Matthew 6:28

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} why {G5101} take ye thought {G3309} for {G4012} raiment {G1742}? Consider {G2648} the lilies {G2918} of the field {G68}, how {G4459} they grow {G837}; they toil {G2872} not {G3756}, neither {G3761} do they spin {G3514}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"And why be anxious about clothing? Think about the fields of wild irises, and how they grow. They neither work nor spin thread,

Berean Standard Bible

And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin.

American Standard Version

And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 6:28, Jesus continues His profound discourse on anxiety from the Sermon on the Mount, challenging His disciples to release their worry over material needs, specifically clothing. Through the vivid example of the lilies of the field, He underscores God's meticulous care for creation, inviting humanity to trust in divine provision and find freedom from debilitating concern, as God adorns even transient wildflowers with splendor far surpassing human effort.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' extended teaching on worry, found in [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry"). Preceding this, Jesus explicitly commands His followers not to worry about their life, what they will eat or drink, or what they will wear, asserting that life is more than food and the body more than clothing ([Matthew 6:25](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25 - Do Not Worry About Your Life")). He then uses the example of birds, which God feeds without their toiling or sowing, to highlight God's care and the greater value of human life ([Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - God Feeds the Birds")). Verse 28 directly applies this principle to clothing, setting the stage for the powerful comparison with Solomon's glory in [Matthew 6:29](/matthew/6-29 "Matthew 6:29 - Lilies and Solomon's Glory") and the overarching call to seek God's kingdom first in [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God"). The entire passage builds a compelling argument for radical trust in God's benevolent sovereignty.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Galilee, daily life was often precarious, with limited resources and a constant struggle for sustenance. Clothing was not merely a matter of fashion but a fundamental necessity for protection and social standing. People often possessed only a few garments, making their preservation and acquisition a significant concern. The "field" (Greek: `agrós`) would have been a common sight, filled with diverse wildflowers that bloomed vibrantly for a season before withering. Jesus' audience would have been intimately familiar with the agricultural cycle and the natural world, making His analogies deeply relatable and impactful. The comparison to "lilies" (Greek: `krínon`) refers not to a specific species of lily but broadly to the abundant, colorful wildflowers of the region, which, despite their transient nature, exhibited remarkable beauty.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme woven throughout this passage, including [Matthew 6:28](/matthew/6-28 "Matthew 6:28 - Consider the Lilies"), is **Divine Provision and Trust**. Jesus consistently emphasizes God's active and faithful care for His creation, urging His disciples to relinquish anxiety and place their complete reliance on Him. This directly counters the human tendency towards **Worry and Anxiety**, presenting a pathway to inner peace through faith rather than self-reliance. Another significant theme is the **Superiority of God's Design and Glory**. The effortless beauty of the wildflowers, which surpass even the most elaborate human craftsmanship (as highlighted in [Matthew 6:29](/matthew/6-29 "Matthew 6:29 - Lilies and Solomon's Glory")), serves as a testament to God's inherent glory and His ability to adorn His creation. Implicit in this is the **Value of Human Life**; if God so meticulously cares for temporary flora, His concern for humanity, made in His image, is immeasurably greater. This teaching culminates in the call to prioritize the **Kingdom of God and His Righteousness** above all earthly concerns ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **take ye thought (Greek, _merimnáō'_):** From G3309, meaning "to be anxious about." This word denotes an excessive, distracting, and often debilitating worry, not merely prudent planning or consideration. Jesus is addressing a consuming anxiety that undermines trust in God's provision and saps spiritual vitality. It implies a divided mind, pulled between earthly concerns and heavenly priorities.
* **lilies (Greek, _krínon'_):** From G2918, meaning "a lily." This term likely refers to a variety of wildflowers common in the Galilean landscape, such as anemones, gladioli, or irises, known for their vibrant colors and abundant growth. Jesus uses them as a readily observable, everyday example of natural beauty that flourishes without human intervention.
* **toil (Greek, _kopiáō'_):** From G2872, meaning "to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard." This word describes strenuous, often exhausting labor. By stating that the lilies "toil not," Jesus highlights their effortless growth and adornment, contrasting it with the human struggle and anxiety associated with providing for oneself. It emphasizes the natural, unforced beauty that God bestows.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And why take ye thought for raiment?"**: This rhetorical question serves as a gentle rebuke and a call to introspection. Jesus challenges the underlying assumption that worry about clothing (or material needs in general) is a necessary or beneficial activity. The "why" implies that such anxiety is illogical and contrary to a life of faith, especially given God's demonstrated care for creation.
* **"Consider the lilies of the field,"**: Jesus shifts from a negative command ("do not worry") to a positive injunction: "Consider." The Greek word `katamanthánō` (G2648) means to "learn thoroughly" or "note carefully." It's an invitation to observe nature with intentionality, to draw spiritual lessons from the created world. The "lilies of the field" are presented as a tangible, accessible object lesson in divine provision.
* **"how they grow;"**: This clause emphasizes the effortless and natural process of the lilies' development. Their growth is not a result of their own anxious effort or human intervention, but an organic unfolding orchestrated by God. It points to a divine power that sustains life without the need for human "toil."
* **"they toil not,"**: This phrase directly contrasts the lilies' existence with human labor. The lilies do not engage in strenuous effort or exhausting work to achieve their beauty. Their sustenance and adornment are a gift, not a product of their own striving. This highlights the futility of human worry when God is the ultimate provider.
* **"neither do they spin:"**: This further elaborates on the lilies' lack of self-provision, specifically in relation to clothing. "Spinning" (Greek: `nḗthō`, G3514) was a common domestic activity for producing thread and fabric. By noting that lilies do not spin, Jesus underscores that their beauty is not manufactured or earned through their own efforts, but is divinely bestowed, serving as a powerful example of God's unmerited grace in providing for His creation.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus masterfully employs several literary devices in this verse to convey His message. The opening phrase, **Rhetorical Question**, "And why take ye thought for raiment?", immediately engages the listener, prompting self-reflection rather than demanding a direct answer. This question implicitly critiques the anxiety prevalent among His audience. The central device is **Analogy/Simile**, as Jesus draws a direct comparison between the lilies of the field and human beings. The lilies serve as a vivid, accessible object lesson, illustrating God's meticulous care for even the most transient parts of His creation. This analogy is reinforced by the powerful **Contrast** drawn between the lilies' effortless growth ("they toil not, neither do they spin") and the human tendency to worry and strive. This contrast highlights the futility of human anxiety in light of divine provision. While not explicit **Personification**, there is an implied sense in which the lilies are presented as living entities that "grow" and are "clothed" without human-like effort, making their example more relatable and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 6:28 is a cornerstone of Jesus' teaching on divine providence, deeply rooted in the Old Testament understanding of God as the sustainer of all life. It echoes themes of God's faithfulness and His covenant care for His people, extending it to all creation. The verse teaches that worry is not merely a psychological state but a theological failing, demonstrating a lack of trust in God's character and His ability to provide. It challenges the human inclination to self-sufficiency and invites a radical dependence on the Father, who knows and cares for His children. The beauty of the lilies points to God's inherent glory and His delight in adorning His creation, suggesting that His provision extends beyond mere necessity to include beauty and abundance.

