The Greek epizeteo combines epi- (upon, intensifying) with zeteo (G2212, to seek), creating a verb meaning to seek with intensity, to crave, or to demand. It appears in Matthew 6:32 ('the pagans run after these things') and Acts 13:7 (Sergius Paulus 'sought to hear the word of God'). Paul uses it in Philippians 4:17: 'Not that I desire your gifts... what I desire is that may be credited to your account.'
In Matthew 6:31–33, Jesus distinguishes between the anxious seeking of pagans (epizeteo) after food and clothing, and the kingdom-seeking he calls disciples to. The same intensity of desire that drives anxiety over temporal needs should be redirected toward the kingdom of God. The Gentiles (epizeteousin) have their hearts set on lesser things; God's children are to set their hearts on greater ones. Paul uses the word of his own earnest desire for the Philippians' spiritual account — love that seeks another's genuine good.