Matthew 6:33: Seeking God’s Kingdom First

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33, NIV)

In a world consumed by anxiety over money, career, security, and status, Jesus offers a revolutionary antidote: Stop chasing what you need and start pursuing what matters most.

Matthew 6:33 is not merely good advice for managing worry—it is a divine invitation to a completely reordered life. Jesus is not suggesting we add God to our list of priorities; He is commanding we make God the foundation upon which everything else is built.

This single verse has transformed countless lives throughout history. Martyrs faced death with peace. Missionaries left comfort for hardship. Ordinary believers found extraordinary provision. Why? Because they discovered the liberating truth hidden in these words: When God’s kingdom becomes your first pursuit, everything else falls into its proper place.

But what does it actually mean to “seek first the kingdom of God”? What is God’s kingdom? What is His righteousness? And what exactly will be “added” to us?

In this comprehensive exploration, we will unpack Jesus’ radical teaching, examine its context in the Sermon on the Mount, and discover how this verse offers the key to a life of purpose, peace, and divine provision.

The Full Text of Matthew 6:33

New International Version (NIV):
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

English Standard Version (ESV):
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

King James Version (KJV):
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

New Living Translation (NLT):
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Greek Word Analysis

Understanding the original Greek illuminates deeper meaning:

• Zēteite (ζητεῖτε) – “Seek”
  Present imperative tense, meaning continuous, ongoing action. This is not a one-time decision but a lifestyle of pursuing.
• Prōton (πρῶτον) – “First”
  Means “first in order of importance,” not merely “first in sequence.” This speaks to priority, not chronology.
• Basileian (βασιλείαν) – “Kingdom”
  Refers to the rule, reign, or sovereign authority of a king. God’s kingdom is where His will is done and His authority acknowledged.
• Dikaiosynēn (δικαιοσύνην) – “Righteousness”
  Means right standing with God and right living according to God’s standards. It encompasses both justification and sanctification.
• Prostethēsetai (προστεθήσεται) – “Will be added”
  Future passive tense, indicating God as the active agent. You don’t earn these things—God adds them as He sees fit.

Literal rendering: “But keep on seeking first the kingdom and righteousness of Him, and all these things will be added to you [by God].”

The Context: Jesus’ Teaching on Worry (Matthew 6:25-34)

Matthew 6:33 cannot be understood in isolation. It is the climactic conclusion to Jesus’ teaching on anxiety and provision.

Don’t Worry About Basic Needs (Verses 25-26)

Jesus begins with a command:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25)

Why does Jesus say this?

Not because food, water, and clothing are unimportant—they’re essential for survival. Rather, Jesus is addressing the anxiety that consumes us when we make these necessities our primary focus.

The Greek word for “worry” is merimnaō (μεριμνάω), which means “to be drawn in different directions,” “to be distracted,” or “to be anxious.” It pictures a mind torn apart by competing concerns.

Jesus then points to nature’s testimony:

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26)

Jesus’ logic:

1. Birds don’t plant crops, yet God feeds them
2. You are far more valuable to God than birds
3. Therefore, God will certainly provide for you

Look at the Birds and Flowers (Verses 27-30)

Jesus continues with two rhetorical questions:

“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27)

Answer: No. Worry is functionally useless. It changes nothing except your peace of mind.

Then Jesus addresses clothing anxiety:

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” (Matthew 6:28-29)

Jesus’ point:

• Wild flowers, which exist briefly and are then burned as fuel, are clothed magnificently by God
• Solomon, Israel’s wealthiest king, couldn’t match their beauty
• If God clothes temporary grass with such glory, how much more will He clothe His children?

Verse 30 drives home the conclusion:

“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?”

“Little faith” (oligopistos) is Jesus’ gentle rebuke. The issue is not God’s ability or willingness to provide—the issue is our failure to trust Him.

Your Heavenly Father Knows (Verses 31-32)

Jesus identifies the pagan mindset His followers must reject:

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” (Matthew 6:31-32)

Key contrast:

• Pagans – Anxiously chase after necessities because they don’t know if any god cares about them
• Christians – Rest in the knowledge that our Father knows our needs

The word “pagans” (ethnē) literally means “the nations”—those who don’t know the true God. They live under the tyranny of scarcity, never certain whether their gods will provide.

