DISSERTAZIONI DI DOTTORATO
2025-2026

VIAGEDOR Elton

Ζητεῖτε τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτοῦ»: An Exegetical Study of Luke 12,22-34

Mod.: Prof. R.P. Clifard Sunil RANJAR, S.J.

This exegetical investigation offers a comprehensive analysis of the rhetorical intentionality and significance of the exhortation to ‘seek God’s Kingdom’ (ζητεῖτε τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτοῦ) in Luke’s Gospel, with particular focus on Luke 12,22-34. While this pericope is frequently interpreted in close correlation with its Matthean parallel (Matt 6,25-34.19-21), this study employs a range of complementary methodological approaches—narrative, redactional, rhetorical, intratextual and intertextual, as well as socio-historical—to uncover and elucidate Luke’s distinct theological emphasis.

The analysis demonstrates that, whereas Matthew emphasizes trust in divine providence, Luke situates the discourse within the broader context of discipleship and mission, highlighting the active participation of Jesus’ followers in proclaiming and embodying God’s Kingdom. Through source-redactional and rhetorical analysis—drawing particularly on the chreia form of the progymnasmata—Luke 12,22-34 emerges as a cohesive discourse culminating in the imperative to seek God’s Kingdom, concretely realized through material renunciation and almsgiving (ἐλεημοσύνη). Intratextual and intertextual examination further reveals that, within the Lukan Gospel narrative, the Kingdom is not merely a spiritual or future realm, but an already inaugurated, transformative social reality that redefines social relationships through radical sharing and solidarity. In this light, almsgiving functions not simply as an act of charity but as an expression of justice and righteousness, embodying the social ethic of God’s Kingdom.

Situated within the socio-historical context of the Graeco-Roman world, the discourse in Luke 12,22-34 presents a radical, countercultural challenge to prevailing systems of wealth, status, and power. Luke thus exhorts his community to embody an alternative social reality that reflects and anticipates the eschatological fulfillment of God’s reign

The study concludes that “seeking God’s Kingdom”, in the context of Luke’s Gospel, transcends the mere pursuit of heavenly treasure or future eschatological reward. Rather, it entails an active response—and participation in—an already given and inaugurated reality in which the community of disciples, through the practice of an alternative socio-economic ethic, embody the social reality of God’s Kingdom as it journeys toward its full realization in history.