Luke 12:28

KJV

If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more [will he clothe] you, O ye of little faith?

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1487} then {G1161} God {G2316} so {G3779} clothe {G294} the grass {G5528}, which {G5607} is to day {G4594} in {G1722} the field {G68}, and {G2532} to morrow {G839} is cast {G906} into {G1519} the oven {G2823}; how much {G4214} more {G3123} will he clothe you {G5209}, O ye of little faith {G3640}?

Complete Jewish Bible

If this is how God clothes grass, which is alive in the field today and thrown in the oven tomorrow, how much more will he clothe you! What little trust you have!

Berean Standard Bible

If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith!

American Standard Version

But if God doth so clothe the grass in the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven; how much more shall he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 12:28 presents a pivotal teaching from Jesus, assuring His disciples and the listening crowd of God's profound and meticulous care for humanity. By drawing a vivid contrast between the transient nature of wild grass, destined for the oven, and the infinitely greater value of human life, Jesus powerfully rebukes anxiety and calls for a radical trust in the Heavenly Father's unfailing provision, highlighting that worry stems from a lack of confidence in God's benevolent oversight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a broader discourse by Jesus, primarily addressed to His disciples but also overheard by a large multitude, concerning the dangers of materialism and the importance of seeking God's kingdom. Immediately preceding [Luke 12:28](/luke/12-28 "Luke 12:28 - God's Care for Grass"), Jesus uses the illustrative examples of ravens, which are fed by God without labor ([Luke 12:24](/luke/12-24 "Luke 12:24 - God Feeds the Ravens")), and lilies, which are arrayed in glory surpassing even Solomon's splendor without toil ([Luke 12:27](/luke/12-27 "Luke 12:27 - God Clothes the Lilies")). These natural examples serve as irrefutable evidence of God's consistent and comprehensive providence, setting the stage for the concluding rhetorical question in [Luke 12:28](/luke/12-28 "Luke 12:28 - God's Care for Grass") that directly challenges the disciples' "little faith" regarding their own needs. The passage as a whole, from [Luke 12:22-34](/luke/12-22-34 "Luke 12:22-34 - Do Not Worry, Seek God's Kingdom"), forms a cohesive unit on the theme of worry and divine provision, culminating in the exhortation to "sell your possessions and give to the poor" and "provide yourselves with purses that do not grow old" ([Luke 12:33](/luke/12-33 "Luke 12:33 - Give to the Poor, Heavenly Treasure")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the "grass" (χόρτος, _chórtos_) referred to the wild vegetation, including dried weeds and stalks, that grew abundantly in fields. This vegetation, especially during the dry seasons, was commonly gathered and used as fuel for fires, particularly in the simple earthen ovens (_klíbanos_) used for baking bread in homes. Such fuel burned quickly and was considered cheap and expendable, highlighting its ephemeral nature. The image of grass "to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven" would have been a familiar and potent symbol of transience and insignificance to Jesus' audience. This cultural practice underscores the stark contrast Jesus draws: if God meticulously provides for something so common and fleeting, how much more will He care for human beings, who are made in His image and possess eternal souls? The economic realities of the time, often marked by subsistence living and vulnerability to famine, would have made the disciples' worries about food and clothing very real, making Jesus' teaching on divine provision particularly relevant and challenging.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and Jesus' teaching. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Providence and Care**, asserting God's active and intimate involvement in sustaining all creation, from the smallest blade of grass to humanity. It underscores the **Immeasurable Value of Human Life** in God's eyes, implicitly teaching that human beings, unlike transient flora, are of eternal significance. The passage also directly confronts the **Folly of Worry**, portraying it not merely as a human weakness but as a direct symptom of "little faith" – a lack of trust in God's benevolent and omnipotent provision. Consequently, it calls for a radical shift from anxiety to **Faith and Trust in God**, urging believers to cultivate a robust confidence in their Heavenly Father's unfailing love and ability to provide for their needs, thereby freeing them from the debilitating grip of fear and materialism, themes extensively explored throughout Jesus' Sermon on the Plain, particularly in [Luke 6:20-49](/luke/6-20-49 "Luke 6:20-49 - Sermon on the Plain").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **clothe (Greek, _amphiénnymi'_):** This verb means "to enrobe" or "to put on clothing." In this context, it speaks of God's act of adorning or covering the grass with its natural beauty and form. It implies a deliberate and comprehensive act of provision and beautification, not just a casual covering.
