For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

LUKE 12:30KJV
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Luke 12:30 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:30 mean?

Luke 12:30 says that people all over the world are busy chasing after basic needs like food and clothing, but God already knows that His followers need these things. Jesus is reassuring His listeners that they do not need to be anxious or obsessed with daily necessities because God is aware of their needs.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples and a gathered crowd, teaching them not to worry about material needs. He points out that seeking after these things is typical for "the nations of the world," meaning those who do not know God as their Father. The verse highlights a contrast between those who trust in God’s care and those who do not, setting up the next teaching about seeking God’s kingdom first.

The Greek behind Luke 12:30

  • ἔθνη (ethnē, G1484): This word is often translated as "nations" or "Gentiles," referring to people outside the Jewish faith, or more broadly, those who do not know God. Jesus uses it to highlight a difference in priorities between His followers and the rest of the world.
  • ἐπιζητοῦσιν (epizētousin, G1934): This verb means "seek after" or "strive for." The form here suggests an ongoing, active pursuit, emphasizing how much effort people put into securing their basic needs.
  • πατὴρ (patēr, G3962): This is the Greek word for "Father." Jesus calls God "your Father," stressing a personal relationship and God’s attentive care, which is a central point of comfort in the verse.

Why Luke 12:30 matters

  • Luke 12:30 clears up the idea that worry over daily needs is unavoidable; Jesus teaches that trust in God changes how a person approaches these concerns.
  • The verse emphasizes the special relationship between believers and God, calling Him "your Father," which sets a tone of intimacy and care.
  • This teaching connects to the larger message in Luke 12, where Jesus encourages His followers to focus on God’s kingdom rather than being consumed by material anxieties.

Where else these words appear

“need” Greek G5535 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
  • Luke 11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
  • Romans 16:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

“do” Greek G1934 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
  • Luke 11:29 And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.
  • Romans 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

“things” Greek G5130 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
  • Acts 26:21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.