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Matthew 6: Seek to eat , drink and be married to Jesus
KJV: But seek ye first the kingdomof God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Greek: ζητειτε δε πρωτον την βασιλειαντου θεου και την δικαιοσυνην αυτου και ταυτα πανταπροστεθησεται υμιν
4. Questions and answers
I once heard a 30 minute sermon on this verse that, except in some very general and obscure remarks near the end, and only in a superficial way, addressed the meaning of the verse.
Discuss: As a teacher, you give an essay exam to a student limited to three pages. The student writes five interesting pages but nowhere answers that question. What grade would you give the student? Can you explain the grade to the student?
Discuss: You think you are doing many good works. But the good works are not exactly what Jesus asks? What grade might Jesus give you? Does Jesus grade on a curve?
Let us investigate the verse, but first, a song based on this verse.
5. Song: Seek ye first
The hymn "Seek ye first" is a popular praise song from 1972 by Karen Lafferty. Karen wrote the song in 1971 after a Bible Study on Matthew 6:33 at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, CA
Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. [kjv]
The words are from this verse. Over time, others added additional verses from other scriptures.
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness;
And all these things shall be added unto you.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!
7. Verse 2
Interestingly, verse two of the praise song "Seek ye first" will be seen to be related to Matthew 6:33 on which the song's name is based.
8. General approach
The general approach to the meaning of any verse is the following.
Determine the meaning of the words of the verse. This may entail looking at the original Greek or Hebrew of the words.
In the process of determining the meaning, identify clarify difficult words or phrases.
Look at the context of the verse in that chapter and/or in the preceding or following chapter.
Look at the context of the verse in relation to the entire Bible.
Whenever multiple meanings are possible, provide them and the considerations for each of them.
9. Problem-solving approach
I find it best to ignore any commentary about that verse until after the above investigations. This is similar to the guidance of teachers who tell you to not look at the "approved solution" of a problem until after you have arrived at what you think is a valid solution to the problem.
Let us start by looking at the words in the verse.
10. But
Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdomof God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. [kjv]
ζητειτεδεπρωτοντηνβασιλειαν και τηνδικαιοσυνηναυτου και ταυταπανταπροστεθησεταιυμιν [gnt]
The "but" introduces a difference from a previous idea. Examples:
Do this, but not this.
Eat dessert, but do not eat too much dessert.
This means that after defining the words in this verse, the previous verses need to be investigated. In this verse, the "but" is not in the Greek but is inferred from other words in the verse (see below).
11. Seeking and searching
Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdomof God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. [kjv]
ζητειτεδεπρωτοντηνβασιλειαν και τηνδικαιοσυνηναυτου και ταυταπανταπροστεθησεταιυμιν [gnt]
In general, the following holds in computer science (and other areas).
A "search" is looking for something that may or may not exist.
A "seek" is looking for something that is known to exist, but the exact location of that something is not known.
12. Example
One "searches" a list for an item to see if that item is in the list.
One "seeks" a sector on a data drive to find that sector that is known to exist.
13. First
Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdomof God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. [kjv]
ζητειτεδεπρωτοντηνβασιλειαν και τηνδικαιοσυνηναυτου και ταυταπανταπροστεθησεταιυμιν [gnt]
The idea of "first" usually means that there is something to do after doing this. Examples:
First open the box, then this will happen or then do this.
First start the car, then this will happen or then do this.
After defining the words in this verse, the following verses will need to be investigated. Those verses (chapter 7) deal with judging, beams and motes, etc, with the important theme of "love your neighbor as yourself".
Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdomof God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. [kjv]
ζητειτεδεπρωτοντηνβασιλειαν και τηνδικαιοσυνηναυτου και ταυταπανταπροστεθησεταιυμιν [gnt]
To determine the meaning of "all these" with things inferred, one must investigate the previous verses to determine the meaning of those things.
This appears to be why "but" was added at the start of the verse when it is not in the Greek.
22. Back up
Let us back up to verse 24 which identifies two choices of who to serve.
God
Man as a god (mammon)
You may have heard that "the spirit inside us is the god who defines us".
Which "spirit"?
Which "god"?
Saying this without clarification is a deceptive way to tell people what they want to hear.
Before verse 24 is the Lord's Prayer and verses about storing up treasure in heaven.
