<P> Jesus has just told his followers not to worry about material things such as food or clothing, as God will provide the needs of his followers . Earlier in the chapter Jesus presented a discussion on how one must not pursue wealth and material things before God . This verse ties the two notions together . If one places the pursuit of the Kingdom of God first, then material needs will follow without need for worry or anxiety . The present imperative verb seek makes clear that pursuing the eschatological kingdom is not a passive act, but one that must be pursued with rigour . Hill notes that the word God is left out of many of the better early manuscripts of the Gospel, and it thus might be a later addition . Kingdom of God is a somewhat unusual phrase, with the author of Matthew generally preferring Kingdom of Heaven . Even without the word it is quite clear that this is a reference to the Kingdom of God . The parallel to this verse at Luke 12: 31 does not mention righteousness, but as France notes the author of Matthew shows a special interest in righteousness throughout his gospel . </P> <P> The interpretation or meaning of this verse may be a subjective matter . However, the common perception is speaking of prioritization, in which one who is a believer is to place God above all other things . </P>

Seek first the kingdom of heaven and his righteousness