* **grass (Greek, _chórtos'_):** This term refers to "herbage or vegetation," encompassing wild plants, hay, or fodder. It signifies something common, widespread, and inherently perishable. Jesus uses this common, easily overlooked element of creation to highlight God's care for even the most humble and transient forms of life.
* **little faith (Greek, _oligópistos'_):** This compound word describes someone who is "incredulous," specifically "lacking confidence (in Christ)." It does not mean a complete absence of faith, but rather an insufficient or underdeveloped trust, particularly in the face of life's practical challenges and anxieties. Jesus uses this term as a gentle but firm rebuke, encouraging His disciples to move from a state of wavering trust to a more robust and unwavering confidence in God's provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If then God so clothe the grass":** This opening clause establishes the premise of Jesus' argument. The "if" (εἰ, _ei_) here is not a condition of doubt but rather a rhetorical "since" or "given that." It points to an observable reality: God meticulously provides for and adorns the wild grass with its natural growth and beauty. The word "so" (οὕτω, _hoútō_) emphasizes the manner and extent of God's care—it is a complete and intentional act.
* **"which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven":** This descriptive phrase underscores the extreme transience and perceived insignificance of the grass. It exists "to day" (σήμερον, _sḗmeron_) in its natural state, flourishing, but "to morrow" (αὔριον, _aúrion_) it faces an ignominious end, being gathered and used as fuel for the domestic oven (κλίβανος, _klíbanos_). This imagery vividly portrays the ephemeral nature of this vegetation, making God's care for it even more striking.
* **"how much more [will he clothe] you, O ye of little faith?":** This is the powerful rhetorical climax of the verse. The phrase "how much more" (πόσῳ μᾶλλον, _pósō mâllon_) creates an _a fortiori_ argument: if God expends such care on something so temporary and valueless, His care for human beings, who are His image-bearers and possess eternal souls, must be infinitely greater. The direct address, "O ye of little faith" (ὀλιγόπιστοι, _oligópistoi_), serves as a gentle but pointed rebuke, identifying the root cause of worry as a deficiency in trust rather than a lack of divine provision. It challenges the hearers to align their faith with God's demonstrated character.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 12:28 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is **Analogy**, where Jesus draws a direct comparison between God's care for the grass and His care for humanity. This analogy is reinforced by **Contrast**, highlighting the vast difference in value and permanence between the transient grass and eternal human beings, thereby emphasizing the logical conclusion that God's care for the latter is immeasurably greater. The verse culminates in a powerful **Rhetorical Question** ("how much more [will he clothe] you, O ye of little faith?"), which is designed not to elicit an answer, but to provoke deep reflection and self-conviction in the audience. This question serves as a direct challenge to their anxieties, forcing them to confront the inconsistency of their worry in light of God's demonstrated faithfulness. The phrase "O ye of little faith" also functions as a gentle **Admonition** or **Rebuke**, directly addressing the spiritual state of the disciples and calling them to a deeper level of trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 12:28 is a cornerstone of biblical teaching on divine providence, demonstrating God's active and meticulous involvement in the sustenance of His creation. It underscores the profound truth that God's care extends to the smallest and most transient elements of the natural world, thereby establishing an irrefutable argument for His even greater concern for humanity. This passage challenges the human tendency towards anxiety and self-reliance, revealing worry as a symptom of insufficient faith in a God who is both omnipotent and benevolent. Theologically, it affirms God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, from physical needs to spiritual well-being, inviting believers into a radical dependence on Him rather than on earthly provisions or personal efforts. It is a powerful reminder that our worth is not measured by our possessions or our ability to secure our future, but by our status as beloved children of a Heavenly Father who knows and provides for our every need.