23. Matthew 6: a wealth of logical ideas on mammon
Matthew 6:24No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. [kjv]
ουδεις δυναται δυσιν κυριοις δουλευειν η γαρ τον ενα μισησει και τον ετερον αγαπησει η ενος ανθεξεται και του ετερου καταφρονησει ου δυνασθε θεω δουλευειν και μαμωνα [gnt]
The historical usage of "mammon" in Hebrew is that of a confidence in one's own ability to do things (independent of God). The modern Hebrew definition is that of "wealth".
There appear to be some logical issues in the translation of what Jesus said. Let us investigate.
KJV: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Greek: ουδεις δυναται δυσιν κυριοις δουλευειν η γαρ τον ενα μισησει και τον ετερον αγαπησει η ενος ανθεξεται και του ετερου καταφρονησει ου δυνασθε θεω δουλευειν και μαμμωναμαμωνα
25. Clothes food and drink
A key appears to be what one should wear (put on), what one should eat and what one should drink.
Matthew 6:25Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [kjv]
In the KJV English, "meat" is "food". The Greek word for "life" is that of "soul".
Is there is something "extra" here that could be "added unto you"?
KJV: Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Greek: δια τουτο λεγω υμιν μη μεριμνατε τη ψυχη υμων τι φαγητε καιη τι πιητε μηδε τω σωματι υμων τι ενδυσησθε ουχι η ψυχη πλειον εστιν της τροφης και το σωμα του ενδυματος
27. Fowls
Matthew 6:26Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [kjv]
In the code meanings of Jesus, the "birds of the air" are the evil ones. In the "kingdom of heaven" or "kingdom of the air" one must deal with the "birds of the air". The birds cause issues during the growing season. The KJV uses "better than" while the Greek is "different than".
KJV: Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Greek: εμβλεψατε εις τα πετεινα του ουρανου οτι ου σπειρουσιν ουδε θεριζουσιν ουδε συναγουσιν εις αποθηκας και ο πατηρ υμων ο ουρανιος τρεφει αυτα ουχ υμεις μαλλον διαφερετε αυτων
29. Stature
Matthew 6:27Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? [kjv]
The Greek word for stature always means "age", except for Zacchaeus.
KJV: And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
Hebrew: וללבוש למה תדאגו התבוננו נא אל שושני השדה הצמחות אינן עמלות ואינן טות׃
Greek: και περι ενδυματος τι μεριμνατε καταμαθετε τα κρινα του αγρου πως αυξανειαυξανουσιν ου κοπια κοπιωσιν ουδε νηθεινηθουσιν
34. The language spoken by Jesus
There are various schools of though on whether Jesus spoke Aramaic or Greek. Most educated people in the Roman Empire studied and spoke Latin, Greek and a native language in their area of birth or location, such as Aramaic in Judea.
Many in Judea grew up speaking both from birth. It is likely that Jesus and the disciples knew and spoke both Aramaic and Greek and, perhaps, some Latin. Few could read Hebrew and it was no longer spoken.
Aramaic used the same Hebrew alphabet, without vowels, and with multiple letters having the same or similar sounds. Greek had vowels and pretty much one letter for one sound. Thus, learning to read or write Greek was much easier than reading or writing Aramaic. The inflections in Greek, like any language, are immediately learned by children without any study other than hearing.
It is possible that Jesus might have said some things in both Aramaic and Greek even repeating ideas at the same time in one, than another language.
It is also possible that Jesus might have used Greek when he wanted to use play on words, etc., that the religious establishment might not fully understand but that the common people might better understand.
Any play on words or puns have never had to fit existing grammar or spelling rules or even pronunciation rules. They only need to be close enough for others to understand (or grown at).
KJV: So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
Hebrew: להקשיב לחכמה אזנך תטה לבך לתבונה׃
Greek: υπακουσεται σοφιας το ους σου και παραβαλεις καρδιαν σου εις συνεσιν παραβαλεις δε αυτην επι νουθετησιν τω υιω σου
Brenton: your ear shall listen to wisdom; you shall also apply your heart to understanding, and shall apply it to the instruction of your son.
45. Strongs - spin
*G3514 *2 νήθω (nay'-tho) : from neo (of like meaning); to spin:--spin.
Usage
All
νηθουσιν
Matthew 6:28 ... they toil not, neither do they spin:
νηθει
Luke 12:27 ... they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say ...
46. Spinning thoughts
Matthew 6:28And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: [kjv]
και περιενδυματοςτιμεριμνατεκαταμαθετε τακρινατουαγρουπως αυξανουσινου ουδε νηθουσιν [gnt]
The Greek word for "thought" has to do with the "cares" and "concerns" of the riches of this world from the first kingdom parable in Matthew 13.
