Maranatha! Music - Seek Ye First Lyrics

Seek Ye First

Seek Ye First Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

"Seek Ye First" by Maranatha! Music is a widely recognized and cherished worship song, known for its simple yet profound message derived directly from scripture. The lyrics lay out core principles of Christian faith and discipleship in a gentle, meditative structure, often accompanied by a tranquil musical arrangement conducive to reflection and worship. While the song itself has a history preceding the 2016 video release, that release provides a specific presentation of this enduring piece within the Maranatha! Music catalog.

The opening stanza presents the foundational call: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God / And His righteousness / And all these things / Shall be added unto you". This directly references Matthew 6:33 from the Bible, a cornerstone teaching of Jesus. It establishes the priority for believers: placing God's rule (His kingdom) and His way of living (His righteousness) above all earthly concerns. The powerful promise follows, assuring that material needs ("all these things") will be provided when this primary focus is maintained. This serves as a powerful encouragement to trust in God's provision when spiritual priorities are aligned with His will.

The second stanza delves into the source of true sustenance: "Man shall not live by bread alone / But by every word / That proceeds from the mouth of God". This mirrors Jesus's response to temptation in Matthew 4:4, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3. It highlights the essential nature of God's word for spiritual life, asserting its importance over physical nourishment. This verse reminds listeners that a relationship with God, nurtured through His communication, is fundamental to existence and well-being, far surpassing mere physical survival.

The third stanza offers encouragement for active engagement with God: "Ask and it shall be given unto you / Seek and ye shall find / Knock and the door shall be / Opened unto you". These lines are drawn directly from Jesus's teaching on prayer in Matthew 7:7-8 (and Luke 11:9-10). They convey the assurance of God's responsiveness to sincere and persistent prayer and seeking. The verse motivates believers to approach God confidently, promising that their requests, their search for Him, and their knocking on the door of His presence will be met with a positive answer and open access.

Throughout the song, the repeating phrase "Allelu alleluia" serves as a consistent refrain of worship and praise. This simple expression, derived from the Hebrew Hallelujah meaning "Praise the Lord," punctuates each stanza, grounding the scriptural teachings in adoration. It transforms the instructive lyrics into an act of worship, inviting the listener to respond to God's promises and commands with praise, reinforcing the song's purpose as a devotional aid and a corporate worship anthem centered on God's truth and faithfulness. The song's structure, moving from a call to seek, to the source of life, to the means of connection, provides a comprehensive yet accessible summary of key biblical principles for living a faith-centered life.