Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.Matthew 6:33
What does Matthew 6:33 mean?
Jesus instructs His listeners to make God's kingdom and righteousness their first priority, with the promise that their other needs will be provided for as a result. It reorders priorities: seeking God isn't one concern among many, but the primary one that puts the rest in proper place.
Context
This verse comes at the end of a passage in the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus teaches about anxiety over material needs — food, drink, clothing (Matthew 6:25-34). He points to birds and lilies as evidence of God's care for creation, then concludes that if God provides for them, He will provide for His people too, provided they seek His kingdom first rather than being consumed by worry.
Key themes
Related Bible verses
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Bible study
- What does Jesus mean by 'the kingdom of God' and 'his righteousness' in this context?
- How does the illustration of birds and lilies (earlier in the chapter) support this verse's promise?
- What would it look like practically to 'seek first' God's kingdom in your daily decisions?
Prayer
A short devotional prayer inspired by this verse — not scripture
Lord, quiet my anxious thoughts about what I need. Help me put You and Your kingdom first today, and trust You with the rest. Amen.
Memorize this verse
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Share this verse
Frequently asked questions
What is Matthew 6:33 responding to?
It's the conclusion of Jesus' teaching on anxiety over daily needs (Matthew 6:25-34), where He points to God's care for birds and flowers as reassurance.
Does this verse mean daily needs don't matter?
No — it reorders priorities rather than dismissing needs. Jesus says those needs 'shall be added unto you' when God's kingdom comes first, not that they're unimportant.