The Greek word for "toil" is the source of the English word "copious".
47. Strongs - grow
*G837 *22 αὐξάνω (owx-an'-o) : a prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow ("wax"), i.e. enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive):--grow (up), (give the) increase.
Usage
All
ηυξανεν *6
Luke 1:80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, ...
Luke 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, ...
Acts 6:7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples ...
Acts 12:24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.
Acts 19:20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
1 Corinthians 3:6 ... watered; but God gave the increase.
αυξανομενον *2
Mark 4:8 ... fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some ...
Colossians 1:6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all ...
ηυξησεν *2
Luke 13:19 ... his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great ...
Acts 7:17 ... had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,
αυξει *2
Ephesians 2:21 ... all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple ...
Colossians 2:19 ... having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
αυξανουσιν
Matthew 6:28 ... the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
αυξηθη
Matthew 13:32 ... seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, ...
αυξανειν
John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
αυξανων
1 Corinthians 3:7 ... he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
αυξησει
2 Corinthians 9:10 ... your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
αυξανομενης
2 Corinthians 10:15 ... hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you ...
αυξησωμεν
Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, ...
αυξανομενοι
Colossians 1:10 ... good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
αυξηθητε
1 Peter 2:2 ... milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
αυξανετε
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge ...
48. Strongs - toil
*G2872 *22 κοπιάω (kop-ee-ah'-o) : from a derivative of G2873; to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard:--(bestow) labour, toil, be wearied.
Usage
All
κοπιωντες *2
Matthew 11:28 ... me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I ...
1 Timothy 5:17 ... of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
κοπιωντας *2
Acts 20:35 ... all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, ...
1 Thessalonians 5:12 ... you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and ...
εκοπιασεν *2
Romans 16:6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
Romans 16:12 ... and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
κοπιωμεν *2
1 Corinthians 4:12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, ...
1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, ...
εκοπιασα *2
1 Corinthians 15:10 ... not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: ...
Philippians 2:16 ... in vain, neither laboured in vain.
κοπιωσιν
Matthew 6:28 ... of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
κοπιασαντες
Luke 5:5 ... said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken ...
κεκοπιακως
John 4:6 ... there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat ...
κεκοπιακατε
John 4:38 ... that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, ...
κεκοπιακασιν
John 4:38 ... that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, ...
κοπιωσας
Romans 16:12 ... and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
κοπιωντι
1 Corinthians 16:16 ... that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
κεκοπιακα
Galatians 4:11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
κοπιατω
Ephesians 4:28 ... but rather let himlabour, working with ...
κοπιω
Colossians 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to ...
κοπιωντα
2 Timothy 2:6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
κεκοπιακες
Revelation 2:3 ... my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
49. Solomon
Matthew 6:29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [kjv]
λεγω δε υμιν οτι ουδε σολομων εν παση τηδοξηαυτουπεριεβαλετοως εν τουτων [gnt]
The Greek word for "arrayed" has to do with "putting on" or "surrounding oneself" is in putting on the full armor of God (Paul). The Greek word for "glory" originally meant "opinion".
Here is an analogy using double-meanings in English to refer to government practices.
The government is known for "red tape" to slow down and burden processes.
A red type of pansy is a flower. Call it a "red-tape pansy".
A "pansy" is a term to refer to a "wimp".
Analogy: Consider these red-tape pansies [judger's] of the world. They increase, they do not work, they spend. Yet even George Washington in all his glory (opinion) was not surrounded (clothed) by red-tape pansies [judger's] such as these (current red-tape pansies).
53. Transition
Jesus will now transition from "lilies" (such as "pansies") to the "grass" or possibly "fruit of the grass".
KJV: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Greek: λεγω δε υμιν οτι ουδε σολομων εν παση τη δοξη αυτου περιεβαλετο ως εν τουτων
55. Grass of the field
Matthew 6:30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? [kjv]
ει δε τονχορτοντουαγρουσημερον οντα και αυριον ειςκλιβανονβαλλομενονο θεος ουτωςαμφιεννυσινου πολλω μαλλον υμας ολιγοπιστοι [gnt]
The "field" in the first kingdom parable of Matthew 13 is defined by Jesus as the "world" or, more precisely, the "people in the world".
