Luke 12:31

31 Instead, 1seek 2his[a] kingdom, 3and these things will be added to you.

Luke 12:31 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 12:31

But rather seek ye the kingdom of God
The Vulgate Latin version adds, "first", as also, "and his righteousness", as in ( Matthew 6:33 ) and the Ethiopic version reads, "seek his kingdom and righteousness" meaning either the grace of God, which is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, ( Romans 14:17 ) or the heavenly glory; unless the Gospel, and the dispensation of it, which is the Messiah's kingdom, and which was then just ushering in, should rather be intended.

And all these things shall be added unto you;
food and raiment, which are as much as can be enjoyed; and godliness with these, and contentment with them, is great gain; (See Gill on Matthew 6:33).

Luke 12:31 In-Context

29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried.
30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.
31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
32 "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.

Cross References 3

  • 1. [Matthew 5:6, 20]
  • 2. Luke 11:2
  • 3. [1 Kings 3:11-14; Mark 10:29, 30; 1 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 3:9]

Footnotes 1

The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.