But you are different. You have a Father who:

• Knows your needs before you ask (Matthew 6:8)
• Cares about you deeply (1 Peter 5:7)
• Promises to supply what you need (Philippians 4:19)

The Alternative: Matthew 6:33

After demolishing anxiety with logic and theology, Jesus provides the alternative focus:

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

“But” – This word marks the transition. Instead of worrying about provision, do this instead: seek God’s kingdom first.

This verse is not an addition to Jesus’ teaching on worry—it is the solution to it.

The sequence:

1. Stop running after food, drink, and clothing like pagans
2. Start pursuing God’s kingdom and righteousness
3. Result: God will add everything you need

Understanding “Seek First”

“Seek” – Active, Ongoing Pursuit

The Greek verb zēteite is present imperative, indicating continuous action.

This is not:

• A one-time decision
• Passive waiting
• Occasional religious activity

Rather, it is:

• Daily, intentional pursuit
• Active searching
• Lifelong devotion

Biblical examples of seeking:

• David: “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life” (Psalm 27:4)
• Paul: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal” (Philippians 3:13-14)

What does “seeking” look like practically?

• Prayer – Regular communion with God (Matthew 6:6)
• Scripture – Feeding on God’s Word (Matthew 4:4)
• Obedience – Aligning your life with God’s commands (John 14:15)
• Worship – Prioritizing corporate and personal worship (Hebrews 10:25)
• Service – Using your gifts for kingdom purposes (1 Peter 4:10)

“First” – Priority, Not Merely Sequence

The word prōton (first) does not mean “first chronologically” (as in “do this before breakfast”), but “first in importance” (as in “most valuable priority”).

Jesus is not saying:

• Pray first thing in the morning, then go about your day
• Have a quiet time, then pursue your own interests
• Give God Sunday, then live for yourself the rest of the week

Jesus IS saying:

• Let God’s kingdom be the organizing principle of your entire life
• Make every decision through the lens of “Does this advance God’s kingdom?”
• Let God’s purposes determine your career, finances, relationships, and time

Illustration:

Think of your life as a house. Jesus is not asking you to add a “God room” to the structure. He is saying: Let God’s kingdom be the foundation upon which the entire house is built.

When God’s kingdom is first:

• Your work becomes service to the King
• Your money becomes kingdom investment
• Your relationships become opportunities for discipleship
• Your time becomes stewarded for eternal purposes

Whole-Hearted Devotion

Jesus taught this principle throughout the Sermon on the Mount:

Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.”

The point: You cannot half-heartedly seek God’s kingdom while primarily pursuing worldly success. Jesus demands first place, not shared space.

As Deuteronomy 6:5 commands:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

Seeking first requires totality of devotion.

What is “The Kingdom of God”?

The phrase “kingdom of God” (or “kingdom of heaven” in Matthew’s gospel) is central to Jesus’ teaching. It appears over 100 times in the Gospels.

But what does it mean?

God’s Sovereign Rule

At its core, God’s kingdom is the realm where God’s will is done and His authority is recognized.

Jesus taught us to pray:

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

In heaven, God’s will is perfectly obeyed. His kingdom “coming” means His will being done on earth as it is in heaven.

Therefore, seeking God’s kingdom means:

• Submitting to God’s authority in your life
• Obeying His commands
• Aligning your will with His will
• Living under His lordship in every area

Present and Future Reality

God’s kingdom exists in two dimensions simultaneously:

1. Already (Present Reality)

The kingdom has already come through Jesus Christ:

• “The kingdom of God is in your midst” (Luke 17:21)
• “If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Matthew 12:28)
• “The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17)

For believers today, the kingdom is present:

• Wherever Jesus is acknowledged as Lord
• In the church, the community of the redeemed
• In hearts transformed by the Gospel

2. Not Yet (Future Consummation)

The kingdom will be fully realized when Christ returns:

• “Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father” (1 Corinthians 15:24)
• “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you'” (Matthew 25:34)

The kingdom’s future fulfillment includes:

• Christ’s second coming
• Final judgment
• New heaven and new earth
• God’s enemies defeated
• Perfect righteousness established forever

Living in the “Already But Not Yet”

As Christians, we live in the tension between these two realities:

• We already belong to God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13)
• We not yet see it in its fullness (1 Corinthians 13:12)

Therefore, seeking God’s kingdom means:

• Living as citizens of heaven while residing on earth (Philippians 3:20)
• Advancing God’s rule through Gospel proclamation and righteous living
• Longing for and working toward the kingdom’s final consummation

What Does “His Righteousness” Mean?

