Matthew 6:32

32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

Matthew 6:32 in Other Translations

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

32 People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works.

32 For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

32 Everyone is concerned about these things, and your heavenly Father certainly knows you need all of them.

32 For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

32 People who are ungodly run after all of those things. Your Father who is in heaven knows that you need them.

Matthew 6:32 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 6:32

For after all these things do the Gentiles seek,
&c.] Or "the nations of the world", as in ( Luke 12:30 ) . The Syriac reads it so here: the phrase, (Mlweh twmwa) "the nations of the world", is used of the Gentiles, in distinction from the Israelites, thousands of times in the Jewish writings; it would be endless to give instances. These knew not God, nor acknowledged his providence; the greater part of them thought, that the soul perished with the body; few of them thought, that anything remained after death; and they that did, spoke very doubtfully of it: wherefore it is no wonder, that such persons should greedily seek after, and be anxiously concerned for all these things, food, raiment, and riches, and a great plenty of them; since this is all the happiness they expect; and imagine, that this is to be acquired by their care, thought, diligence, and industry; having no regard to a superior being, and his all wise providence: but for the Jews, and so Christians, who have a divine revelation, the knowledge of God, and his providence, and of a future state after this life, to act the same part the Heathens do, is exceedingly unbecoming, absurd, and wicked: and besides, such greedy desires, immoderate care, and anxious solicitude, are altogether unnecessary;

for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these
things.
Every word almost, carries in it an argument, to strengthen the faith of God's children, to encourage them to believe, that he will bestow upon them, whatever is needful, for meat, drink, and clothing: he is a "father", and will take care of his children; "their father"; they have interest in him, being related to him, and need not doubt of his paternal care, and affectionate regard to them: their "heavenly" Father, or their Father in heaven; who has all things at his command, who sits there, and does whatever he pleaseth on earth: "he knoweth that they have need"; he knows all things, all their straits, difficulties, wants and necessities; he knows they need every day, "all these things", food and raiment, and cannot do without them: and therefore they may depend upon it, that as it is in his power to relieve them, and their persons and cases are not unknown to him; he who stands in the relation of a father to them, will supply them with whatever is proper and convenient for them.

Matthew 6:32 In-Context

30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?

31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Cross References

• 1. ver 8