Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

In view of vv.31–32, this verse makes it clear that Jesus’ disciples are not simply to refrain from pursuing temporal things as their primary goal in order to differentiate themselves from pagans. Instead, they are to replace such pursuits with goals of far greater significance. To “seek first [God’s] kingdom” (4:17) is to desire above all to enter into, submit to, and participate in spreading the news of the saving reign of God. It is to pursue the things already prayed for in the first three petitions of the Lord’s Prayer (6:9– 10).

To seek God’s “righteousness” is not, in this context, to seek justification; rather, it is to pursue righteousness of life in full submission to the will of God, as prescribed by Jesus throughout this discourse . For any other concern to dominate one’s mind is to stoop to pagan fretting. Within such a framework of commitment, Jesus’ disciples are assured that all the necessary things will be given them by their heavenly Father.