Luke 12:29
What does Luke 12:29 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 12:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 12:29 means
Jesus forbids preoccupation with what to eat and drink and warns against a restless, unsettled mind. He targets the inward oscillation that keeps circling basic needs, never finding rest. Trust in the Father releases disciples from compulsive planning and dread. This is not carelessness but a refusal to let necessities dominate thought and affection. A steady heart is possible because God’s care is steady. He wants His people free for better pursuits—loving obedience, generous service, and kingdom priorities—rather than driven by a scarcity mentality.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And seek not ye what ye shall eat, and what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And seek not ye what ye shall eat, and what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And do not give overmuch thought to your food and drink, and let not your mind be full of doubts.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And ye--seek not what ye may eat, or what ye may drink, and be not in suspense,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And seek not what you shall eat or what you shall drink: and be not lifted up on high.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And ye, seek not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink, and be not in anxiety;
Context
This command follows the assurance of God’s provision and the rebuke of little faith. Jesus is moving His disciples from negative prohibition (don’t worry) to positive reorientation (seek God’s kingdom). The next lines will contrast their calling with the world’s anxious striving, reminding them that their Father knows their needs and promises to add what is necessary as they pursue His reign.
v.28But if God doth so clothe the grass in the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven; how much more shall he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
v.29This passage
v.30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: but your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 12:22
And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.
- Luke 10:7
And in that same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.
- Luke 22:35
And he said unto them, When I sent you forth without purse, and wallet, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing.
- Matthew 6:31
Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
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