Matthew 6:32
New International Version
For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

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

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

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

Berean Literal Bible
For the Gentiles seek after all these things. For your Heavenly Father knows that you have need of them all.

King James Bible
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

New King James Version
For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

New American Standard Bible
For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

NASB 1995
“For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

NASB 1977
“For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

Legacy Standard Bible
For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

Amplified Bible
For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

Christian Standard Bible
For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

American Standard Version
For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Contemporary English Version
Only people who don't know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows you need all of these.

English Revised Version
For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Everyone is concerned about these things, and your heavenly Father certainly knows you need all of them.

Good News Translation
(These are the things the pagans are always concerned about.) Your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things.

International Standard Version
because it is the unbelievers who are eager for all those things. Surely your heavenly Father knows that you need all of them!

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

NET Bible
For the unconverted pursue these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

New Heart English Bible
For the unbelievers seek after all these things, for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

Webster's Bible Translation
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Weymouth New Testament
For all these are questions that Gentiles are always asking; but your Heavenly Father knows that you need these things--all of them.

World English Bible
For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For the nations seek for all these, for your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these;

Berean Literal Bible
For the Gentiles seek after all these things. For your Heavenly Father knows that you have need of them all.

Young's Literal Translation
for all these do the nations seek for, for your heavenly Father doth know that ye have need of all these;

Smith's Literal Translation
For all these the nations seek for; for your heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For after all these things do the heathens seek. For your Father knoweth that you have need of all these things.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For the Gentiles seek all these things. Yet your Father knows that you need all these things.

New American Bible
All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

New Revised Standard Version
For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For worldly people seek after all these things. Your Father in heaven knows that all of these things are also necessary for you.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For the Gentiles are seeking all these things, but your Father who is in Heaven knows that all these things are necessary for you.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

Godbey New Testament
For after all these things the heathen were seeking; for your heavenly Father knoweth that you need all these things.

Haweis New Testament
(for after all these things the heathen seek:) and your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of them all.

Mace New Testament
things which the Gentiles are so thoughtful about, and which your heavenly Father knows that you want.

Weymouth New Testament
For all these are questions that Gentiles are always asking; but your Heavenly Father knows that you need these things--all of them.

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

Worsley New Testament
(things which the heathens are so inquisitive after) for your heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Do Not Worry
31Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.…

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

Luke 12:30
For the Gentiles of the world strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

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

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

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!

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.

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

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?

1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.

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

1 Timothy 6:17
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.

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.

Luke 11:13
So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

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

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”


Treasury of Scripture

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things.

after.

Matthew 5:46,47
For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? …

Matthew 20:25,26
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them…

Psalm 17:14
From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.

for your.

Matthew 6:8
Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Psalm 103:13
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

Luke 11:11-13
If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? …

Jump to Previous
Always Eagerly Gentiles Heaven Heavenly Need Pagans Questions Run Search Seek
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Always Eagerly Gentiles Heaven Heavenly Need Pagans Questions Run Search Seek
Matthew 6
1. Giving to the Needy
5. The Lord's Prayer
16. Proper Fasting
19. Store up Treasures in Heaven
25. Do Not Worry
33. but seek God's kingdom.














For the Gentiles strive after all these things
In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus contrasts the behavior of His followers with that of the Gentiles, who were non-Jews and often associated with pagan practices. The Gentiles' striving reflects a preoccupation with material needs and worldly concerns, which were common in the Greco-Roman world. This striving indicates a lack of trust in divine provision, as Gentiles typically worshipped multiple gods and sought to appease them for their needs. The cultural context highlights a life driven by anxiety over daily necessities, contrasting with the faith and trust Jesus calls His followers to exhibit. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's people being set apart from the world, as seen in passages like 1 Peter 2:9, which describes believers as a chosen people.

and your heavenly Father knows
This phrase emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and His followers, portraying God as a caring and attentive Father. The use of "heavenly Father" underscores the divine nature of God's care, contrasting with earthly concerns. This reflects the biblical theme of God's omniscience, as seen in Psalm 139:1-4, where God is described as knowing everything about us. The assurance that God knows our needs is meant to alleviate anxiety and encourage trust in His provision. This concept is rooted in the Old Testament understanding of God as a provider, as seen in the story of God's provision for the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16).

that you need them
The phrase "that you need them" acknowledges the legitimacy of human needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter, which Jesus mentions earlier in the chapter. It reassures believers that God is aware of these needs and is committed to meeting them. This reflects the biblical principle of God's provision, as seen in Philippians 4:19, where Paul assures that God will supply all needs according to His riches in glory. The focus is on trusting God rather than being consumed by worry, aligning with the call to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), which follows this verse. This trust in God's provision is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, encouraging believers to rely on God's faithfulness rather than their own efforts.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gentiles
In the context of this passage, "Gentiles" refers to non-Jewish people who were often seen as outside the covenant community of Israel. They are depicted as those who focus on material needs without the knowledge of God's provision.

2. Heavenly Father
This term refers to God, emphasizing His role as a caring and providing Father who is aware of the needs of His children.

3. Sermon on the Mount
This is the larger context in which this verse is found. It is a collection of teachings by Jesus that covers various aspects of righteous living and the Kingdom of God.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's Provision
Believers are encouraged to trust that God, as a loving Father, is aware of their needs and will provide for them.

Avoiding Anxiety
The verse calls Christians to avoid the anxiety that characterizes those who do not know God, focusing instead on His faithfulness.

Seek First the Kingdom
In the broader context, Jesus teaches that seeking God's kingdom and righteousness should be the priority, with the assurance that material needs will be met.

Distinction from the World
Christians are called to live differently from the world, demonstrating faith in God's provision rather than striving after material things.(32) After all these things do the Gentiles seek.--The tone is one of pity rather than of censure, though it appeals, not without a touch of gentle rebuke (as before in Matthew 6:5) to the national pride of Israelites: "You look down upon the heathen nations, and think of yourselves as God's people, yet in what do you excel them, if you seek only what they are seeking?"

For your heavenly Father knoweth . . .--The bearing of this teaching on the meaning of the "daily bread" of the Lord's Prayer has already been noticed (comp. Note on Matthew 6:11). The outer life of man, and its accidents, may well be left to the wisdom of the All-knowing. It lies below the region of true prayer, or occupies an altogether subordinate place within it.

Verse 32. - Parallel passage: Luke 12:30. Save in reading "but" instead of the second "for," Luke's seems the more original. (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek;) for your heavenly Father knoweth, etc. The Revised Version removes the marks of parenthesis. For...for; these are probably co-ordinate, and adduce two reasons for our not being for one moment anxious about earthly things:

(1) it is like the heathen (cf. the thought of Matthew 5:47);

(2) your Father knows your need of them. Heavenly (Matthew 5:16, note). Knoweth (ver. 8, note).

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.

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

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

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

Heavenly
οὐράνιος (ouranios)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3770: In heaven, belonging to heaven, heavenly, from heaven. From ouranos; celestial, i.e. Belonging to or coming from the sky.

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: Matthew 6:32 For the Gentiles seek after all these (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 6:31
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