Matthew 6:33 — What Does It Mean?
"But seek first God's Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well."
Matthew 6:33, World English Bible
What does "these things" refer to?
This verse closes a section of the Sermon on the Mount specifically about anxiety over food and clothing (Matthew 6:25–34). Jesus points to birds, which don't store up grain in barns yet are fed, and wildflowers, more finely dressed than Solomon at his wealthiest — then applies the same reasoning to his listeners' basic needs.
What does it actually mean?
"Seek first" establishes priority, not exclusivity — the verse doesn't say to ignore practical needs, but to place pursuing God's kingdom and righteousness ahead of anxious preoccupation with them. The promise attached ("these things will be given to you as well") is specifically about the material needs just discussed — food and clothing — not a general guarantee of wealth or every desire fulfilled.
Common questions about this verse
Does this mean I shouldn't work or plan for the future?
The immediate context addresses anxious worry specifically, not diligence or planning — Proverbs elsewhere commends careful work and provision (Proverbs 6:6–8), so this verse is better read as addressing the posture of worry, not the value of practical effort.
What is "God's kingdom and his righteousness"?
Throughout Matthew's Gospel, God's kingdom refers to God's reign and rule being realized, and righteousness to living in right relationship with God and others — together, the priority Jesus is describing here.