Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 6:33

"But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." — Matthew 6:33 (ASV)

Seek ye first the kingdom of God — The context shows that these words point to the “seeking” of prayer rather than of action, though the latter meaning is, of course, not excluded.

What we are therefore to seek is “the kingdom of God”—the higher spiritual life in its completeness, for ourselves and for others. (The change from the less personal “kingdom of heaven” is significant.) We are also to seek “His righteousness,” a righteousness that, being perfect beyond that of the scribes and Pharisees, must be His gift to us and is therefore to be sought in prayer.

One who seeks this can be content to leave all else in his Father’s hands. Even without his asking, these things “shall be added unto him” in whatever measure is best for him.

Among the few traditional sayings attributed to our Lord that are likely authentic is one with the same meaning, quoted by Origen and Clement of Alexandria: “Ask great things, and little things shall be added to you; ask heavenly things, and earthly things shall be added to you.”