Luke 12:31 (KJV)

What does Luke 12:31 mean?

Luke 12:31 means that Jesus is telling his listeners to make seeking God’s kingdom their top priority, trusting that God will provide for their daily needs as a result. Instead of worrying about material things, Jesus encourages focusing on what God wants and values.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples and a gathered crowd. He has just talked about people’s anxieties over food, clothing, and other necessities. Jesus shifts their attention from everyday worries to a bigger goal: pursuing God’s reign and purposes above all else, with the assurance that God knows and will supply what they truly need.

The Greek behind Luke 12:31

• "seek" (ζητεῖτε, zēteite): This word means to actively look for or strive after something. Here, it suggests an ongoing, intentional pursuit of God’s kingdom, not just a casual interest.
• "kingdom" (βασιλεία, basileia): This word refers to God’s rule or reign, not a physical place. Jesus is pointing to God’s authority and the way of life that comes from living under that rule.
• "added" (προστεθήσεται, prostethēsetai): This word means to be given in addition or supplied. The promise is that when God’s kingdom is the focus, the other needs will be taken care of as well.

Why Luke 12:31 matters

• Luke 12:31 clarifies that Jesus is not teaching people to ignore their needs, but to trust God with them while focusing first on what matters most to God.
• This verse helps clear up the idea that faith is only about spiritual things; Jesus ties spiritual priorities to practical daily life.
• Luke 12:31 connects to the wider passage, where Jesus repeatedly reassures his followers not to be anxious, grounding that reassurance in God’s care and priorities.