Luke 12:30

30 for all these things do the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that ye have need of these things;

Luke 12:30 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 12:30

For all these things do the nations of the world seek
after
That is, the Gentiles, as in ( Matthew 6:32 ) who are frequently, in the Jewish writings, called, in distinction from the Jews, (Mlweh twmwa) , "the nations of the world" F19. This is an argument used to dissuade from an immediate and anxious concern for food and raiment, because it is Heathenish, and therefore very unbecoming the disciples and followers of Christ: it need not be wondered at in those that know not God, and do not acknowledge his providence, and are strangers to his covenant and promises; but must be very unsuitable to the characters of such who know that godliness has the promise of this life, and of that which is to come:

and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things;
and therefore it is needless to be so anxious about them: the Persic version reads, "all these things", and so some copies; that is, meat, drink, and clothing, all the necessaries of life; (See Gill on Matthew 6:32).


FOOTNOTES:

F19 Vid. T. Bab. Gittin, fol. 28. 2. & 29.

Luke 12:30 In-Context

28 But if God thus clothe the grass, which to-day is in the field and to-morrow is cast into [the] oven, how much rather you, O ye of little faith?
29 And *ye*, seek not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink, and be not in anxiety;
30 for all these things do the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that ye have need of these things;
31 but seek his kingdom, and [all] these things shall be added to you.
32 Fear not, little flock, for it has been the good pleasure of your Father to give you the kingdom.
The Darby Translation is in the public domain.