King James Bible
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Jesus commands his listeners to prioritize God's reign and rule above all earthly concerns. The word 'first' establishes a hierarchy of values, while 'kingdom' refers to God's sovereign authority and the way of life under His lordship. This pairs God's kingdom with His righteous standards—not merely external rule but the moral character and justice that flow from Him. Seeking His righteousness means pursuing alignment with God's holy nature and will. Jesus promises that material necessities (food, clothing, mentioned earlier in the chapter) will be provided as a consequence of right priorities. This reverses human anxiety about provision, assuring that God knows and meets the needs of those who put Him first.