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:

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}:

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

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

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

Commentary

Matthew 6:28 KJV is a profound verse from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He challenges His listeners to release anxiety about material needs, specifically clothing. It stands as a powerful call to trust in God's provision by observing the natural world.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse by Jesus on the topic of worry and anxiety, found in Matthew 6:25-34. Jesus first instructs His disciples not to worry about their life, what they will eat or drink, or their body, what they will wear. He then draws a parallel with the birds of the air, noting that God feeds them (Matthew 6:26). The focus on "raiment" (clothing) in verse 28 naturally follows this progression, leading into the famous comparison with King Solomon's splendor in the subsequent verse.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Trust in Divine Provision: The core message is an invitation to absolute faith in God's ability and willingness to provide for His creation. If God cares for the delicate and transient wildflowers, how much more will He care for human beings, who are made in His image?
  • Freedom from Anxiety: Jesus directly addresses the human tendency to "take thought" or worry excessively about future needs. He offers a pathway to inner peace by surrendering control and trusting in God's sovereign care. This theme is central to the entire passage on worry.
  • God's Superior Design: The lilies, without any human effort, are clothed in beauty that surpasses even the most elaborate human craftsmanship. This highlights God's perfect design and the inherent glory He bestows upon His creation.
  • The Value of Human Life: Implicit in the comparison is the idea that human life is infinitely more valuable than flowers. If God adorns the temporary grass of the field, His care for His children is immeasurably greater.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "take ye thought" translates the Greek word merimnao (μεριμνάω), which means to be anxious, to be distracted by cares, or to worry. It's not simply about thinking or planning, but about an excessive, consuming anxiety that saps joy and trust. Jesus is not forbidding prudent planning but rather the debilitating worry that often accompanies it.

The "lilies of the field" (Greek: krina tou agrou) likely refers to a variety of wildflowers common in the region, rather than a specific species of lily. These flowers, though temporary, display vibrant beauty without any human "toil" (labor) or "spin" (the process of making thread and cloth), emphasizing their effortless elegance and divine adornment.

Practical Application

In a world often consumed by consumerism, appearances, and financial worries, Matthew 6:28 offers a timeless antidote to anxiety. It challenges believers to:

  • Re-evaluate Priorities: Are we prioritizing material possessions and outward appearances over seeking God's kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33)?
  • Cultivate Trust: This verse encourages a deeper reliance on God, especially when facing uncertainties about the future, finances, or personal needs.
  • Find Peace in Simplicity: By observing nature, we can learn to appreciate the beauty and provision that God effortlessly provides, fostering contentment and reducing the need for elaborate possessions.
  • Overcome Worry: Understanding God's meticulous care for even the smallest parts of His creation can empower us to cast our anxieties upon Him, as exhorted in 1 Peter 5:7.

The lilies serve as a gentle, yet powerful, reminder that God is actively involved in sustaining His creation, and His children can rest in His unfailing care.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 6:25 (38 votes)

    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 (24 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

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

  • Luke 22:35 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.