* [Psalm 104:14](/psalm/104-14 "Psalm 104:14 - God Provides for All Creation"): "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth."
* [Luke 12:27](/luke/12-27 "Luke 12:27 - Consider the Lilies (Parallel Account)"): "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."
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious"): "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often consumed by consumerism, social pressures, and economic anxieties, Matthew 6:28 offers a timeless antidote to the pervasive human tendency to worry. This verse challenges us to re-evaluate our priorities, asking whether our focus is primarily on accumulating material possessions and maintaining outward appearances, or on seeking God's kingdom and righteousness. The lilies serve as a gentle, yet profound, reminder that God is intricately involved in sustaining His creation, and His children are of far greater value than the most beautiful wildflower. Therefore, we are called to cultivate a deeper, more radical trust in God's unfailing care, especially when faced with uncertainties about our future, finances, or personal needs. By observing the effortless beauty and provision in nature, we can learn to appreciate the divine abundance that surrounds us, fostering contentment and reducing the need for elaborate possessions or debilitating worry. This perspective empowers us to cast our anxieties upon Him, knowing He cares for us, and to find true peace in surrendering control to His sovereign hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of your life tend to provoke the most anxiety about "raiment" or material provision?**
* **How does observing nature, like the lilies, challenge your perspective on God's provision and your own efforts?**
* **In what ways might your worry about earthly things hinder your pursuit of God's kingdom and righteousness?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to "consider the lilies" more deeply and cultivate greater trust in God?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "take ye thought for raiment"?**

Answer: Jesus is using the phrase "take ye thought" (from the Greek `merimnáō`) to refer to excessive, anxious worry or preoccupation, rather than simple planning or consideration. He is not forbidding prudent foresight or work, but rather the debilitating anxiety that consumes one's mind and undermines trust in God. "Raiment" (clothing) serves as a tangible example of a basic human need that often becomes a source of worry, representing all material provisions. The core message is to not be consumed by anxious thoughts about what you will wear or possess.

**Why does Jesus use "lilies of the field" as an example?**

Answer: Jesus uses the "lilies of the field" (likely referring to the abundant, vibrant wildflowers common in Galilee, not a specific species) because they were a familiar and accessible part of His audience's everyday environment. They serve as a powerful object lesson in God's effortless provision and adornment of creation. These flowers, despite their short lifespan and lack of human effort ("they toil not, neither do they spin"), are clothed in beauty that surpasses even the most elaborate garments of King Solomon ([Matthew 6:29](/matthew/6-29 "Matthew 6:29 - Lilies and Solomon's Glory")). They demonstrate that if God cares so meticulously for temporary flora, He will certainly care for His human children, who are of far greater value.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 6:28, with its call to trust God's provision through the example of the lilies, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God, perfectly embodies the trust and dependence He calls His disciples to cultivate. He is the one who, despite having "nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")), never succumbed to anxiety about material needs, always relying on His Father's will and provision. Furthermore, the "raiment" that worried Jesus' listeners finds its spiritual counterpart in the "garment of salvation" and "robe of righteousness" that Christ provides through His atoning work ([Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Robe of Righteousness")). He is the ultimate demonstration of God's care, for if God did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Gives All Things Through Christ"))? The lilies' beauty, effortlessly bestowed by God, foreshadows the spiritual beauty and righteousness freely given to believers in Christ, who are clothed in His perfect obedience and sacrifice. Our anxiety over earthly things is overcome by the knowledge that in Christ, we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), inheriting a kingdom that cannot be shaken ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")).

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 6:25

¶ Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

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.

Matthew 6:31

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

Luke 22:35

And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

Luke 22:36

Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take [it], and likewise [his] scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

Luke 3:11

He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.