The "grass of the field" can be either "weeds" or "tares" or it can be "fruit of the grass" is in "wheat". In the second kingdom parable of Matthew 13, Jesus has the "weeds" are bound at the end of the age and burned.
KJV: Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Greek: ει δε τον χορτον του αγρου σημερον οντα και αυριον εις κλιβανονβαλλομενον ο θεος ουτως αμφιεννυσιν ου πολλω μαλλον υμας ολιγοπιστοι
57. Oven
Is that which is cast into the "oven" good or bad?
Matthew 6:30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? [kjv]
ει δε τονχορτοντουαγρουσημερον οντα και αυριον ειςκλιβανονβαλλομενονο θεος ουτωςαμφιεννυσινου πολλω μαλλον υμας ολιγοπιστοι [gnt]
The "fruit of the grass", as in "wheat", is crushed, winnowed, stored and then baked in an "oven" to create something good such as "bread". At least (yeast) this is not even (oven) a half-baked idea!
58. Flower and flour
Aside: The English word "flour" was created from the English word "flower" to distinguish the "fruit of the grass" from a colorful and nice looking plant that was, in general, not edible.
59. Flowers and flour and thorns
James 1:10But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. [kjv]
ο δε πλουσιος εν τη ταπεινωσει αυτου οτι ωςανθοςχορτουπαρελευσεται [gnt]
The "flower" or "blossom" of the "grass" is the grain/seed and the primary meaning of the Greek word for "fruit".
At one time, the word "flower" referred to both the blooming pretty flower and the ground "flour" which was the "blooming" part of the wheat. The English word "flour" was introduced to differentiate between the two meanings.
KJV: Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Greek: μη ουν μεριμνησητε λεγοντες τι φαγωμεν η τι πιωμεν η τι περιβαλωμεθα
63. Eat drink and be merry
A worldly saying is "eat, drink and be merry" with the ending being "for tomorrow we die". The source of this saying is from a short parable by Jesus in Luke 12.
In the parable in Luke 12, Luke describes the sayings of a rich man who builds barns to store his worldly gain, and who dies that night.
Luke 12:16And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: [kjv]
Matthew 6:20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: [kjv]
KJV: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Greek: θησαυριζετε δε υμιν θησαυρους εν ουρανω οπου ουτε σης ουτε βρωσις αφανιζει και οπου κλεπται ου διορυσσουσιν ουδε κλεπτουσιν
Wessex: Gold-hordiað eow soðlice gold-hordes on heofenan. þaer naþer öm ne mohðe hyt ne fornymð. & þaer þeofes hit ne delfað ne ne forsteleð.
71. Eat drink and be merry
Luke 12:19And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. [kjv]
This part of the saying is in Ecclesiastes 8:15.
Ecclesiastes 8:15Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. [kjv]
KJV: Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.
Hebrew: ושבחתי אני את השמחה אשר אין טוב לאדם תחת השמש כי אם לאכול ולשתות ולשמוח והוא ילונו בעמלו ימי חייו אשר נתן לו האלהים תחת השמש׃
Greek: και επηνεσα εγω συν την ευφροσυνην οτι ουκ εστιν αγαθον τω ανθρωπω υπο τον ηλιον οτι ει μη του φαγειν και του πιειν και του ευφρανθηναι και αυτο συμπροσεσται αυτω εν μοχθω αυτου ημερας ζωης αυτου οσας εδωκεν αυτω ο θεος υπο τον ηλιον
Brenton: Then I praised mirth, because there is no good for a man under the sun, but to eat, and drink, and be merry: and this shall attend him in his labour all the days of his life, which God has given him under the sun.
74. Tomorrow we die
Luke 12:20But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? [kjv]
The "soul" is the same Greek word used as "life" a back in verse 25. The verse appears to be the end of "for tomorrow we die" part of the English saying "eat, drink and be merry". This had been said by Isaiah.
Isaiah 22:13And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die. [kjv]
KJV: And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.
Hebrew: והנה ששון ושמחה הרג בקר ושחט צאן אכל בשר ושתות יין אכול ושתו כי מחר נמות׃
Greek: αυτοι δε εποιησαντο ευφροσυνην και αγαλλιαμα σφαζοντες μοσχους και θυοντες προβατα ωστε φαγειν κρεα και πιειν οινον λεγοντες φαγωμεν και πιωμεν αυριον γαρ αποθνησκομεν
77. Paul
Paul repeats the thought in 1 Corinthians 15:32.
