King James Version
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
Bible verse meanings
Matthew 6:33 Meaning
In context, with the public-domain King James Version and World English Bible text — and sober study notes.
Quick answer: Jesus instructs His followers to prioritize God's reign and righteous living above material worries about food, drink, and clothing. When believers focus on God's priorities first, He promises to care for their daily essential needs.
Where you find it
In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks to His disciples and the gathered crowd. Addressing daily human anxieties regarding basic necessities like food, drink, and clothing, He contrasts the desperate striving of those without faith with the trust expected of God's children. Jesus reminds them that their heavenly Father already knows their material needs before they ask.
Verses around it — Matthew 6
31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
34Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
What it says
Jesus commands His hearers to set their primary focus on "the kingdom of God, and his righteousness." Rather than allowing basic survival concerns to consume their thoughts and motives, they are to align their lives with God's authority, character, and standards. Pursuing His kingdom involves submitting to His rule and seeking moral integrity that reflects His nature.
In contrast to anxious striving for daily survival, Jesus assures His followers that "all these things shall be added unto you." The Father, who already understands their physical necessity for nourishment and clothing, will provide for them as they prioritize His purpose. Rather than guaranteeing wealth or luxury, the statement reassures believers that their fundamental temporal needs will be supplied alongside their spiritual pursuit.
How readers apply it
Readers today can reflect on where their attention and energy naturally flow when anxiety about the future arises. Rather than letting worries about financial security or daily needs dominate their mindset, believers are invited to commit daily decisions, time, and values to God's divine guidance. Trusting God with life's basic necessities frees individuals from constant worry, encouraging them to live faithfully one day at a time while depending on their heavenly Father's care.
Related verses
King James Version
But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
But seek God’s Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you.
Luke 12:31
King James Version
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his children begging for bread.
Psalm 37:25
King James Version
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
The verse text on this page is quoted verbatim from the public-domain King James Version and World English Bible. The study notes are a reflection aid — read the passage itself first and compare the two translations as you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Matthew 6:33 mean in its context?
In context, Matthew 6:33 means prioritizing God's spiritual rule and moral righteousness above anxiety over daily physical needs like food and clothing. Jesus reassures His listeners that because God is a caring heavenly Father who knows their requirements, seeking His kingdom first brings divine provision for essential life needs.
Does Matthew 6:33 promise material wealth or prosperity?
No. The verse specifically addresses basic daily necessities—food, drink, and clothing—mentioned in the surrounding passage. It encourages trust in God's daily care rather than pursuing material riches, assuring believers that God will supply what is genuinely needed as they prioritize His reign and righteousness.
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