Revision #8219
Matthew 6:33
Localized for English-speaking readers
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).
+ This verse concludes 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 speaks verse 33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." He then 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).
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= ## 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.
+ - **A matter of priority**: "First" denotes both sequence and importance. The verse is understood not as a command to neglect one's livelihood but as an expression of trust that, when the center of life is placed in the reign of God, God will take care of 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.
+ - **"Shall be added"**: This is read as a promise that God will supply food and clothing in his providence.
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= ## 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.
+ 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 provides for the lives of those who obey him should not be weakened.
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= ## 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.
+ In Korean Protestant churches, the verse is frequently cited in sermons on Sunday observance, offerings, and career decisions, and a Korean rendering of an English gospel chorus based on the verse is widely sung.
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= ## Related Passages
…
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.
Matthew 6:33 is the promise that those who do not worry about what they will eat, drink, or wear, but "seek ye 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
Matthew 6:33 is the promise that those who do not worry about what they will eat, drink, or wear, but "seek ye 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.
Context
This verse concludes 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 speaks verse 33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." He then 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. The verse is understood not as a command to neglect one's livelihood but as an expression of trust that, when the center of life is placed in the reign of God, God will take care of 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 in 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 provides for the lives of those who obey him should not be weakened.
In the Korean Church
In Korean Protestant churches, the verse is frequently cited in sermons on Sunday observance, offerings, and career decisions, and a Korean rendering of an English gospel chorus based on the verse is widely sung.
Related Passages
- Matthew 6:24-34
- Luke 12:29-31
- Romans 14:17
- Philippians 4:6-7