King James Version

What Does Luke 12:31 Mean?

Luke 12:31 in the King James Version says “But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. — study this verse from Luke chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 12:31 · KJV


Context

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.

32

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

33

Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Priority of God's Kingdom: This verse concludes Jesus's teaching on worry and materialism (Luke 12:22-31), providing the antidote to anxiety. The Greek phrase "plen zeteite ten basileian autou" (πλὴν ζητεῖτε τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτοῦ) literally means "but/rather seek His kingdom." The verb "zeteite" (ζητεῖτε) is a present active imperative, commanding continuous, ongoing seeking—not a one-time decision but a lifestyle of prioritization. The kingdom (βασιλεία, basileia) refers to God's reign and rule, both present spiritual reality and future consummation.

The Promise of Provision: The phrase "kai tauta panta prostethesetai hymin" (καὶ ταῦτα πάντα προστεθήσεται ὑμῖν) means "and all these things shall be added to you." The verb "prostethesetai" (προστεθήσεται) is future passive, indicating that God Himself will do the adding—it's His action, not ours. The "these things" (tauta, ταῦτα) refers back to the material needs discussed in verses 22-30: food, clothing, and daily necessities. Jesus promises that prioritizing God's kingdom doesn't lead to deprivation but divine provision.

Contrast with Gentile Anxiety: Earlier (verse 30), Jesus stated that "tauta panta ta ethne tou kosmou epizeteousin" (ταῦτα πάντα τὰ ἔθνη τοῦ κόσμου ἐπιζητοῦσιν)—"all these things the nations of the world seek after." The compound verb "epizeteousin" (ἐπιζητοῦσιν) suggests anxious, intense seeking. Gentiles (ἔθνη, ethne)—those without knowledge of the true God—naturally focus on material security. But disciples of Christ are called to a different priority system, trusting their Heavenly Father who knows their needs (verse 30). This teaching echoes Solomon's wisdom: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33 KJV).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This teaching occurs within Luke's unique section often called the "travel narrative" (Luke 9:51-19:27), as Jesus journeys toward Jerusalem and the cross. The immediate context involves Jesus addressing a crowd of "many thousands" (Luke 12:1) who had gathered, though this particular teaching on anxiety was initially directed to His disciples (verse 22). The concern about food and clothing wasn't abstract—first-century Palestine was an agrarian society where survival depended on crops and weather, both unpredictable.

The Roman Empire's taxation system (poll tax, land tax, customs duties) left many Jewish peasants in poverty, making worry about daily needs very real. Herod Antipas's building projects and the Temple tax further strained resources. Jesus's audience would have included day laborers who literally lived hand-to-mouth, farmers vulnerable to drought or Roman confiscation, and fishermen dependent on catches. His teaching about God's provision wasn't addressing middle-class financial planning but genuine survival anxiety.

The theological background draws from Jewish wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs 30:8-9 ("give me neither poverty nor riches") and the Psalms' repeated emphasis on God's provision (Psalm 37:25, 145:15-16). Jesus contrasts His disciples with "the nations" (Gentiles), echoing the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:32). Early Christian communities took this teaching seriously—Acts 2:44-45 and 4:32-37 describe believers sharing possessions and meeting needs. The Apostle Paul would later teach that godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6-8) and that he had learned to be content in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13), demonstrating how foundational this principle became to Christian practice.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean practically to "seek first the kingdom of God" in daily decisions about career, finances, and lifestyle?
  2. How does Jesus's promise that "all these things shall be added" challenge the modern assumption that spiritual devotion requires sacrificing material well-being?
  3. In what ways does anxiety about material needs reveal a lack of trust in God's character and promises?
  4. How can Christians balance responsible planning and work (Proverbs 6:6-8, 2 Thessalonians 3:10) with Jesus's command not to worry about tomorrow?
  5. What is the relationship between seeking God's kingdom and experiencing God's provision, both materially and spiritually?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
πλὴν1 of 11

But rather

G4133

moreover (besides), i.e., albeit, save that, rather, yet

ζητεῖτε2 of 11

seek ye

G2212

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

τὴν3 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλείαν4 of 11

the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ5 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Θεοῦ,6 of 11

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ7 of 11

and

G2532

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

ταῦτα8 of 11

these things

G5023

these things

πάντα9 of 11

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

προστεθήσεται10 of 11

shall be added

G4369

to place additionally, i.e., lay beside, annex, repeat

ὑμῖν11 of 11

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you


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 12:31 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 12:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study