1 Corinthians 15:32If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. [kjv]
KJV: If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.
Greek: ει κατα ανθρωπον εθηριομαχησα εν εφεσω τι μοι το οφελος ει νεκροι ουκ εγειρονται φαγωμεν και πιωμεν αυριον γαρ αποθνησκομεν
79. Gentiles seek
Returning to Matthew, the "gentiles" seek those things.
Matthew 6:31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? [kjv]
μη ουνμεριμνησητελεγοντες τιφαγωμενη τιπιωμενη τιπεριβαλωμεθα [gnt]
That is, clothing (what you put on), food and drink.
6:32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. [kjv]
KJV: And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Greek: και ενδυσασθαι τον καινον ανθρωπον τον κατα θεον κτισθεντα εν δικαιοσυνη και οσιοτητι της αληθειας
87. Strongs - put on
*G1746 *28 ἐνδύω (en-doo'-o) : from G1722 and G1416 (in the sense of sinking into a garment); to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively):--array, clothe (with), endue, have (put) on.
Usage
All
ενδυσησθε *4
Matthew 6:25 ... your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life ...
Mark 6:9 ... with sandals; and not put on two coats.
Luke 12:22 ... neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
Luke 24:49 ... of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
ενδυσαμενοι *4
2 Corinthians 5:3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
Ephesians 6:14 ... with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge ...
1 Thessalonians 5:8 ... who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and ...
ενδυσασθε *3
Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and ...
Ephesians 6:11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able ...
Colossians 3:12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy ...
ενδυσασθαι *3
1 Corinthians 15:53 ... corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after ...
ενδεδυμενον *2
Matthew 22:11 ... there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
Revelation 1:13 ... one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt ...
ενεδυσαν *2
Matthew 27:31 ... from him, and put his own raiment on him, and ...
Mark 15:20 ... from him, and put his own clothes on him, ...
ενδυσηται *2
1 Corinthians 15:54 ... this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then ...
ενδεδυμενοι *2
Revelation 15:6 ... having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white ...
Revelation 19:14 ... upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
ενδεδυμενος
Mark 1:6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and ...
ενεδυσατο
Luke 8:27 And when he went forth to land, ...
ενδυσατε
Luke 15:22 ... robe, and putit on him; and ...
ενδυσαμενος
Acts 12:21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat ...
ενδυσωμεθα
Romans 13:12 ... the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
ενεδυσασθε
Galatians 3:27 ... have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
88. Parable of the wedding garments
Jesus uses the analogy of a wedding garment in Matthew 22. By tradition, the groom (Jesus) provides the garment for the guests (the church as believers).
Matthew 22:11And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: [kjv]
22:12And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. [kjv]
KJV: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
Greek: και λεγει αυτω εταιρε πως εισηλθες ωδε μη εχων ενδυμα γαμου ο δε εφιμωθη
91. Righteousness
One must put on the garment of righteousness and seek the kingdom of God to avoid being cast into the outer darkness.
Matthew 22:13Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [kjv]
22:14For many are called, but few are chosen. [kjv]
KJV: Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Greek: τοτε ειπεν ο βασιλευς ειπεν τοις διακονοις δησαντες αυτου ποδας και χειρας αρατε αυτον και εκβαλετε αυτον εις το σκοτος το εξωτερον εκει εσται ο κλαυθμος και ο βρυγμος των οδοντων
John tells us what Jesus says we should eat and drink.
John 6:53Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. [kjv]
6:54Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. [kjv]
Is Jesus using any "code words"? What might those code words mean?
KJV: Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
Greek: ειπεν ουν αυτοις ο ιησους αμην αμην λεγω υμιν εαν μη φαγητε την σαρκα του υιου του ανθρωπου και πιητε αυτου το αιμα ουκ εχετε ζωην εν εαυτοις
KJV: He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
Greek: ο τρωγων μου την σαρκα και πινων μου το αιμα εν εμοι μενει καγω εν αυτω
100. A hard saying
Some disciples thought this saying to hard.
John 6:66From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. [kjv]
Many left. They did not understand the codes that Jesus was using. Jesus explains at the Last Supper.
The Romans would use this eating of the body and drinking of the blood to spread the rumor and accuse the Christians of cannibalism as a basis for persecution.
KJV: From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
Greek: εκ τουτου πολλοι απηλθονεκ των μαθητων αυτου απηλθον εις τα οπισω και ουκετι μετ αυτου περιεπατουν
102. Last supper
Jesus explains the codes of eating his body and drinking his blood at the Last Supper.
