“seek first”
A matter of priority, what comes first in our pursuits and attention. Not the only thing we seek, but the first and highest.
What Does Matthew 6:33 Mean?
“But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.” , Matthew 6:33 (WEB)
Meaning in short
Matthew 6:33 means that we should make God's kingdom and his righteousness our first priority, and trust him to provide the everyday things we need. Jesus' point is that when God is genuinely first, we can stop being consumed by worry over food, clothing, and security, because our Father knows our needs and will care for us.
Verse-by-verse breakdown
“God's Kingdom, and his righteousness”
God's reign and rule in our lives, and a life that reflects his character. To seek these is to want God's will and ways above our own agenda.
“all these things will be given to you as well”
“These things” are the everyday needs Jesus just mentioned, food, drink, clothing. The promise: when God is first, our Father provides what we need.
Context
This verse comes from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6), where Jesus teaches against anxiety about daily provision. He points to birds and flowers that God cares for, and urges his followers not to worry like those who don't know God. Verse 33 is the positive command at the heart of that teaching: put God first, and trust him with the rest.
What it means for you
Matthew 6:33 reorders our priorities and eases anxiety in one move. When God's kingdom is genuinely first, money, status, and provision find their proper place, and worry loosens its grip, because we trust a Father who knows what we need.
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What does “seek first the kingdom of God” mean?
It means making God's reign and his righteousness, his will and his ways, the first priority of your life, above the pursuit of money, security, or status. Jesus promises that when God is first, our Father will provide the everyday things we need.
What are the “all these things” in Matthew 6:33?
They are the daily necessities Jesus had just been speaking about, food, drink, and clothing. He promises that those who put God first can trust their Father to supply these needs rather than being consumed by worry over them.
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