Luke 12:30 - Do Not Worry

For the Gentiles of the world strive after all these things
This phrase highlights the distinction between the followers of Christ and the Gentiles, who in this context represent those outside the covenant community of Israel. Historically, Gentiles were often seen as pagans who worshiped multiple gods and were preoccupied with material needs and desires. The phrase "strive after" suggests a relentless pursuit, indicating that their lives are dominated by the quest for material security and satisfaction. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the futility of seeking fulfillment in worldly possessions, as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:11, where Solomon speaks of the vanity of earthly pursuits. The cultural context of the Roman Empire, with its emphasis on wealth and status, further underscores the contrast between the values of the world and the kingdom of God.

and your Father knows that you need them
This part of the verse reassures believers of God's intimate knowledge and care for their needs. The use of "your Father" emphasizes a personal and relational aspect of God, contrasting with the impersonal deities of the Gentiles. This reflects the biblical theme of God as a caring provider, as seen in Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." The assurance that God knows our needs is a call to trust in His provision, echoing Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:8), where He reminds His followers that their Father knows what they need before they ask Him. This trust in divine provision is a hallmark of faith, distinguishing believers from those who rely solely on their efforts.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Gentiles
In the context of this verse, "Gentiles" refers to the non-Jewish people who were often seen as outside the covenant community of Israel. They are depicted as those who are preoccupied with material needs and worldly concerns.

2. The World
This term is used to describe the secular, non-believing society that prioritizes earthly desires and material possessions over spiritual matters.

3. Your Father
This refers to God, emphasizing a personal and intimate relationship between God and believers. It highlights God's awareness and provision for the needs of His children.

4. Needs
The basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing, and shelter, which are often the focus of human anxiety and striving.

5. Strive
The Greek word used here is (epiz?tousin), which means to seek after or to be intensely focused on. It implies a pursuit driven by anxiety or worry.

Teaching Points

Trust in Divine Provision
Believers are called to trust that God, as a loving Father, is aware of and will provide for their needs. This trust should replace anxiety and worry.

Seek Spiritual Priorities
Instead of being consumed by the pursuit of material needs, Christians are encouraged to focus on spiritual growth and the advancement of God's kingdom.

Contrast with Worldly Pursuits
The verse highlights the difference between the priorities of believers and those of the secular world. Christians are to live distinctively, with faith in God's provision.

Understanding God's Knowledge
Recognize that God knows our needs even before we ask. This understanding should lead to a life of faith and reliance on His wisdom and timing.

Living as a Testimony
By trusting in God's provision and prioritizing His kingdom, believers can be a testimony to the world of God's faithfulness and care.

Lists and Questions

Top 10 Lessons from Luke 12How is Jesus represented in each book of the Bible?According to the gospels, what were the last words of Jesus before he died? Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit! (Luke 23:46) 'It is finished' (John 19:30)Who was the father of Shelah? Cainan (Luke 3:35-36) Arphaxad (Genesis II: 12)Who was the father of Shealtiel? Jechoniah (Matthew 1:12) Neri (Luke 3:27)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.

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

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

world
κόσμου (kosmou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).

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
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

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

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.

Links

Luke 12:30 NIV
Luke 12:30 NLT
Luke 12:30 ESV
Luke 12:30 NASB
Luke 12:30 KJVLuke 12:30 BibleApps.com
Luke 12:30 Biblia Paralela
Luke 12:30 Chinese Bible
Luke 12:30 French Bible
Luke 12:30 Catholic BibleNT Gospels: Luke 12:30 For the nations of the world seek (Luke Lu Lk)