The phrase “his righteousness” has rich, multifaceted meaning.

1. Right Standing with God (Justification)

First, God’s righteousness refers to the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Christ.

We cannot achieve righteousness through our own efforts. As Isaiah 64:6 declares:

“All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.”

But God provides righteousness as a gift:

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

This is the Gospel:

• Christ’s perfect righteousness is credited to believers (Romans 4:5)
• Our sin is placed on Christ at the cross (1 Peter 2:24)
• We are declared righteous before God by faith (Romans 3:22)

Seeking His righteousness therefore includes:

• Trusting in Christ alone for salvation
• Resting in His finished work, not your own efforts
• Receiving God’s gift of righteousness by faith

2. Right Living Before God (Sanctification)

Second, seeking God’s righteousness means living in a way that reflects God’s character and obeys His commands.

This is not legalism (trying to earn salvation), but loving obedience (living worthy of the salvation already received).

“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” (1 Peter 1:14-15)

Practically, this means:

• Pursuing holiness (Hebrews 12:14)
• Obeying God’s commands (John 14:15)
• Bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
• Growing in Christlikeness (Romans 8:29)

3. Justice and Righteousness in Society

Third, God’s righteousness includes His concern for justice, mercy, and care for the vulnerable.

Throughout Scripture, God commands His people to:

• Defend the oppressed (Isaiah 1:17)
• Care for widows and orphans (James 1:27)
• Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39)
• Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly (Micah 6:8)

Seeking His righteousness therefore includes:

• Working for justice in society
• Caring for the poor and marginalized
• Standing against oppression and evil
• Reflecting God’s heart for the vulnerable

The Order Matters: Kingdom THEN Righteousness

Notice Jesus says to seek first the kingdom, AND His righteousness (in that order).

Why this sequence?

Because righteous living flows from kingdom citizenship, not vice versa.

You don’t become righteous to enter the kingdom—you enter the kingdom by grace, and righteousness flows from that new identity.

As Paul writes:

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)

First: Submit to God’s reign (kingdom)
Then: Live according to God’s standards (righteousness)

The Promise: “All These Things Will Be Added”

What “These Things” Refers To

Look back at the context. “These things” refers specifically to the necessities Jesus mentioned:

• Food (Matthew 6:25)
• Drink (Matthew 6:25)
• Clothing (Matthew 6:28)

In broader application, “these things” includes:

• Basic physical needs
• Provision for daily living
• Resources necessary for life and godliness

How God “Adds” Them

The verb prostethēsetai (will be added) is passive – meaning God is the one doing the adding, not you.

This promise means:

• You don’t have to anxiously chase provision
• You don’t have to manipulate circumstances
• You don’t have to compromise integrity for gain

Instead: Focus on God’s kingdom, and He will ensure your needs are met.

Important clarification: This is not passivity or irresponsibility. You still:

• Work diligently (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
• Plan wisely (Proverbs 21:5)
• Steward resources (Luke 16:10)

But you do so without anxiety, trusting that as you seek His kingdom, God will provide what you need.

What This Does NOT Promise

It’s crucial to understand what Matthew 6:33 does not guarantee:

1. It does NOT promise wealth or luxury

“All these things” refers to needs, not wants. God promises:

• Bread, not steak dinners
• Water, not expensive beverages
• Clothing, not designer fashion

2. It does NOT promise ease or comfort

Many who sought God’s kingdom first experienced:

• Paul – Beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks (2 Corinthians 11:23-27)
• Apostles – Persecution and martyrdom (Acts 7:54-60; 12:1-2)
• Hebrews 11 heroes – Suffering and hardship (Hebrews 11:36-38)

Yet God faithfully provided what they needed for His purposes in their lives.

