King James Version

What Does Matthew 6:32 Mean?

Matthew 6:32 in the King James Version says “(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these thing...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”

Matthew 6:32 · KJV

Context

30

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33

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

34

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Read Matthew 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus contrasts believers with unbelievers: 'For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things' (Greek: πάντα γὰρ ταῦτα τὰ ἔθνη ἐπιζητοῦσιν, 'for all these things the Gentiles seek after'). 'Gentiles' (ἔθνη) represents those without covenant relationship with God - they seek provision anxiously because they don't know God as Father. The verb ἐπιζητέω means 'earnestly seek' or 'strive after.' Believers have different basis for confidence: 'your heavenly Father knows your needs.' The Father's knowledge (οἶδεν) isn't merely intellectual awareness but caring attentiveness that motivates provision. This distinguishes pagan anxiety from filial trust.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Gentiles practiced religion primarily to secure divine favor for practical blessings - good harvests, health, prosperity. Pagan religion was largely transactional. Jewish and Christian faith operated differently - relationship with God as Father who faithfully provides for His children. Jesus distinguishes His followers from surrounding pagan culture's anxious manipulation of gods through ritual. The Father's knowledge echoes Psalm 139 - comprehensive divine awareness that includes caring provision.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing God as Father rather than distant deity transform our approach to needs?
  2. In what ways do we slip into pagan patterns of anxious striving rather than filial trust?
  3. What difference does God's knowledge of our needs make to our experience of those needs?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
πάντα1 of 17

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

γὰρ2 of 17

“(For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ταῦτα3 of 17

“these things”

G5023

these things

τὰ4 of 17
G3588

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

ἔθνη5 of 17

“do the Gentiles”

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

ἐπιζητεῖ·6 of 17

“after”

G1934

to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave

οἶδεν7 of 17

“knoweth”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

γὰρ8 of 17

“(For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὁ9 of 17
G3588

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

πατὴρ10 of 17

“Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ὑμῶν11 of 17

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ὁ12 of 17
G3588

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

οὐράνιος13 of 17

“heavenly”

G3770

celestial, i.e., belonging to or coming from the sky

ὅτι14 of 17

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

χρῄζετε15 of 17

“ye have need”

G5535

to make (i.e., have) necessity, i.e., be in want of

τούτων16 of 17

“these things”

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

ἁπάντων17 of 17

“of all”

G537

absolutely all or (singular) every one

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 6:32 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 Matthew 6:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 6:8Luke 12:30Ephesians 4:17Luke 11:11-13Psalms 17:14Matthew 20:25-26

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 6 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes