Luke 12:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Luke 12:27, a profound teaching from Jesus, challenges His listeners to release anxiety over material provisions by observing the effortless beauty of wild lilies. This verse draws a striking contrast between the unparalleled splendor with which God adorns a simple flower and the most magnificent human glory, exemplified by King Solomon, thereby underscoring God's meticulous care and inviting His children into a deeper trust in His benevolent provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus's extended discourse on covetousness, anxiety, and the pursuit of God's kingdom, as recorded in [Luke 12:22-34](/luke/12-22-34 "Luke 12:22-34 - Do Not Worry"). Immediately preceding this passage, Jesus warns against the dangers of materialism through the parable of the rich fool ([Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - Parable of the Rich Fool")), who amassed wealth only to lose his life without gaining anything eternal. Following this, Jesus directly addresses His disciples, urging them not to be anxious about their lives—what they will eat, drink, or wear. The imagery of the lilies and birds serves as a powerful, tangible illustration of God's consistent and comprehensive care for His creation, culminating in the exhortation to "seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you" ([Luke 12:31](/luke/12-31 "Luke 12:31 - Seek God's Kingdom First")). A parallel account of this teaching is also found in [Matthew 6:28-29](/matthew/6-28-29 "Matthew 6:28-29 - The Lilies of the Field"), within the Sermon on the Mount.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient agrarian societies, life was often precarious, and anxieties about daily provisions—food, water, and clothing—were pervasive. People relied heavily on seasonal harvests, and a single crop failure could mean starvation. Clothing, especially, was a significant investment and a marker of status, often requiring laborious processes of spinning, weaving, and dyeing. King Solomon, mentioned in the verse, was renowned throughout the ancient world for his immense wealth, wisdom, and unparalleled splendor, as vividly described in [1 Kings 10:4-7](/1_kings/10-4-7 "1 Kings 10:4-7 - The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon"). His royal robes and the adornments of his court represented the pinnacle of human luxury and achievement. The "lilies" (Greek: _krínon_) Jesus refers to were likely not just the specific flower we call a lily today, but a general term for the vibrant, wild wildflowers common in the Galilean landscape, such as anemones, gladioli, or irises, which would bloom profusely for a short season, displaying brilliant colors without any human cultivation or effort.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 12:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Jesus's teaching and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **God's Meticulous Provision and Care** for all creation. If God attends to the transient beauty of wildflowers with such detail, how much more will He care for His human children, who are made in His image and are of infinitely greater value ([Luke 12:7](/luke/12-7 "Luke 12:7 - God Values You"))? Secondly, the verse highlights the **Superiority of Divine Design over Human Achievement**. By contrasting the natural splendor of a lily with Solomon's renowned glory, Jesus emphasizes that even the apex of human wealth and artistry pales in comparison to the effortless, inherent beauty of God's creation. This underscores the transient nature of earthly glory versus the enduring perfection of God's handiwork. Finally, the passage functions as a profound **Call to Trust and a Rejection of Worry**. Jesus uses the lilies as a pedagogical tool to demonstrate the futility and unnecessity of anxiety when one has a Heavenly Father who provides. The lilies' existence, free from toil or spinning, becomes a paradigm for a life lived in confident reliance on divine care, redirecting human focus from material concerns to spiritual priorities, echoing the command to "seek first the kingdom of God" found in [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Consider (Greek, _katanoéō'_):** This verb means "to observe fully," "to perceive," or "to discover." It's not a casual glance but an intentional, thoughtful, and comprehensive examination. Jesus is inviting His audience to engage in a deep, reflective study of the lilies, to truly grasp the implications of their existence and beauty.
* **Glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to seem" or "to think," _dóxa_ refers to glory as something "very apparent." It encompasses dignity, honor, praise, and worship. In this context, it refers to Solomon's visible, external splendor, his wealth, magnificent attire, and the grandeur of his kingdom, which was universally acknowledged as the epitome of earthly magnificence.
* **Arrayed (Greek, _peribállō'_):** This word means "to throw all around" or "to invest (with clothing)." It describes the act of being fully clothed or adorned. The passive voice ("was not arrayed") emphasizes that Solomon's magnificent attire was something he was clothed _with_ by human effort and resources, whereas the lilies are inherently adorned by God's natural design.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Consider the lilies how they grow:"** Jesus directs His listeners' attention to the natural world, specifically to wildflowers. The command "Consider" (katanoéō) implies a careful, thoughtful observation, urging them to look beyond the surface and grasp the profound truth embedded in the lilies' existence and growth. The "how they grow" draws attention to their effortless, natural development, without human intervention or labor.
* **"they toil not, they spin not;"** This phrase highlights the complete absence of human-like labor or effort on the part of the lilies. "Toil" (kopiáō) refers to strenuous, wearying labor, while "spin" (nḗthō) refers to the meticulous, time-consuming work of preparing thread and weaving cloth. These negations emphasize that the lilies' beauty is not a result of their own striving or human industry.
* **"and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."** This is the climactic comparison. "And yet" (dé) introduces a strong contrast. Jesus, with His divine authority ("I say unto you"), declares that the legendary King Solomon, despite all his renowned opulence and the magnificent garments that symbolized his "glory" (dóxa), could not compare in splendor to a single, humble wildflower. The word "arrayed" (peribállō) underscores the idea of being clothed or adorned, emphasizing that the lily's natural covering surpasses the most elaborate human-made attire.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 12:27 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Analogy** or **Simile**, where Jesus draws a direct comparison between the lilies and human beings, particularly in terms of God's provision. The lilies' effortless beauty serves as a tangible illustration of God's care, which is then applied to the far greater value of human life. **Hyperbole** is also evident in the comparison of a simple lily to King Solomon "in all his glory." This is an intentional exaggeration to emphasize the vast superiority of God's natural artistry over the pinnacle of human achievement and wealth. The phrase "they toil not, they spin not" employs **Personification**, attributing human actions (toiling, spinning) to inanimate flowers, which then allows for the powerful **Antithesis** between the lilies' effortless adornment and the laborious efforts of humans (implied in the anxiety Jesus addresses). This contrast highlights the futility of human striving when divine provision is so readily available.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 12:27 profoundly connects to the biblical understanding of God's character as a benevolent and sovereign provider, whose care extends to every detail of creation. It challenges a human-centered view of provision, asserting that true security and beauty do not come from human effort or accumulated wealth, but from a trusting reliance on God's inherent generosity. The verse elevates the value of God's creation, suggesting that even the seemingly insignificant parts of nature bear witness to His magnificent design and care, which far surpasses any human construct. This theological truth liberates believers from the burden of anxiety, inviting them to reorient their lives around God's kingdom and righteousness, trusting that His divine economy operates on principles of abundance and grace, not scarcity and worry.

* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious")
* [Psalm 147:9](/psalms/147-9 "Psalm 147:9 - God Feeds the Young Ravens")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 12:27 serves as a timeless invitation to cultivate a deep and abiding trust in God's providential care, freeing us from the pervasive grip of anxiety. In a world often driven by consumerism and the relentless pursuit of more, this verse calls us to pause and observe the intrinsic beauty and effortless existence of God's creation. It challenges us to honestly assess our own "toiling" and "spinning"—our worries, our striving, our attempts to secure our future through our own strength—and compare them to the simple, unadorned perfection that God bestows upon the lilies. The application is not a call to idleness, but a reordering of priorities: rather than allowing material concerns to dominate our thoughts and actions, we are encouraged to seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness, confident that our Heavenly Father, who cares for the flowers of the field, will certainly provide for our needs. This perspective fosters a spirit of contentment and gratitude, allowing us to live with greater peace and focus on what truly matters in God's eyes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific worries or anxieties about provision tend to dominate my thoughts and actions?**
* **In what ways do I "toil" and "spin" for things that God promises to provide effortlessly?**
* **How can observing the natural world, like the lilies, deepen my trust in God's meticulous care for my life?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to shift my focus from material concerns to seeking God's kingdom and righteousness?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "lilies" was Jesus referring to, and why is that significant?**

Answer: While the King James Version translates the Greek word _krínon_ as "lilies," it likely referred to a broader category of vibrant, wild wildflowers common in the region of Galilee, such as anemones, gladioli, or irises. These flowers bloom profusely and beautifully for a short season without any human cultivation, toil, or spinning. This is significant because it emphasizes the effortless, natural beauty and adornment that God bestows upon even the most ephemeral parts of His creation, making the contrast with Solomon's laborious and fleeting glory even more striking. It underscores that God's care is not limited to what we deem "important" but extends to all His handiwork.

**Why does Jesus compare the lilies to King Solomon specifically?**

Answer: King Solomon was the epitome of earthly wealth, wisdom, and splendor in Jewish tradition. His reign was marked by unparalleled prosperity, magnificent building projects (including the Temple), and lavish attire, as detailed in [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - The Queen of Sheba"). By comparing the simple lily to Solomon "in all his glory," Jesus uses **hyperbole** to make a powerful point: even the greatest human achievement and opulence cannot rival the inherent, effortless beauty and perfection that God bestows upon a humble wildflower. This comparison serves to deflate human pride in material possessions and to elevate God's creative power and providential care as supreme. It challenges the common human tendency to equate value or security with accumulated wealth or status.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 12:27, while seemingly focused on God's general providence, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Jesus, as the one who speaks these words, embodies the very trust and reliance on the Father that He calls His disciples to. He lived a life free from material anxiety, demonstrating that true riches are found in obedience to God and the pursuit of His kingdom ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). The Father's meticulous care for the lilies foreshadows His ultimate provision for humanity through the sacrifice of His Son. If God so beautifully clothes the grass of the field, how much more will He clothe His beloved children with righteousness and salvation through Christ? Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides the ultimate "clothing"—a spiritual array that far surpasses any earthly glory, including Solomon's. Believers are "clothed with Christ" ([Galatians 3:27](/galatians/3-27 "Galatians 3:27 - Clothed with Christ")), receiving a divine glory and an eternal inheritance that no human effort or earthly wealth could ever procure. Thus, the lilies' effortless beauty points beyond mere material provision to the spiritual provision of grace, forgiveness, and eternal life found only in the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The call to "seek first the kingdom of God" ([Luke 12:31](/luke/12-31 "Luke 12:31 - Seek God's Kingdom First")) is fundamentally a call to seek Christ Himself, for He is the King and the embodiment of that kingdom, in whom all our needs—both temporal and eternal—are met ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

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.