3. It does NOT promise immediate provision

Sometimes God provides through the journey, not before it. Consider:

• Israel – Manna came daily, not stored in advance (Exodus 16)
• Elijah – Fed by ravens and a widow, not feasts (1 Kings 17)

God’s timing is perfect, even when it tests our faith.

4. It does NOT promise provision according to YOUR standards

God defines what you “need,” not you. What feels like lack to you may be exactly what God knows is best.

Paul learned this:

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

What This DOES Promise

Here’s what Matthew 6:33 absolutely guarantees:

1. God knows your needs
“Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:8)

2. God cares about your needs
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

3. God will provide your needs
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

4. You will lack nothing spiritually necessary
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1)

How to Seek God’s Kingdom First in Daily Life

In Your Priorities

Question to ask: “Am I organizing my life around God’s kingdom or around my own kingdom?”

Practical steps:

1. Start each day with God – Before checking your phone or email, spend time in prayer and Scripture
2. Filter decisions through kingdom lens – Before accepting a job, making a purchase, or committing time, ask: “Does this advance God’s kingdom or hinder it?”
3. Align your ambitions with God’s purposes – What are you building your life toward? A comfortable retirement or eternal impact?

Biblical example:

Moses “chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.” (Hebrews 11:25-26)

In Your Decisions

Question to ask: “What would kingdom-first living look like in this situation?”

Career decisions:

• Don’t ask only: “What pays best?”
• Ask also: “Where can I best serve God’s purposes? Where will I grow spiritually? Where can I make eternal impact?”

Financial decisions:

• Don’t ask only: “Can I afford this?”
• Ask also: “Is this the best use of kingdom resources? Could this money do more good elsewhere?”

Relationship decisions:

• Don’t ask only: “Does this person make me happy?”
• Ask also: “Will this relationship draw me closer to God or away from Him? Does this person share my kingdom priorities?”

Practical example:

When facing a job offer that pays significantly more but would:

• Require compromising ethics
• Prevent church involvement
• Harm family relationships

Kingdom-first thinking says: “My first priority is God’s kingdom, not my salary. I will trust God to provide as I make the righteous choice.”

In Your Resources

Question to ask: “Am I stewarding my resources for God’s kingdom or my own comfort?”

Time:

• How much time do you spend on kingdom activities (prayer, Scripture, service, discipleship) vs. entertainment and leisure?
• Are you “redeeming the time” (Ephesians 5:16) or wasting it on trivial pursuits?

Money:

• Are you giving generously to God’s work, or spending primarily on yourself?
• Do you practice biblical generosity (2 Corinthians 9:6-7) and tithing (Malachi 3:10)?

Talents:

• Are you using your gifts to build God’s kingdom or merely for personal advancement?
• Are you serving in your local church (1 Peter 4:10)?

Biblical principle:

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:48)

God has given you resources—time, money, abilities—not for self-indulgence, but for kingdom purposes.

In Your Relationships

Question to ask: “Do my relationships reflect kingdom priorities?”

Marriage:

• Is your marriage a testimony to Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:25-32)?
• Are you and your spouse pursuing God’s kingdom together?

Parenting:

• Are you raising children who know and love God (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)?
• Do your priorities teach them that God’s kingdom matters most?

Friendships:

• Do your friends encourage your faith or undermine it (Proverbs 13:20)?
• Are you pointing friends toward Christ or conforming to worldly patterns?

Work relationships:

• Are you a witness for Christ in your workplace (Matthew 5:16)?
• Do you work “as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23)?

Biblical example:

Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself (Daniel 1:8), even when it meant risking his career and life. He sought God’s kingdom first, and God added promotion and influence.

Common Misinterpretations to Avoid

Misinterpretation #1: “If I seek God, I’ll never have financial problems”

The error: Treating Matthew 6:33 as a prosperity gospel promise.

The truth: God promises provision of needs, not elimination of all hardship. Many faithful believers have experienced:

• Financial struggles (Paul collected offerings for poor saints, Romans 15:26)
• Physical lack (Apostles were often hungry and poorly clothed, 1 Corinthians 4:11)
• Economic persecution (Hebrews 10:34)

Yet God was faithful to provide what they needed to accomplish His purposes.

