Explanation of Matthew 6:33
Matthew 6:33 (KJV):
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
1. Context First
Jesus is speaking during the Sermon on the Mount, teaching about real life—money, worry, food, clothing, and priorities.
Right before this verse, He tells people not to worry about what they’ll eat, drink, or wear (Matthew 6:25–32). Why? Because worrying won’t add anything to your life—but trusting God will.
Then comes the game-changing instruction:
“Don’t seek stuff. Seek God. And He’ll handle the stuff.”
2. Breakdown of Key Phrases
“But seek ye first…”
➤ Seek = to actively pursue, to chase after with intention.
And not just casually—but first. Before the job. Before the bills. Before the business plan.
The order matters. What you seek first will shape everything that follows.
This is priority and pursuit—daily, intentionally.
“The kingdom of God…”
➤ God’s Kingdom = His rule, His reign, His will, and His ways.
It means living like Jesus is King, not just Savior. It means putting His values, His vision, and His voice above everything else.
To seek His Kingdom is to ask:
“What does God want here?”
“How can I represent Heaven today?”
“And His righteousness…”
➤ Righteousness = right standing with God and right living before people.
It’s not self-righteousness. It’s not performance.
It’s about letting God shape your character, your choices, and your calling.
You don’t seek blessings—you seek alignment.
“And all these things shall be added unto you.”
➤ These things = everything Jesus just said not to worry about—your needs, your provisions, your life.
He’s not saying you won’t work or plan—He’s saying you don’t have to chase those things.
When you put God first, He takes responsibility for the rest.
3. Then & Now
Then:
Jesus was challenging people who were trying to survive, stressing about the basics. He tells them:
“Your Father knows what you need—and if you focus on Him, He’ll take care of you.”
Now:
We still chase jobs, money, likes, image, and comfort. But Jesus still says:
“There’s only one thing that deserves to be first. And when that’s in place—everything else flows.”
4. Practical Takeaways
Ask yourself:
- What am I seeking first every day—God’s will or my own plan?
- Am I trusting God to provide—or hustling from a place of fear?
- What would it look like to seek first the Kingdom in my job, my family, my finances?
Your peace is tied to your priorities.
When God is first—everything else finds its place.
5. Spirit-Led Insight
God doesn’t mind you having things—He just won’t let them be your first pursuit.
The enemy loves to distract you with “stuff” so you settle for less than God’s best.
But when you seek the King and His Kingdom:
He opens doors.
He meets needs.
He multiplies peace.
He adds everything you thought you had to chase.
Final Word:
Matthew 6:33 is a life verse. A strategy. A standard.
It’s Jesus saying:
“Put Me first, and I’ll handle the rest.”
Say it like a faith declaration:
“I seek first the Kingdom of God. I pursue His righteousness. And I trust that everything I need will be added in His perfect time and way.”