Devine Scripture

Luke 12:30

What does Luke 12:30 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 12:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 12:30 means

Jesus observes that the nations of the world eagerly seek these necessities, but the disciples’ Father knows they need them. He distinguishes His followers by their relationship to God as Father and by their different pursuit. Pagans chase provision as ultimate; believers receive it as a cared-for gift while seeking higher ends. The Father’s knowledge is personal and active; it frees them from living like spiritual orphans. This line does not deny effort; it reorders aims. Their aim is God’s kingdom, trusting that the Father will supply what sustains their service.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For the nations of the world go in search of all these things: but your Father has knowledge that you have need of them.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for all these things do the nations of the world seek after, and your Father hath known that ye have need of these things;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For all these things do the nations of the world seek. But your Father knoweth that you have need of these things.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for all these things do the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that ye have need of these things;

Context

Here Jesus contrasts worldly striving with filial trust. The mention of “your Father” anchors identity and expectation. This sets up the famously positive command in the next verse: seek His kingdom, and necessary things will be added. The flow moves from critique of anxiety to a promise-laden alternative, culminating in encouragements about the Father’s good pleasure and the call to invest in heavenly treasure.

v.29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, and what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

v.30This passage

v.31Yet seek ye his kingdom, and these things shall be added unto you.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 6:8

    Be not therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

  • Matthew 6:32

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

  • Matthew 10:20

    For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you.

  • Matthew 6:1

    Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them: else ye have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.

  • Ephesians 4:17

    This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the Gentiles also walk, in the vanity of their mind,

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:5

    not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who know not God;

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