Matthew 6:33: Edit history

Revision #8218

Matthew 6:33

English baseline before localization

Status: approved

Changes from the previous English revision

+ ## Context

+ This verse is the conclusion of the teaching on anxiety (Matthew 6:25-34), which follows the teaching on wealth in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus tells his hearers to consider the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, and asks whether God, who feeds and clothes them, will not much more care for people. After saying that "after all these things do the Gentiles seek" and that the heavenly Father already knows that they have need of them, he gives the instruction of verse 33 and closes with "Take therefore no thought for the morrow" (v. 34). Just before this passage, he declared, "Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (6:24).

+ ## Interpretation

+ - **A matter of priority**: "First" denotes both sequence and importance. Interpreters understand the verse not as a command to neglect one's livelihood but as an expression of trust that, when the center of life is placed on the reign of God, God will provide what is needed.

+ - **The meaning of "his righteousness"**: In Matthew, "righteousness" usually refers to a life in accordance with God's will (5:20; 6:1). Accordingly, some read the phrase as a call to seek a righteous life befitting the kingdom of God, while others read it as a call to seek the justice and salvation that God himself brings about.

+ - **"Shall be added"**: This is read as a promise that God will supply food and clothing through his providence.

+ ## Questions Concerning Application

+ Some preaching treats this verse as a transaction in which material prosperity follows from seeking God's kingdom first. Critics regard this as a misuse characteristic of prosperity theology, since the context speaks of basic needs (food and clothing) rather than wealth and warns against the worship of riches. Others hold, conversely, that the promise that God genuinely cares for the lives of those who obey him should not be weakened.

+ ## In the Korean Church

+ The verse is frequently cited in sermons on Sunday observance, offerings, and career decisions, and the Korean version of the English chorus "Seek Ye First" is widely sung.

+ ## Related Passages

+ - Matthew 6:24-34

+ - Luke 12:29-31

+ - Romans 14:17

+ - Philippians 4:6-7

A promise that those who do not worry about what they will eat, drink, or wear, but seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, will have all these things added to them. It is one of the verses most frequently cited in discussions of priorities in the life of faith.

Full revision

Context

This verse is the conclusion of the teaching on anxiety (Matthew 6:25-34), which follows the teaching on wealth in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus tells his hearers to consider the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, and asks whether God, who feeds and clothes them, will not much more care for people. After saying that "after all these things do the Gentiles seek" and that the heavenly Father already knows that they have need of them, he gives the instruction of verse 33 and closes with "Take therefore no thought for the morrow" (v. 34). Just before this passage, he declared, "Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (6:24).

Interpretation

A matter of priority: "First" denotes both sequence and importance. Interpreters understand the verse not as a command to neglect one's livelihood but as an expression of trust that, when the center of life is placed on the reign of God, God will provide what is needed.
The meaning of "his righteousness": In Matthew, "righteousness" usually refers to a life in accordance with God's will (5:20; 6:1). Accordingly, some read the phrase as a call to seek a righteous life befitting the kingdom of God, while others read it as a call to seek the justice and salvation that God himself brings about.
"Shall be added": This is read as a promise that God will supply food and clothing through his providence.

Questions Concerning Application

Some preaching treats this verse as a transaction in which material prosperity follows from seeking God's kingdom first. Critics regard this as a misuse characteristic of prosperity theology, since the context speaks of basic needs (food and clothing) rather than wealth and warns against the worship of riches. Others hold, conversely, that the promise that God genuinely cares for the lives of those who obey him should not be weakened.

In the Korean Church

The verse is frequently cited in sermons on Sunday observance, offerings, and career decisions, and the Korean version of the English chorus "Seek Ye First" is widely sung.

Related Passages

Matthew 6:24-34
Luke 12:29-31
Romans 14:17
Philippians 4:6-7

Revision	Time (UTC)	Contributor	Summary	Status
#8219	2026-11-05 01:48:32	AI localization	Localized for English-speaking readers	approved
#8218	2026-11-05 01:48:32	AI localization	English baseline before localization	approved