Luke 12:30
New International Version
For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.

New Living Translation
These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.

English Standard Version
For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

Berean Standard Bible
For the Gentiles of the world strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

Berean Literal Bible
for all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you have need of these.

King James Bible
For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

New King James Version
For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things.

New American Standard Bible
For all these things are what the nations of the world eagerly seek; and your Father knows that you need these things.

NASB 1995
“For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things.

NASB 1977
“For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things.

Legacy Standard Bible
For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek, but your Father knows that you need these things.

Amplified Bible
For all the [pagan] nations of the world greedily seek these things; and your [heavenly] Father [already] knows that you need them.

Christian Standard Bible
For the Gentile world eagerly seeks all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For the Gentile world eagerly seeks all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

American Standard Version
For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: but your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

Contemporary English Version
Only people who don't know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father knows what you need.

English Revised Version
For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: but your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Everyone in the world is concerned about these things, but your Father knows you need them.

Good News Translation
(For the pagans of this world are always concerned about all these things.) Your Father knows that you need these things.

International Standard Version
because it is the unbelievers who are concerned about all these things. Surely your Father knows that you need them!

Majority Standard Bible
For the Gentiles of the world strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

NET Bible
For all the nations of the world pursue these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

New Heart English Bible
For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need these things.

Webster's Bible Translation
For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

Weymouth New Testament
For though the nations of the world pursue these things, as for you, your Father knows that you need them.

World English Bible
For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need these things.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for the nations of the world seek after all these things, and your Father has known that you have need of these things;

Berean Literal Bible
for all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you have need of these.

Young's Literal Translation
for all these things do the nations of the world seek after, and your Father hath known that ye have need of these things;

Smith's Literal Translation
For all these things the nations of the world seek for: and your Father knows that ye have need of these.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For all these things do the nations of the world seek. But your Father knoweth that you have need of these things.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For all these things are sought by the Gentiles of the world. And your Father knows that you have need of these things.

New American Bible
All the nations of the world seek for these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

New Revised Standard Version
For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For worldly people seek after all these things; and your Father knows that these things are also necessary for you.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“For all the people of the world are seeking these things, for your Father knows that these things are necessary for you.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For all these things the nations of the world seek after; but your Father knows that you have need of these things.

Godbey New Testament
for the heathens of the world are seeking after all these things: but your Father knows that you have need of these things.

Haweis New Testament
For after all these things are the nations of the world seeking; and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

Mace New Testament
for it is enough that the Gentiles are so concern'd about these things: as for you, your father is acquainted with all your wants.

Weymouth New Testament
For though the nations of the world pursue these things, as for you, your Father knows that you need them.

Worrell New Testament
for after all these things are the nations of the world seeking; and your Father knoweth that ye need these things.

Worsley New Testament
for all these things the nations of the world seek after; but your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Do Not Worry
29And do not be concerned about what you will eat or drink. Do not worry about it. 30For the Gentiles of the world strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added unto you.…

Cross References
Matthew 6:32
For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:8
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Psalm 34:10
Young lions go lacking and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

Psalm 37:25
I once was young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Matthew 7:11
So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Romans 8:32
He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?

Psalm 23:1
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Isaiah 65:24
Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Psalm 145:15-16
The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in season. / You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

Proverbs 10:3
The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but He denies the craving of the wicked.

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.


Treasury of Scripture

For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knows that you have need of these things.

all.

Matthew 5:47
And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

Matthew 6:32
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Ephesians 4:17
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

your.

Luke 12:32
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Matthew 6:1,8,32
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven…

Matthew 10:20
For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

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Eagerly Nations Need Pagan Pursue Runs Search Seek World
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Eagerly Nations Need Pagan Pursue Runs Search Seek World
Luke 12
1. Jesus preaches to his apostles to avoid hypocrisy
13. and warns against covetousness, by the parable of the man who set up greater barns.
22. We must not worry about earthly things,
31. but seek the kingdom of God;
33. give alms;
35. be ready at a knock to open to our Lord whensoever he comes.
41. Jesus' disciples are to see to their charges,
49. and look for persecution.
54. The people must take this time of grace;
57. because it is a fearful thing to die without reconciliation.














For the Gentiles of the world strive after all these things
This phrase highlights the distinction between the followers of Christ and the Gentiles, who in this context represent those outside the covenant community of Israel. Historically, Gentiles were often seen as pagans who worshiped multiple gods and were preoccupied with material needs and desires. The phrase "strive after" suggests a relentless pursuit, indicating that their lives are dominated by the quest for material security and satisfaction. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the futility of seeking fulfillment in worldly possessions, as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:11, where Solomon speaks of the vanity of earthly pursuits. The cultural context of the Roman Empire, with its emphasis on wealth and status, further underscores the contrast between the values of the world and the kingdom of God.

and your Father knows that you need them
This part of the verse reassures believers of God's intimate knowledge and care for their needs. The use of "your Father" emphasizes a personal and relational aspect of God, contrasting with the impersonal deities of the Gentiles. This reflects the biblical theme of God as a caring provider, as seen in Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." The assurance that God knows our needs is a call to trust in His provision, echoing Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:8), where He reminds His followers that their Father knows what they need before they ask Him. This trust in divine provision is a hallmark of faith, distinguishing believers from those who rely solely on their efforts.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gentiles
In the context of this verse, "Gentiles" refers to the non-Jewish people who were often seen as outside the covenant community of Israel. They are depicted as those who are preoccupied with material needs and worldly concerns.

2. The World
This term is used to describe the secular, non-believing society that prioritizes earthly desires and material possessions over spiritual matters.

3. Your Father
This refers to God, emphasizing a personal and intimate relationship between God and believers. It highlights God's awareness and provision for the needs of His children.

4. Needs
The basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing, and shelter, which are often the focus of human anxiety and striving.

5. Strive
The Greek word used here is (epiz?tousin), which means to seek after or to be intensely focused on. It implies a pursuit driven by anxiety or worry.
Teaching Points
Trust in Divine Provision
Believers are called to trust that God, as a loving Father, is aware of and will provide for their needs. This trust should replace anxiety and worry.

Seek Spiritual Priorities
Instead of being consumed by the pursuit of material needs, Christians are encouraged to focus on spiritual growth and the advancement of God's kingdom.

Contrast with Worldly Pursuits
The verse highlights the difference between the priorities of believers and those of the secular world. Christians are to live distinctively, with faith in God's provision.

Understanding God's Knowledge
Recognize that God knows our needs even before we ask. This understanding should lead to a life of faith and reliance on His wisdom and timing.

Living as a Testimony
By trusting in God's provision and prioritizing His kingdom, believers can be a testimony to the world of God's faithfulness and care.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

nations
ἔθνη (ethnē)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1484: Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

world
κόσμου (kosmou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).

strive after
ἐπιζητοῦσιν (epizētousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1934: To seek after, desire, search for, make inquiries about. From epi and zeteo; to search for; intensively, to demand, to crave.

all
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

these things,
ταῦτα (tauta)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

and
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

Father
Πατὴρ (Patēr)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

knows
οἶδεν (oiden)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

you need
χρῄζετε (chrēzete)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 5535: To need, have need of, want, desire. From chreia; to make necessity, i.e. Be in want of.

them.
τούτων (toutōn)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.


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NT Gospels: Luke 12:30 For the nations of the world seek (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 12:29
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