Luke 12:27

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Consider {G2657} the lilies {G2918} how {G4459} they grow {G837}: they toil {G2872} not {G3756}, they spin {G3514} not {G3761}; and yet {G1161} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, that Solomon {G4672} in {G1722} all {G3956} his {G846} glory {G1391} was {G4016} not {G3761} arrayed {G4016} like {G5613} one {G1520} of these {G5130}.

Think about the wild irises, and how they grow. They neither work nor spin thread; yet, I tell you, not even Shlomo in all his glory was clothed as beautifully as one of these.

Consider how the lilies grow: They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these.

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin; yet I say unto you, Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Commentary

Luke 12:27 is a powerful and poetic verse from Jesus's teaching, encouraging His followers to trust in God's provision and release anxiety about material needs. It draws a vivid comparison between the simple beauty of nature and the most extravagant human splendor.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus's broader discourse on worry and materialism, found in Luke 12:22-34. Jesus had just warned against covetousness and told the parable of the rich fool. Here, He pivots to instruct His disciples not to be anxious about food, drink, or clothing. The imagery of the lilies serves as a compelling argument for God's meticulous care, leading to the core message that seeking God's kingdom should be the primary focus, as seen in Luke 12:31. A parallel account is also found in Matthew 6:28-29, part of the Sermon on the Mount.

Key Themes

  • God's Meticulous Provision: The verse highlights God's intricate care for even the transient wild flowers. If He adorns the lilies with such beauty without their effort, how much more will He care for His human children, who are of far greater value? This underscores His faithfulness and attention to detail for all creation.
  • Superiority of Divine Design: Jesus explicitly states that King Solomon, renowned for his immense wealth and opulence (as described in 1 Kings 10:4-7), could not match the natural splendor of a simple lily. This contrast emphasizes that God's natural artistry surpasses the pinnacle of human achievement and earthly glory.
  • Call to Trust, Not Worry: The primary message is an invitation to release anxiety. By observing nature, Jesus teaches that worry is unproductive and unnecessary when one has a Heavenly Father who provides. The lilies' effortless beauty becomes a paradigm for trusting in divine care.

Linguistic Insights

The term "lilies" (Greek: krina) likely refers not just to what we specifically call lilies today, but to a variety of wildflowers common in the region, such as anemones or gladioli, known for their vibrant colors and abundant growth. The phrases "they toil not" (Greek: kopiáo) and "they spin not" (Greek: néthō) vividly describe the absence of human labor in their creation and adornment. They do not engage in strenuous effort or the detailed work of producing clothing, yet they are perfectly "arrayed" (Greek: peribállō), meaning 'clothed around' or 'fully adorned'.

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 12:27 serves as a profound reminder to cultivate a spirit of trust over anxiety. It challenges us to reflect on our priorities: are we consumed by worries over material possessions and future provisions, or are we confidently relying on God's benevolent care? By observing the natural world, we can learn to appreciate God's faithfulness and recognize that His provision extends beyond our immediate needs, encompassing beauty and abundance. This verse encourages us to seek first His kingdom and righteousness, knowing that all other necessary things will be added, echoing the broader teaching on Matthew 6:33.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 6:28

    And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

  • Matthew 6:30

    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?

  • 1 Kings 10:1

    ¶ And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.

  • 1 Kings 10:13

    And king Solomon gave unto the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside [that] which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty. So she turned and went to her own country, she and her servants.

  • Luke 12:24

    Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

  • 2 Chronicles 9:1

    ¶ And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.

  • 2 Chronicles 9:12

    And king Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside [that] which she had brought unto the king. So she turned, and went away to her own land, she and her servants.
← Back