* [Matthew 6:30](/matthew/6-30 "Matthew 6:30 - God Clothes the Grass")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious")
* [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast Your Cares on Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 12:28 offers a profound invitation to re-evaluate the source of our anxieties and to cultivate a deeper, more abiding trust in God. In a world often consumed by economic uncertainty, social pressures, and the relentless pursuit of material security, this verse serves as a radical counter-cultural call. It challenges us to confront our "little faith"—not a complete absence of belief, but an insufficient reliance on God's active provision in the face of daily needs and future unknowns. The practical application is to shift our focus from what we lack or what we fear, to the unwavering character of God, who has already demonstrated His boundless care for even the most fleeting elements of creation. By meditating on God's meticulous attention to the grass of the field, we are encouraged to release our worries, knowing that our Heavenly Father is intimately aware of our needs and infinitely more committed to our well-being. This verse calls us to live with open hands and trusting hearts, prioritizing the kingdom of God above all else, confident that all necessary things will be added to us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific anxieties or worries currently dominate your thoughts, and how might they reveal an area of "little faith" in your life?**
* **How does reflecting on God's care for the natural world (like grass or birds) impact your perception of His care for you personally?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to intentionally surrender a specific worry to God and act in faith rather than fear?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "little faith" in this context?**

Answer: When Jesus refers to "little faith" (ὀλιγόπιστος, _oligópistos_) in [Luke 12:28](/luke/12-28 "Luke 12:28 - God's Care for Grass"), He is not implying a complete absence of faith, but rather a faith that is insufficient, underdeveloped, or wavering, particularly in the face of practical concerns like daily provisions. It suggests a lack of confidence in God's ability or willingness to provide, despite His demonstrated care for creation. It's a gentle rebuke intended to encourage growth in trust, not a condemnation of their belief in Him. This term is also used in other contexts, such as when the disciples worry about food in [Matthew 16:8](/matthew/16-8 "Matthew 16:8 - Jesus Rebukes Little Faith") or when Peter begins to sink while walking on water in [Matthew 14:31](/matthew/14-31 "Matthew 14:31 - Peter's Little Faith").

**Why does Jesus use the example of grass being "cast into the oven"?**

Answer: Jesus uses the example of grass being "cast into the oven" to emphasize its extreme transience and perceived insignificance. In ancient Israel, dried wild grass and weeds were commonly gathered and used as fuel for domestic ovens (κλίβανος, _klíbanos_) for baking bread. This fuel burned quickly and was considered expendable. By highlighting that God meticulously "clothes" (adorns and cares for) something so common, temporary, and ultimately destined for destruction, Jesus creates a powerful contrast. His argument is _a fortiori_: if God cares for something so fleeting and seemingly valueless, how much more will He care for human beings, who are made in His image and have eternal value? This imagery underscores the boundless nature of God's providence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 12:28, while a direct teaching on God's providential care, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of the trust in the Father that He calls His disciples to cultivate. Jesus Himself lived a life of radical dependence, never worrying about His own provision, even to the point of having "nowhere to lay his head" ([Luke 9:58](/luke/9-58 "Luke 9:58 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")). More profoundly, Christ is the ultimate expression of God's "clothing" and provision for humanity. Just as God clothes the grass, He has clothed humanity with salvation and righteousness through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. Jesus, 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")), provides the spiritual sustenance that far surpasses any earthly need. His invitation to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")) is rooted in His own perfect trust in the Father's provision, not just for daily bread, but for eternal life. In Christ, we see God's ultimate care for "you, O ye of little faith," for He is the one who empowers us to overcome our anxieties and live in the confidence of a Father who has already given His greatest gift, His Son ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Gave Up His Own Son")).

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 14:31

And immediately Jesus stretched forth [his] hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Isaiah 40:6

The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh [is] grass, and all the goodliness thereof [is] as the flower of the field:

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?

Matthew 17:20

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

1 Peter 1:24

¶ For all flesh [is] as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

Matthew 17:17

Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

Matthew 16:8

[Which] when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?