Matthew Chapter 6 · Verse 32

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

πάντα all G3956
πάντα all
Strong's: G3956
Word #: 1 of 17
all, any, every, the whole
γὰρ (For G1063
γὰρ (For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 2 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ταῦτα these things G5023
ταῦτα these things
Strong's: G5023
Word #: 3 of 17
these things
τὰ G3588
τὰ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνη do the Gentiles G1484
ἔθνη do the Gentiles
Strong's: G1484
Word #: 5 of 17
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
ἐπιζητεῖ· after G1934
ἐπιζητεῖ· after
Strong's: G1934
Word #: 6 of 17
to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave
οἶδεν knoweth G1492
οἶδεν knoweth
Strong's: G1492
Word #: 7 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
γὰρ (For G1063
γὰρ (For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 8 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατὴρ Father G3962
πατὴρ Father
Strong's: G3962
Word #: 10 of 17
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
ὑμῶν your G5216
ὑμῶν your
Strong's: G5216
Word #: 11 of 17
of (from or concerning) you
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐράνιος heavenly G3770
οὐράνιος heavenly
Strong's: G3770
Word #: 13 of 17
celestial, i.e., belonging to or coming from the sky
ὅτι that G3754
ὅτι that
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 14 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
χρῄζετε ye have need G5535
χρῄζετε ye have need
Strong's: G5535
Word #: 15 of 17
to make (i.e., have) necessity, i.e., be in want of
τούτων these things G5130
τούτων these things
Strong's: G5130
Word #: 16 of 17
of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)
ἁπάντων of all G537
ἁπάντων of all
Strong's: G537
Word #: 17 of 17
absolutely all or (singular) every one

Analysis & Commentary

Jesus contrasts believers with unbelievers: 'For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things' (Greek: πάντα γὰρ ταῦτα τὰ ἔθνη ἐπιζητοῦσιν, 'for all these things the Gentiles seek after'). 'Gentiles' (ἔθνη) represents those without covenant relationship with God - they seek provision anxiously because they don't know God as Father. The verb ἐπιζητέω means 'earnestly seek' or 'strive after.' Believers have different basis for confidence: 'your heavenly Father knows your needs.' The Father's knowledge (οἶδεν) isn't merely intellectual awareness but caring attentiveness that motivates provision. This distinguishes pagan anxiety from filial trust.

Historical Context

First-century Gentiles practiced religion primarily to secure divine favor for practical blessings - good harvests, health, prosperity. Pagan religion was largely transactional. Jewish and Christian faith operated differently - relationship with God as Father who faithfully provides for His children. Jesus distinguishes His followers from surrounding pagan culture's anxious manipulation of gods through ritual. The Father's knowledge echoes Psalm 139 - comprehensive divine awareness that includes caring provision.

Questions for Reflection