King James Version

What Does Luke 12:29 Mean?

Luke 12:29 in the King James Version says “And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. neither: or, live not in care...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. neither: or, live not in careful suspense”

Luke 12:29 · KJV

Context

27

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

28

If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

29

And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. neither: or, live not in careful suspense

30

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

31

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. Jesus transitions from prohibition of anxiety to positive command about priorities. Seek not (kai hymeis me zeteite, καὶ ὑμεῖς μὴ ζητεῖτε) uses the present imperative with negative particle—stop seeking, cease this pattern. The verb zeteo (ζητέω) means to search for, pursue, strive after—it describes directed effort and focused energy. Jesus forbids making what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink (τί φάγητε καὶ τί πίητε) the primary object of life's pursuit.

The second prohibition, neither be ye of doubtful mind (me meteorizeisthe, μὴ μετεωρίζεσθε), uses a vivid Greek verb. Meteorizomai (μετεωρίζομαι) literally means to be lifted up, suspended in mid-air, or to hover uncertainly—like a ship tossed on waves or someone dangling without support. Metaphorically, it describes anxious uncertainty, mental instability, the unsettled state of chronic worry. The KJV "doubtful mind" captures this—a mind suspended between fears, never landing on firm trust in God's promises.

This verse does not prohibit work, planning, or responsible provision (2 Thessalonians 3:10, 1 Timothy 5:8). Rather, Jesus forbids the anxious seeking that characterizes pagan materialism (v. 30). Disciples work, but they don't worship provision. They plan, but they don't panic. The prohibition targets the restless, obsessive pursuit of security through accumulation—the very pattern demonstrated by the rich fool (vv. 16-21).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the Greco-Roman world, food and drink security were primary concerns for most people. Famines occurred regularly, grain prices fluctuated, and the poor lived perpetually on the edge of hunger. Philosophers addressed anxiety—Epicureans pursued pleasure to alleviate it, Stoics cultivated indifference to externals. But Jesus offers a third way: neither hedonism nor stoicism, but trust in the Father's providential care. The command to stop seeking food and drink would sound shocking in a subsistence economy. Jesus is not commanding irresponsibility but reorienting priorities: seek first the kingdom (v. 31), and necessities will follow.

Reflection Questions

  1. What percentage of your mental and emotional energy goes toward seeking provision versus seeking God's kingdom?
  2. How does the image of being 'suspended in mid-air' describe the internal experience of chronic anxiety?
  3. What practical steps can you take to shift from anxious seeking of necessities to confident trust in God's provision?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑμεῖς2 of 12

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

μὴ3 of 12

“neither”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ζητεῖτε4 of 12

“seek”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

τί5 of 12

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

φάγητε6 of 12

“ye shall eat”

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

ἢ7 of 12

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τί8 of 12

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

πίητε9 of 12

“ye shall drink”

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

καὶ10 of 12

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μὴ11 of 12

“neither”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

μετεωρίζεσθε·12 of 12

“be ye of doubtful mind”

G3349

to raise in mid-air, i.e., (figuratively) suspend (passively, fluctuate or be anxious)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 12:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 12:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 12:22Matthew 6:31Luke 22:35Luke 10:7-8

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