Devine Scripture

Matthew 6:32

What does Matthew 6:32 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 6:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 6:32 means

Jesus explains why His disciples should not be anxious about basic needs, sharply contrasting them with the Gentiles, or unbelievers. "For after all these things do the Gentiles seek;" meaning these material concerns are the primary pursuit of those who do not know God. The crucial distinction for believers is that "your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things." God is not ignorant of their needs; He is fully aware and willing to provide, removing any rational basis for worry.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because the Gentiles go in search of all these things: for your Father in heaven has knowledge that you have need of all these things:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for all these do the nations seek for, for your heavenly Father doth know that ye have need of all these;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For after all these things do the heathens seek. For your Father knoweth that you have need of all these things.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for all these things the nations seek after; for your heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these things.

Context

This verse provides the critical explanation for the command to cease anxiety in verse 31. It highlights the distinction between believers, who have a Heavenly Father who knows their needs, and Gentiles, who are defined by their anxious pursuit of these things. This understanding of God's knowledge then sets the stage for the definitive command to seek God's kingdom and righteousness first, which is the ultimate solution to anxiety.

v.31Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

v.32This passage

v.33But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 103:13

    Like as a father pitieth his children, So Jehovah pitieth them that fear him.

  • Luke 12:30

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

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:5

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

  • Matthew 20:25

    But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.

  • 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,

  • Psalms 17:14

    From men by thy hand, O Jehovah, From men of the world, whose portion is inthislife, And whose belly thou fillest with thy treasure: They are satisfied with children, And leave the rest of their substance to their babes.

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