Misinterpretation #2: “I should quit my job and do ‘ministry’ full-time”

The error: Assuming “seeking God’s kingdom” only applies to pastors and missionaries.

The truth: Every believer is called to seek God’s kingdom in their current vocation:

• Employees glorify God through excellent work (Colossians 3:23)
• Parents build God’s kingdom by raising godly children (Psalm 78:4-6)
• Neighbors advance the kingdom through love and witness (Matthew 5:16)

You don’t have to change your occupation to seek God’s kingdom—you must change your motivation and approach to your current calling.

Misinterpretation #3: “I don’t need to plan or work hard—God will provide”

The error: Using Matthew 6:33 to justify laziness or irresponsibility.

The truth: Seeking God’s kingdom first does not eliminate personal responsibility. Scripture commands:

• Work diligently: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
• Plan wisely: “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost?” (Luke 14:28)
• Provide for family: “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives… has denied the faith” (1 Timothy 5:8)

Kingdom-first living means: Work hard, plan wisely, and steward resources—but do so without anxiety, trusting God’s ultimate provision.

Misinterpretation #4: “Seeking God’s kingdom means ignoring practical needs”

The error: False spirituality that neglects physical realities.

The truth: Jesus addressed real physical needs (food, water, clothing) in this passage. He doesn’t dismiss them—He promises God will supply them.

Balance: Care about physical needs, but don’t be anxious about them. Trust God to provide as you seek His kingdom.

Related Scriptures on Kingdom Priority

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust and Acknowledge

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Connection: Like Matthew 6:33, this passage calls for total trust in God’s provision and guidance rather than self-reliance.

Luke 12:31 – Seek His Kingdom

“But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”

Connection: Parallel passage to Matthew 6:33, confirming the same teaching in Luke’s account.

Philippians 4:19 – God’s Supply

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

Connection: The promise that God provides for those who trust Him.

Colossians 3:1-2 – Set Your Minds Above

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Connection: Prioritizing heavenly/kingdom realities over earthly concerns.

2 Corinthians 4:18 – Eternal Focus

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Connection: Kingdom living focuses on eternal realities rather than temporary circumstances.

Matthew 16:26 – Gaining the World

“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

Connection: Jesus confronts misplaced priorities—pursuing worldly success at the expense of kingdom values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does seeking God’s kingdom first mean I should become a missionary or pastor?

No, not necessarily. While God calls some to full-time vocational ministry, most believers are called to seek His kingdom within their current vocation.

Seeking God’s kingdom first means:

• Motivation: Working “as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23), not merely for paycheck
• Ethics: Maintaining integrity and righteousness in business dealings
• Witness: Being light and salt in your workplace (Matthew 5:13-16)
• Stewardship: Using income to support kingdom work
• Service: Using position and influence to bless others

Examples:

• Joseph – Advanced God’s kingdom as a government administrator (Genesis 41)
• Daniel – Served God faithfully as a political official (Daniel 6)
• Lydia – Business owner who supported Paul’s ministry (Acts 16:14-15)
• Priscilla and Aquila – Tentmakers who taught and discipled (Acts 18:2-3, 26)

The question is not “What job do I have?” but “Do I prioritize God’s kingdom in whatever work I do?”

What if I’m in a job that seems to have no “kingdom purpose”?

Every honest job has kingdom potential when approached with the right perspective.

Remember:

1. All work has dignity – God is a worker (Genesis 2:2), and work is part of His design for humanity
2. Your character witnesses – How you work testifies to your faith (Titus 2:9-10)
3. Your relationships matter – Coworkers are souls who need Christ
4. Your stewardship counts – Income earned ethically can fund kingdom work

However, if your job requires:

• Compromising biblical ethics
• Participating in sin
• Preventing you from spiritual growth or church involvement

Then you should prayerfully seek God’s direction about whether to stay or transition.

Biblical example: Daniel served pagan kings faithfully as long as it didn’t require him to violate God’s commands (Daniel 1:8; 6:10). When forced to choose, he chose God’s kingdom over career safety.

How do I balance seeking God’s kingdom with providing for my family?

These are not competing priorities—they’re integrated.

Providing for your family IS part of seeking God’s kingdom: