Devine Scripture

Matthew 6:33

What does Matthew 6:33 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 6:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 6:33 means

This verse presents the central solution to anxiety and the ultimate directive on priorities for believers. Instead of worrying about physical needs, Jesus commands, "But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness." This means making God's reign and His moral standards the absolute priority in life. The glorious promise attached to this singular pursuit is that "all these things shall be added unto you"—God will providentially supply all necessary physical needs as a byproduct of seeking Him first. This reflects the order of kingdom living.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But let your first care be for his kingdom and his righteousness; and all these other things will be given to you in addition.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but seek ye first the reign of God and His righteousness, and all these shall be added to you.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Seek ye therefore first the kingdom of God, and his justice, and all these things shall be added unto you.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This verse is a pivotal command, offering the positive counter-focus to the anxiety condemned in the preceding verses (25-32). It provides the definitive solution to worry by reorienting the disciple's deepest desire toward God's kingdom and righteousness. This command, coupled with its promise, serves as the triumphant conclusion to Jesus' teaching on materialism and anxiety, leading into the final instruction about daily trust.

v.32For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

v.33This passage

v.34Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Cross references

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

  • Proverbs 3:9

    Honor Jehovah with thy substance, And with the first-fruits of all thine increase:

  • Psalms 37:25

    I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed begging bread.

  • 2 Peter 1:1

    Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and the Saviour Jesus Christ:

  • 2 Chronicles 1:7

    In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.

  • Romans 1:17

    For therein is revealed a righteousness of God from faith unto faith: as it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith.

  • John 6:27

    Work not for the food which perisheth, but for the food which abideth unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him the Father, even God, hath sealed.

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