Matthew 26:26And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. [kjv]
The body is broken for you just as the bread is broken for you. The bread represents doctrine or rules. Jesus broke the rules that if you sin, you must die. This part is rarely mentioned, if at all, in sermons.
KJV: For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Greek: τουτο γαρ εστιν το αιμα μου το της καινης διαθηκης το περι πολλων εκχυνομενονεκχυννομενον εις αφεσιν αμαρτιων
107. Living water
At the well in John 4, Jesus talks of two kinds of water.
John 4:13Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: [kjv]
4:14But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. [kjv]
Water is required for life (as we know it). But life cannot arise in water. Simple reason: water is universal solvent. More precise reason: involves a reversible chemical reaction of water and peptide bonds of amino acids.
KJV: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Greek: ος δ αν πιη εκ του υδατος ου εγω δωσω αυτω ου μη διψησηδιψησει εις τον αιωνα αλλα το υδωρ ο δωσω αυτω γενησεται εν αυτω πηγη υδατος αλλομενου εις ζωην αιωνιον
110. Put it together
We are now in a position to put the parts of Matthew 6:33 together.
Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdomof God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. [kjv]
ζητειτεδεπρωτοντηνβασιλειαν και τηνδικαιοσυνηναυτου και ταυταπανταπροστεθησεταιυμιν [gnt]
The "all these things" can refer to (at least) two things.
Those things that the gentiles seek - physical food, water, clothes.
Those things that the followers of God should seek - spiritual food, water, clothes.
111. Summary
The world seeks clothes, food, drink.
Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdomof God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. [kjv]
ζητειτεδεπρωτοντηνβασιλειαν και τηνδικαιοσυνηναυτου και ταυταπανταπροστεθησεταιυμιν [gnt]
Followers of Jesus should seek God to have those things added to them.
Ask: Put on the clothes of (and imitate) Jesus.
Seek: Eat his body as bread representing rules broken for us.
Knock: Drink his blood as living water remembered as the wine.
112. Verse 1
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness;
And all these things shall be added unto you.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!
113. Ask and it shall be given
The second verse of the song "Seek ye first" was added later. The verse is 8 verses after Matthew 6:33.
Matthew 7:7Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: [kjv]
The context is that of two gates. The narrow gate leads to life eternal. The wide gate leads to destruction. It appears that one can ask, seek and knock on either gate. On which gate will you knock that it be opened?
KJV: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Greek: αιτειτε και δοθησεται υμιν ζητειτε και ευρησετε κρουετε και ανοιγησεται υμιν
115. Verse 2
Ask, and it shall be given unto you;
Seek, and you shall find.
Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!
116. Last verse of Matthew 6
Matthew 6:34Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. [kjv]
This last verse in Matthew 6 connects and sets up Matthew 7 with "judge not", "beams and motes", "wide and narrow gates", "houses on sand and rock", etc.
Matthew 6: Love God (seek His righteousness)
Matthew 7: Love neighbor as yourself.
... to be continued ... Hint: The Greek word for the KJV "evil" is not evil but "bad". Jesus always uses this word in another sense.
KJV: Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Greek: μη ουν μεριμνησητε εις την αυριον η γαρ αυριον μεριμνησει τα εαυτηςαυτης αρκετον τη ημερα η κακια αυτης
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. [kjv]
The "righteousness" of God has to do with being "right" with God by doing what God considers "right".
If you are paid by the hour and work ten more hours, then the wage for "ten more hours" will be "added unto you".
The result is that something will be "added unto you" meaning that you will then get something that you would otherwise not get.
Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. [kjv]
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [kjv]
Phrase: "One foot in the grave" (distance with time meaning).
7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. [kjv]
Proverbs 2:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; [kjv]
The "grass of the field" can be either "weeds" or "tares" or it can be "fruit of the grass" is in "wheat". In the second kingdom parable of Matthew 13, Jesus has the "weeds" are bound at the end of the age and burned.
Aside: The English word "flour" was created from the English word "flower" to distinguish the "fruit of the grass" from a colorful and nice looking plant that was, in general, not edible.
The world seeks clothes, food, drink.
The second verse of the song "Seek ye first" was added later. The verse is 8 verses after Matthew 6:33.
This last verse in Matthew 6 connects and sets up Matthew 7 with "judge not", "beams and motes", "wide and narrow gates", "houses on sand and rock", etc.
