But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

LUKE 12:31KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“added” Greek G4369 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
  • Luke 17:5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
  • Acts 5:14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

“rather” Greek G4133 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 11:22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
  • Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
  • Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

“ye” Greek G2212 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
  • John 16:19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?