sufficient provision for needs when life's focus is spiritually aligned. The practical implication is to cease anxious striving and redirect that energy into seeking God's will and furthering His Kingdom, trusting fully in His benevolent care.

For practical usage, this verse encourages believers to:

• Prioritize prayer and devotion to God over planning for financial security.
• Serve God and His people, trusting Him to open doors for provision.
• Live generously, knowing God provides what is needed for His purposes.
• Release anxieties about the future by trusting God's present faithfulness.